As a Catholic school, some of Saint Joe’s core values are faith, service, and community. These are most often demonstrated through UNICO’s collection of food and other essentials, student’s participation at Esopus camps and retreats, and volunteering in local causes such as the food drive at the ShopRite of Ramsey and bonding with residents of the Thrive Senior Living Center. One Green Knight, Logan Jarer ‘27, recently went above and beyond the requirement of ten volunteer hours by participating in a service project in Honduras.
At the end of February, Logan’s family was invited to participate in the mission trip through an organization known as the Baptist Medical and Dental Mission International (BMDMI). Logan’s mother is a medical device sales rep who helped provide medical treatment for Hondurans needing surgery. Logan was asked to participate in the service trip and agreed because he thought it would be an enjoyable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While his mother was busy providing medical care, Logan spent time with the children, including coloring pictures with them and playing with toys. Receiving a surgery is a stressful time for anyone, so Logan played an important role in ensuring that the children felt comfortable while their parents, relatives, and other adults of the community were receiving surgery. After completing the day’s medical assignments, Logan and his family continued to serve the villages of rural Honduras, especially by delivering clean water. In addition to offering medical assistance to those in need, the other purpose of BMDMI is to spread the Christian faith.
Logan’s family accomplished this mission by visiting Churches, praying with the locals, and teaching them about Jesus Christ. Throughout the entire trip, Logan had the opportunity to connect with the Honduran families, learn about their history and traditions, and experience a completely different culture.
Logan is truly a living embodiment of the Vir Fidelis, or faithful man, for his willingness to leave his home, friends, and routine behind to serve those who need help in another part of the world. Not only did he fulfill the mission of BMDMI and SJR, but he also helped transform the lives of countless people.
When asked if he would participate in another service trip if given the opportunity, Logan said that he absolutely would. “I enjoyed meeting and spending time with the kids,” Logan explained, “and I also enjoyed experiencing a new culture, trying their food, and sharing my faith with them.”