Twenty four area young adults and chaperons have just returned from what could be called the adventure of a lifetime. It was a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Mission Trip.

It's the same untamed country made popular in the recent movie 'End of the Spear.' Or at least that's how this group of young people told family and friends where they were going. They've just returned from a ten day mission trip to Ecuador's capital city, Quito, and the surrounding jungle.

"It was very humbling to see how poverty stricken it was, especially in the jungle, to not know what anything is. It’s like stepping back in time 100 years or so," said Justin Culpepper of Meridian.

"It made me realize how blessed I am to live here. Even the poorest people I know are ten times better off than the ones down there," said Dana Chance of Lauderdale.

The trip wasn't just for fun. The group gave eye exams, helped to build a school, and even plowed a field.

"To do the sports clinics, and just to play with the kids and have fun and just sit down and have, you know, simple Bible study stuff," said David Prewitt of Meridian.

Members of the group say the trip changed their lives. They went hoping to be a blessing in someone’s life and were blessed themselves, blessed through the gift of service.

"We had such a big group of people that we got a lot done, and we made an impact. Because, I mean, 24 Americans, you know, coming to your country, you can't help but notice," said Loren Kennedy of Union.

"It really set me back to think that we make a difference in people's lives, that they're expecting something and there's a true God and he really hears," said Culpepper.

Plans are already underway for another mission trip next year.