Lily Panquin spent more than two months during summer 2026 serving Beaverton apartment communities through local nonprofit Dusty's Heart.

Panquin, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Ridgeland, Mississippi, arrived with almost no mission experience. Her only previous trip was a weeklong stint outside Dallas, Mississippi Christian University reported Sept. 16. She came to Beaverton through MCU's Baptist Student Union (BSU) Summer Missions Program, which placed a record 30 students on five continents during summer 2026.

Dusty's Heart serves apartment complexes across Washington County. The nonprofit runs Kids' Clubs with songs, games, Bible lessons and snacks, an Essentials Pantry that provides hygiene items, cleaning supplies and groceries, and small-group Bible studies called Journey Groups.

The organization is based on SW Osprey Drive in Beaverton and lists a fundraising goal of $130,000 to reach more than 50 apartment complexes, according to its GuideStar profile.

Panquin helped lead Kids' Clubs and stock pantries alongside a partner named Maritza. At one Beaverton Kids' Club, Panquin met an 8-year-old boy who, on the final day, expressed interest in salvation and accepted Jesus with Maritza's help.

The experience stuck with her.

"It was my first trip with nobody I knew and the longest by far, but the Lord laid it on my heart and has blessed our work immensely," Panquin said.

MCU's BSU Summer Missions Program partners with the North American Mission Board, the International Mission Board and the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. Dannie Waller, BSU director at MCU, said the program helps students see what ministry looks like across different cultures and contexts.

Beaverton residents interested in volunteering with Dusty's Heart or learning about upcoming Kids' Clubs and pantry dates can visit dustysheart.org.