“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” –– Mark 16:15

Carriere native Curt Loveless is a graduate of Pearl River Central High School, a host at Chili’s restaurant in Slidell, Louisiana, performs in films as an extra and also performs missionary work.
Last summer, during a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Baptist Student Union mission trip, Loveless learned about an opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Mexico.
Loveless traveled with members of Wade Baptist Church in Hurly to Acuna, Mexico.
“We spent time at the local orphanage and interacted with the children,” Loveless said. “When we went into town, we passed out Bibles and shared the word of God with residents.”
During his first visit, Loveless met a teenaged orphan named Armando, who prior to his stay at the orphanage, had been picked up by carnival workers who sexually assaulted him.
“He stuck to my side,” Loveless said. “Even though he spoke Spanish, after a while we didn’t need words to say anything.”
Loveless said the orphanage is full of children with stories similar to Armando’s. They come from abusive homes or have been abandoned by their parents, he said.
Last month, Loveless returned to Acuna to help clean up after a recent tornado.
“We repainted churches, cleaned and prepared meals for the people who worked there,” Loveless said. “We also spent more time with the children at the orphanage.”
Once again, Loveless was reunited with Armando, who is doing much better, he said.
“We went to church that day and he was saved,” Loveless said. “It was pretty neat and he came and gave me a big hug because he was glad to see me.”
Loveless said the orphans were very happy to see the missionaries, who spend their hours at the orphanage bringing happiness to the children.
“It gives the workers a break and it feels good to put a smile on their faces,” he said. “Sometimes you witness them in a bad situation. On my last day, two girls, aged 3 and 1, were found on the street by themselves wearing barely any clothing. They had been abandoned.”
For Loveless, participating in mission work is something he always wanted to do.
“I was scared the first time, but now I love it and would go anywhere,” he said. “I care about the orphans there and seeing to their needs.”
Ideally, Loveless would like to spend more than week on a mission trip, whether it be in the United States or abroad.
“I feel like it’s a calling in life and I want to fulfill it,” he said. “As Christians we are called to help those in need and be a light to others,” Loveless said. “Most haven’t heard the word of God and it’s up to us to spread the word. In today’s time, it’s definitely needed with everything going on in the world.”