McPherson, Kan. - This summer, Central Christian College of Kansas seniors Maddie Nix and Alysen Harris took a journey that changed the way they see their faith — and themselves. The two Tiger volleyball players spent three weeks in Israel, walking through places they had only ever read about in Scripture. They also took a course through Jerusalem University College while they were there.

For Nix and Harris, the trip was far more than a vacation abroad. Standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, exploring the streets of Jerusalem, and visiting landmarks filled with biblical history turned familiar verses into vivid reality.

“It was surreal to see the places we’ve always heard about,” Nix said. “Being there made everything we’ve read in the Bible feel so real and alive.”

That feeling of connection followed both student-athletes home. Harris shared that her time in Israel has transformed her daily rhythms and the way she engages with her faith.

“Now, when I read my Bible, I can actually picture the places and the people,” she said. “It’s helped me be more intentional — not just in how I read, but in how I live.”

The trip also strengthened their friendship and their shared sense of purpose. Experiencing Israel together gave them a renewed appreciation for community and faith, lessons they are eager to carry into their senior volleyball season.

“We came back with a fresh perspective — not just spiritually, but in how we want to lead our team,” Nix said. “It reminded us that everything we do, even in volleyball, can be an act of worship.”
As they step into their final year at CCCK, both Nix and Harris say the trip left them with lasting gratitude and a deeper awareness of God’s presence — on and off the volleyball court. Their time in Israel was not just a summer memory; it was a milestone in their faith journeys and a reminder of how powerful it can be to see the stories of Scripture come to life.