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Following Matthew 25:40, "... whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me," seventeen junior high students lived out a three-day serving experience at River Bluff Nursing Home, Kids Around the World (Feed My Starving Children), The Carpenter's Place and our own PARK ministry. The experience was modeled after the high school missions trip last summer in Chicago through CSM (Center for Student Missions), a nationwide ministry with sites in major cities.
During our experience, we moved "outside the box" on a Guided Prayer Tour of urban Rockford, ate different cultural food, rode a city bus downtown, learned about Free Trade with undeveloped countries, urban revitalization and shared evening devotions and team-building moments. One student commented, "I learned to accept things and people to a much greater extent than previously. I saw God working in many places and in new ways. I feel it is important to see the not so good forces at work as well."
The three days of "living together" encouraged simple living (eating lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, staying overnight at First Cov, foregoing all personal gadgets) and focusing on God and serving others. Another student wrote, "I loved every moment of CSM. It really helped me be more confident to stretch and help others. I have learned a lot about our city, God's City, that I never knew about."
On the final evening, parents and families were invited to dinner and the students shared about the past three days and how they saw God at work. "This 'week' changed me," stated one student. "I don't think I'll ever be the same person I was."
Thanks to our HS Student Leaders Brian Capes and Katelyn Anderson for sharing their time and talents after their CSM trip last summer in Chicago. Our hope is that each student will continue serving "the least of these" through God's eyes in their world of influence.
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