On July 15, I will be leaving on a mission trip with our High School students.  We will be heading to Rutland, VT for a week of ministry, fun, and fellowship in the name of Jesus.  We team up with an organization called Youth Works, whose main focus is to create extraordinarily fun and significant mission adventures, targeted to the needs and capabilities of youth, ages 12-19.


The primary purpose of Mission Works is to provide life-changing, Christ-Centered mission trips.  Their ministry philosophy is a relational one – one that has at its core a ministry of presence.  It is their deep desire to create and be in relationship with the people they serve.  “We believe that by following Jesus’ example, loving as Jesus loved and embodying a 'Christ-in-the-flesh' model, we will make friends.  We believe it is in real friendship that we give and receive without demeaning each other or stripping one another of dignity.  The work we do on our trips is focused on the work of building relationships.”


My prayer is that, for the students who participate in this experience, for the staff we work with, and for all the people we encounter along the way, the love of Christ is present and hearts are changed.


As you read this, please pray for God’s guidance and grace to be present in this amazing opportunity.