Hi Parents!

It’s official… mission trip season is upon us! We could not be more excited for your students as they prepare their hearts and minds to serve God and the people of the Dominican Republic. Last night was powerful, and we wanted to give you a quick recap: 

We started our night with worship. Students gathered around the stage in the High School Room and sang praises to Jesus. It was a beautiful way to start the evening. Our Student Pastor, Logan, then led our team through teaching from Scripture. He reminded us of our “why”. Why do we go to the DR? Students shared thoughts from “knowing God more” to “reaching the people of the DR with the gospel,” but all of these “why” statements reveal that we need something outside of ourselves to accomplish them. We need the Holy Spirit to supernaturally work in our lives. He led our students to pray and ask the Lord to supernaturally work in their lives to see their “why” come to life.

Next, we had our Student Lead Team announcement. All seniors have the opportunity to apply for our lead team, which is a servant leadership role on the trip. They will be tasked with “heart” tasks that focus on disciple-making and prayer and “hand” tasks that are more administrative. They will serve the student body throughout all trainings and for the duration of the trip. The best part is that the SLT will have three developmental sessions at the Grantham house leading up to the trip. 

Then, Dylan and Courtney walked us through some logistics of the trip. Here are some highlights: 

• Attendance matters – please make sure your students are coming to all trainings and Sunday morning groups
• Evangelism training is on Sunday, February 9! This is mandatory for all students and adults on this trip. You must attend.
• We are getting to participate in so many fantastic ministry activities. Some of them include VBS, Door to Door Evangelism, Sports Ministry, Orphan Ministry, and so much more!

We would love for you and your student(s) to have discussions leading up to the trip about the impact that this trip could have on them and their walk with the Lord. Here are some discussion points for you and your family this week:

• How can we pray together as a family for this trip?
• How can I (as your parent) pray for you as you prepare to go to the DR?