The Middle School Spring Break mission trip this year was a blast! We took 28 seventh and eighth grade students and three adult leaders to Waco to partner with Mission: Waco. Mission: Waco is an organization that provides “Christian, holistic, relationship-based programs that empower the poor and marginalized.” Over the course of the trip, students had the opportunity to serve those in impoverished situations through hands-on service and relational evangelism.

The majority of each morning was spent completing service projects. Our group was divided into three teams, spread across the city, each serving in different ways. Some cleaned the apartment of a man with physical and mental disabilities, some painted part of a lower-income apartment complex and some cleaned the streets in a low-income neighborhood.

Afternoons were spent executing an event known as “Street Camp.” This was a VBS-style camp for young kids at a low-income apartment complex. Our students would invite kids to attend camp each day for a time of fun, games, crafts, bible lessons and skits. The goal of this time was to build relationships with kids attending and teach them about the love of Christ in fun, engaging ways. This time was entirely student-led, and God clearly used them to bless the folks within this apartment complex!

An additional component of the trip that was helpful for students were various learning activities that Mission: Waco offered. These gave students the opportunity to immerse themselves into the homeless and poverty experience. Whether it was walking the daily path of one who is homeless through downtown Waco or participating in a game that reveals the realities of homelessness, these activities created a holistic experience for our students in their service to the poor and marginalized this week.

Finally, each night concluded with a time of de-briefing the day, praying and studying Scripture. We walked through the book of Philippians, and students were able to learn more about reading scripture and what it looks like to apply the Gospel in all areas of life, just like Paul exhorted the Philippian church to do.

Overall, this trip was a great experience for middle school students. God clearly displayed His love and care for them throughout the trip and used them in powerful ways to spread God’s kingdom throughout the city of Waco!