My name is Dakoda Horner and I attend The Bible Chapel in Rostraver. We were on the Mission trip for 5 days, which started on July 19 and ran through July 23.
On the first day, we helped pack food in boxes for people that were in need of food. On the second day, we worked with Light of Life for people that need help. On the third day, my group went to the City Mission warehouse to help organize/clean the warehouse. What impacted me the most was when we went to the City Mission campus, and we helped wash cars, serve food, and painted joy rocks for all around the campus. Lastly, we went to Tanager Outlets and told some people about Jesus Christ. God has taught me on the trip to wait and have faith in him and to be more grateful for what I have.
Mission trips can always show us that what truly matters is knowing Jesus and living for him. I hope those reading this blog would be encouraged and challenged to make an impact for him.
- Dakoda Horner, Rostraver Student
As a Christian, we try to develop a love for people just as Jesus did. During this year’s missions trip, I, along with many other of the Chapel Students, was able to experience being the hands and feet of Jesus as we met with and worked with many incredible individuals and organizations.
One of the projects that my crew was able to experience, was working with the City Mission, where we were able to help organize their storage, serve food to their residents, and hear incredible testimonies. Along with this incredible work that God has allowed us to do, we also were able to grow closer to God through morning devotionals and spiritual development, in which our awesome leaders led us through worship and a sermon.
To me personally, the most powerful experience took place on Wednesday night during a time of worship. During this time the worship team gathered in the center of all of us while we circled around them. That night Jonathan preached about the importance of worship in between songs. The Holy Spirit was certainly present, and the feeling was powerful. Many of us (including myself) had never experienced such a night of worship and fellowship. That moment truly reflected the heart of worship that God wants us to experience not just during a service, but in everyday life.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience this mission trip and would suggest to anyone, youth or adult that wishes to grow their faith, to join this adventure which the leaders so thoughtfully put together.
- Brayden Freund, Robinson Campus
As we finish up Wednesday on the student mission trip, I am sitting in my room contemplating all that I have witnessed today. As one of the leaders, I have the joy and honor to lead a group of students throughout the week as we minister to those in our surrounding communities. So far, my group has passed out pull-away flyers for Choices Pregnancy Center to 40 businesses in Coraopolis, Moon, and Sewickley, as well as paint, clean, and rebuild a lovely woman’s home in Oakdale.
By being on this student mission trip I have seen firsthand what God can do through a willing heart, regardless of age, experience, or skill. I have seen students praying for each other, stepping out in faith, and being bold for the Gospel and Kingdom of God. We finished our time on Wednesday with a time of worship, which included a beautifully crafted message by Pastor Jonathan Lingenhoel, which expressed to students the purpose and value of the rhythm of worship in their lives. I watched as these students engaged their heart, mind, body, and soul to worship and praise their Father. I have seen these students living abandoned for the Gospel this week, and I invite you to as well.
Whether in your work, home, or recreational activities, God is inviting you to make the most of your life by living for him and using your gifts, talents, and opportunities to be a witness of the Gospel. So may you see the example of the students on this trip as an encouragement and challenge to your soul to partner with God in this Kingdom work he has set before you. Grace and Peace.
- David Brennan, Director of Chapel Students and Sports, Rostraver
On the first day of our local mission trip, I had the opportunity to visit the Lemoyne Center in Washington, which is a community outreach center in the heart of a lower-income and generally less fortunate part of the city of Washington. I was able to spend my afternoon with Jonathan Lingenhoel as well as some new friends, and we taught groups of children the sport of archery, as well as connecting with the kids in other activities such as basketball, soccer, and playing on the playground. It was an amazing experience to spend time with the kids and share in their joy and childlike innocence. Most of us would agree that working alongside them helped us feel like a little kid again, and reminded us that even as we grow older, God will always be there to hold us, comfort us, and teach us, just like when we were bright-eyed children, unaffected by cares of the world and know we can lean on God for anything. If there is anything that I hope readers of this and for everyone in general to learn, it is that the God you prayed to as a child, the God you sang songs like “He’s got the whole world in His hands” about, He hasn’t changed. He will always be there to catch you when you fall, and hold you in His arms, regardless of your age or what you’ve been through. He will always love you, and He will always want you.
- Ricky Andrews
As we got to the church today, we had a time of orientation which I really enjoyed. After that, we went and had dinner where I met my team and got to know new people. After dinner, we had our first project where we packed lunch bags and lunch boxes for people in West Virginia through a contact from the Robinson Campus. After that, we had a time of worship where we praised God and learned about Jesus’ rhythm of prayer.
Next, we went to various prayer stations where the one that Joshua Brim-Simpson led had the biggest impact on me. His station focused on the serenity prayer, which focuses on having peace with the stuff we can’t control or change. This station had the biggest impact on me because I have learned that I can’t change much in my life, and I feel like God can help you through those situations because He provides peace in those moments.
The biggest thing I am excited about this week is helping people and sharing the good news of Jesus. Through participating in this year’s mission trip, I can say with full confidence that everyone should do mission work. These trips teach you about other peoples’ worlds and what they must go through and how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to this world. I am thankful to be a part of this year’s mission trip and can’t wait to see what God does!
- Jadon Kithcart
