Final Thoughts Echoing Hills '09

Read Josh's final thoughts from the mission trip to Camp Echoing Hills at:

http://www.woostergracestudentsehtrip.blogspot.com/

Final Thoughts from San Fran 2009

Read Pastor Nick's final thoughts about the San Francisco trip at:

http://www.woostergracestudentssftrip.blogspot.com

Did you know?

Did you know that our middle school group (MSM) is living on mission for Christ serving at Echoing Hills Camp in Southern Ohio? Echoing Hills is a camp for people of all ages with cognitive and physical disabilities. Check out the team's blog at www.woostergracestudents.org/home.html

South Bend

It's the Eve of the San Francisco Mission Trip. Student Ministries is so excited to see these students go out and make a difference in the name of Jesus. We've already taken one mission trip in High School Ministries this summer and that was to South Bend, IN. Below is a video recapping all that went on at the soccer camp that our students led.

South Bend '09 Rewind from Wooster Grace Students on Vimeo.

The Least of These

This Saturday, HSM will head to San Francisco to minister to homeless people as well as many others who have been forgotten or ignored and pushed to the streets of downtown San Fran.

Next Saturday, MSM will head to Camp Echoing Hills to spend time with people who have special needs and disabilities and more than likely be pushed way out of their comfort zone for an entire week.

Both of these groups will be with "the least of these." Looking at Matthew 25:40, we hear Jesus say that "whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me." And while it may not be hard to identify the least of these in San Francisco or at Camp Echoing Hills, what about the kid that steps on your foot in Wal-Mart? What about the person in line at the gas station?

My point is that while mission trips are a GREAT opportunity to minister and see Jesus, what about the ones who aren't going? Are they off the hook because they weren't on the trip?

Of course not. We should always be looking for ways to see Jesus in the people around us. That's part of the reason we themed our Summer ministry calendar "Give me Your Eyes." We want to see people the way Jesus sees them.

So let's not just think those who are on the trip can do ministry, because we are all ministering every day, wherever we are. So who are "the least of these" in your world? If you're honest, I'm sure you already have a name in mind. Do something about it. Today.

SonRock Kids Camp VBS 2009

By: Rachel Snyder

VBS has come and gone yet again – and SONROCK Kids Camp was a HUGE success! With well over 500 kids swarming Wooster Grace and over 200 workers and helpers, 42 kids made first time decisions to make Jesus the leader of their life. And we are still rejoicing because of the work that God did last week and will continue to do in those kids lives!

As I walked the halls of VBS, (mostly on a hunt for cookies!), I found so many middle school and high school students helping in recreation, crafts, teaching, helping, teddy bear aerobics, and nursery & preschool childcare! Our students were all over the place making an eternal impact in the lives of kids – how great is that? IT’S AWESOME!

Anyway, to all you students out there reading this, I want you to know that you guys not only impacted kids lives last week, you also impacted the VBS office staff. Let me share with you (anonymously) some things that were said about YOU during last week!

“We asked a high schooler to switch from Rec to the Junior department as a helper. He was willing to do that (that to me is a big deal--it was his first year and he had to leave friends to help there). Every time I saw him he was engaged with the kids. He had them hopping on one foot or walking in slo-mo or something.”

“Another high schooler has a summer job and could only work 2 days, but had signed up to help. when I saw him on Wednesday, it was just so cool. He was so happy, the kids absolutely love him. (He was assigned to some special kids.) When I saw his mom, I said something to her about how cool it is to see his face when he is with his group, and she said that when he came home he told her it was the best day of his summer so far. He chose to come to the closing instead of doing something else. God is so good to allow us glimpses of His kids doing His work”

“One high school helper brought some siblings/friends/cousins to VBS. Because we give Steve and Randy buttons to everyone who brings a friend, and I didn't have any extras with me--I took off my button and handed it to him. He was really hesitant to take it--and finally said--"I don't want to take your button!" I was so touched by that sensitivity.”

And one last comment that sums up the rest…

“I hope they know what an impact they are having on the ones Jesus loves so much!”