A Change in Travel Plans Leads to Changed Hearts and Lives
by Susan Jacobson, staff writer/designer
For months, students in Stonebriar's High School Ministry prepared for what was expected to be a great two-week summer mission trip to Honduras. But a few weeks before the departure date, military unrest broke out, making HSM's destination unsafe for student mission work. As an alternative, the leadership team zeroed in on Pippa Passes, Kentucky. During July 17–31, 11 students traveled to Appalachia, and what began as "a substitute trip" became an opportunity to serve in unexpected ways in our own country.
The trip began like many short-term mission trips with plans for VBS, visiting nearby nursing homes, and helping where needed. It was not until the second night of the trip that the students began to understand the deep needs in the area as described by the pastor of Caney Baptist Church, where the mission team was based. In this impoverished area, unemployment and addiction are a daily reality.
"It was truly an eye-opening conversation tonight at dinner that started with casual small talk about the region and each of our pasts. It was very interesting to watch each of our team members' eyes widen as the pastor explained to us the extreme poverty and need in the area. It was very humbling for each of us who honestly lack for nothing back home to hear of the hopelessness of the people of this area," shared junior Victoria Sun.
That night, after realizing the immense need in this area, the students reset their mission and committed to "show Christ's love to our team, community, and children through our acts of service and the way we communicate." This meant having intentional conversations about real needs with real people in our own nation.
"This trip significantly changed the way I act toward others and helped me think of others before myself. I have long needed this change in my life," said student leader Kendrick Miller, who shared the love of Christ from the student work site dedicated to fixing up homes this summer. Josiah Aukes' words continue to echo every time these students reflect on the summer trip, "God [taught] me a lot of new things on this trip and really [challenged] me to give everything to Him."
While these students may not have gotten their passports to go to Kentucky, it is evident the journey was far-reaching in the lives of these students and to a community in need of practical Christian love.