High School Mission Trip to the Bay Area, June 8-13, 2014

Team members: Alli Bouwman, Lindy Carlton, Courtney Clark, Brennen Deforest, Autumn Gardner, J.J. Garzella, Jake Hanson, Bryce Kirk, Collin Kirk, Kelli Kirk, Aaron Pabst, Jeff Stephenson, Josh Stephenson, Amber Wolff, Athena Zaharias, Thane Zeeh.

The bay area of California is among the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. Just wait for the fog to lift from the San Francisco Bay, and a beautiful city full of cultural attractions will be revealed. But while cable cars travel the steep hills and visitors stroll through the city’s distinctive neighborhoods, there also are thousands of homeless individuals living on the streets and in local shelters. The high cost of living in San Francisco has further increased the problem of poverty. It's a complicated place full of much strength and beauty.

During the week our group partnered with children’s programs that are working to serve the kids in the city throughout the summer months and into the year. They definitely appreciated our energy and willingness to play.  We also had the opportunity to serve the homeless people of the community in many different ways.  We visited the Golden Gate Bridge, a beautiful site with a rich story that is part of the area's history. In the evenings we learned more about the bay area by visiting local sites and through listening to the stories of community members.  We were even able to host a BBQ and invite some of the homeless community to join us.

We are very proud of the group of high school students that joined us on the trip.  We joined members from 2 other youth groups, one from Colorado and one from California. Together with our students, they served meals to the poor and home bound, played with children at the Boys and Girls Club, delivered groceries from the Food Bank to residents in Mercy Housing, worked at the Food Bank and at the Salvation Army too.  All team members remained positive and worked hard.  We truly have an amazing group of Christ-centered kids!

Preteen Mission Trip 2014

This is the 5^th year Good Shepherd’s preteens have participated in the “Week of Hope” Mission Trip.  We went to Colorado by church van and served June 15-20, 2014.

Week of Hope is a summer mission trip packed with practical acts of love and service. Our students built meaningful connections as they served people through ministries and nonprofit organizations in Loveland, Colorado. Service is the fabric of Week of Hope – our group not only served the community but took turns serving everyone at camp by helping to prepare meals and keep our lodging facility clean. Week of Hope is not just about a “project”, it is about service becoming part of a preteen’s life.

Fifteen of us went on the trip.  Twelve preteens and three adults.  We were split into 3 crews with 5 members on each crew.

Chris Bell’s crew; Kennan Bell, James Dickerson, Willow Edwards and McKayla Ridges, served at a low income housing project.  For the first 2 hours of each day they pulled weeds.  The remainder of their day was interacting with the residents and playing with the children.

Kelli Kirk’s crew; Joshua Hong, Cole Johnson, Kayla Siebeneck and Zipora Rowe, served at a residence.  The home owner had a bad car accident and he and his wife were expecting a baby.  The crew was able to clean up, de-clutter, pull weeds and generally help the home owner organize his home.

Jeff Stephenson’s crew; Vivian Brown, Lilly Frame, Chloe Siebeneck and Laura Stephenson, served at a senior care facility.  They helped clean patios, wash windows and pull weeds for the residents.  In the afternoons they sorted clothing to be sent to those in need around the world.