During missions week, around 50 high school juniors and seniors engaged in service around the community with local ministries. The first day, they went to Goodwill to serve and the next to Stepping Stones Church where they helped to tear down trees, pull weeds, and organize items upstairs. Each day brought a new task, which the students handled with joy in whatever it might have been.

The students had to serve for around five days for about five-six hours each day. One of the most influential days was when the students were able to serve at the Samaritan Inn. It was beautiful to be able to see people serving and loving others in the community, as well as helping them get back on their feet. Senior, Mason Schramm said, “Local missions was fun and influential.”

Next year, for any juniors and seniors, local missions is a great opportunity to assist thriving ministries in our community as they in turn help others. I hope that local missions is not overlooked in light of international missions because the local church and local people are needing of God’s love as well.