Youth focus on mission in 2021

We are called to be salt and light. In June of 2021, the Pathfinder and Exodus groups merged and 44 middle and high schoolers applied themselves to six evenings of study and five days of implementation. Their mission was local and their commission came from Matthew 5:13 - 16.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16

Guest speakers, small groups, good food and fellowship replenished each student as they returned from the mission field each day. They spent their mornings serving at VBS at Camp Loughridge. They taught and exemplified the daily lessons of "Precious, Treasured and Loved: God knows me; God hears me; God comforts me; God forgives me; God chose me."

In the afternoons, some of the students opted to work at the John 3:16 Mission Refuge, and Helping Hand Ministry where they cleaned and organized the pantries. They also spent two afternoons filling care bags at Catholic Charities. Meanwhile, others recreated the Vacation Bible School (VBS) experience for approximately 80 children at John  3:16 Mission Youth and Family Center. On Thursday, those leading VBS accompanied the children on their field trip to the Sand Springs roller rink.

Gloria Shelton is an 8th grader who chose to spend her afternoons as a VBS leader. She shared that she likes working with children, because she sees God through them. Gloria said, "Sometimes I can't believe they look up to me and listen to me, but I'm close to their ages, so it is easy to make a connection." This mission trip opened her eyes to all of the local charities and year-round volunteer opportunities.

Exodus has traditionally ended their week-long mission trip with a night of camping, but this was the first time that the Pathfinders joined them. They were invited to pitch tents at the Donahue property in Oak, Oklahoma, where they gathered around a bonfire, hiked and swam in the spring fed pond. As the week ended, the students truly personified salt and light.