While most of us will be enjoying a typical July weekend close to home, a spirited group of our high school youth and adult leaders will be heading out on a meaningful adventure: our church’s mission trip to Des Moines, Iowa! From July 18–21, these young people will be living out their faith through hands-on service, community building, and time spent growing closer to God and each other.
Whether or not you have a family member going on the trip, you are a part of this journey. Your prayers, your presence in worship, and your support of our youth programs make this mission possible.
What exactly will our students be doing?
They’ll be based near downtown Des Moines, right in the heart of the Drake neighborhood, staying together in an Airbnb that serves as a shared home base for fellowship, laughter, and late-night journal-writing. Each day will begin with prayer and end with time to reflect on where they saw God at work. In between, they’ll roll up their sleeves and dive into service projects that help meet real needs in the community.
Of course, it’s not all work and no play. There’s also fun in store! The group will enjoy a Chicago Cubs minor league game (go Iowa Cubs!), explore local landmarks, and share a Sunday worship experience together.
But perhaps the most powerful part of the trip isn’t on the schedule. It’s in the quiet conversations after a long day of service. It’s in the shared meals and spontaneous moments of joy. It’s in the way these teens—our teens—grow into compassionate leaders and caring friends. And it’s in the ways they’ll come back changed, having caught a fresh glimpse of God’s heart in a different part of the world.
Every student has committed to a group covenant grounded in respect, inclusion, and spiritual growth. That means caring for each other, working as a team, and showing up fully for the experience, hearts open, phones (mostly) tucked away.
So as you go about your week next weekend, think of these young disciples. Pray for them. Ask God to stretch their hearts and deepen their faith. And take pride in knowing that your church family is out there serving, growing, and shining Christ’s light in Des Moines.
Thank you for being part of this mission, even from right here at home.
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