2009 Mission Trip Reflections

My mission trip experience this summer was definitely the best experience of my life. I was able to see the power of prayer and trust in God more clearly than I ever have in my life. The night that this power became especially clear to me was the night that we washed each others feet. Everyone was given the opportunity to pray over other students, chaperones and community members and as a result, we formed a community in which everyone was comfortable sharing their faith and testimonies with each other and joining in prayer.

I grew so much in faith from every prayer experience and from the messages given each night during worship. Unlike every other mission trip I have been on, the messages given on the trip are lessons that will stay with me, and actually built a stronger foundation for my faith. We discussed how to live a more Christian lifestyle by committing to Christ everyday. “Next Step” even has a program to help keep my faith strong after the mission trip is over, which has always been an issue for me after the first couple weeks.
-Jessica, HS Senior

Because I’m going to be an out-of-state college student next year, this powerful mission trip was just what God ordered for me. I saw Him working everyday on the work-sites or through the mission trip participants. There was not doubt in my mind that God was present every night in everyone through laughter and tears. Hands down I would recommend the “Next Step” mission trip to anyone at any point in their faith life. I look forward to being a college chaperone next year as we set out to serve God again!
-Kelly, HS Senior

When we left SMG (Wisconsin) on June 19th, I didn’t believe in God. I was just ready to have a good time, say my bit, and go home. Thank goodness that didn’t happen. My life is changed forever and I’d like to thank all members of our church and the “Next Step” staff. It couldn’t have been possible without them. God works in mysterious ways, but this week he gave me a very blunt message. He loves me, and wants me to serve him. And I’m more than happy to comply. I am humbled and honored
-Molly, HS Junior

I have done mission trips in the Rockies over the last 6 years and have had good to great experiences. However, our experience with Next Step far exceeded my expectations for my teens, as well as for the chaperones and myself. It was an outstanding week whose ramifications still continue. One of my senior girls who has done the last 5 summer trips with me said this was the best trip ever!

I think each of you without exception served with excellence and provided for both our physical and spiritual needs in lifechanging ways. I thank you for the work that you are doing, and for the way you helped our teens see, hear and experience God in new and deeper ways. I thank you for helping us find ways to reach out to all of God’s people, especially those in the most need. We look forward to working with you next summer, and are trying to decide on dates as well as whether we’ll be coming back to Crown Point or going to Mississippi. We will for sure be promoting Next Step to others.

May God continue to richly bless your work. May God continue to richly bless and strengthen your relationships with Jesus. May Christ’s light continue to shine brightly in all that you do. It was an honor and a privilege to have served with you this summer.
-Joe, Youth Pastor