This summer, our youth group had the incredible opportunity to serve in Modesto, California, on a short-term missions trip in partnership with A Jesus Mission and Kingdom Coffee. From start to finish, we saw God move in powerful ways—not just in the city, but in the hearts of our students. ❤️
✨ What We Did
Our team poured out their hearts and energy across Modesto in a variety of service opportunities that gave students a firsthand glimpse of what it means to live on mission:
- 🧤 River Cleanup: We got our hands dirty cleaning up along the river, serving the city in a simple but powerful way by stewarding God’s creation and blessing the local community.
- 🎶 Rehab Shelter Outreach: We spent an afternoon at a rehabilitation shelter where we played with the children, led them in worship, and shared a Gospel message of hope and restoration. It was a challenging experience that tested the students as we didn’t know we were leading until an hour before.
- 🗣️ Conversation with a Refugee: One of the most eye-opening moments was sitting down and talking with a Muslim refugee from Afghanistan. Hearing their story helped us see the importance of compassion, listening, and cross-cultural understanding.
- 🏠 Hospitality at YWAM: We toured a local YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base and learned how intentional hospitality can be a tool for evangelism and discipleship. It challenged us to think about how we welcome others in our own lives.
- 🥫 Food Pantry Ministry: While serving at a food pantry, we got to witness the power of Gospel-centered service in action. When someone asked why we were there, the leader of the pantry shared our mission—and that conversation led to the person giving their life to Christ. 🙌
- 🎤 Worship Night with A Jesus Mission & Kingdom Coffee: We also got to experience the heart of our ministry partners firsthand as they hosted a powerful worship night. Surrounded by local believers, we joined in praise and were reminded that God is moving in Modesto through the faithful work of everyday missionaries. 💒 🥫 Food Pantry Ministry: While serving at a food pantry, we got to witness the power of Gospel-centered service in action. When someone asked why we were there, the leader of the pantry shared our mission—and that conversation led to the person giving their life to Christ. 🙌
- 📖 Student-Led Bible Studies: One of the most impactful parts of the week was watching our students take ownership of their faith by leading a Bible study in small teams. Each group prepared Scripture, led the group in prayer, and led worship for the group. It was incredible to see them step into leadership and pour into one another spiritually.
💡 What We Learned
Every student came away changed. Whether it was praying for a stranger, sharing their testimony for the first time, or stepping up to lead in unfamiliar situations, this trip pushed us all out of our comfort zones and into deeper dependence on Christ.
We learned that missions isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being ready in and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). God doesn’t need polished sermons or fancy strategies; He uses willing hearts, open hands, and the power of the Holy Spirit. 🔥
🙏 A Huge Thank You
To every parent, supporter, and prayer warrior—thank you. Your investment helped make this trip possible. We saw lives changed, both in Modesto and in our own students. And the ripple effect of this week will continue long after the trip has ended. 💛
📣 Keep Praying
Please keep praying that the seeds planted in Modesto will bear fruit. Pray for Kingdom Coffee, A Jesus Mission, and the local ministries we partnered with as they continue to serve faithfully in their city. And pray that our students would carry the fire of this trip into their schools, homes, and communities. 🔥📍
