“Prepare for the real world in the real world.” That was a thought I had as leadership of the mission trip program passed over to my office this last year. For years students of Wisconsin Lutheran High School have been traveling all over the country and even all over the world to serve their Savior and their neighbor. Most trips have been in the United States, but every year there were also a few international trips to places in the Far East, Mexico, and elsewhere.
One of my goals was to increase the opportunity for mission trips—both the total number and the international trips. Students have always been eager to go on trips and do mission work of some kind. What better way to train them for future service in the real world though than actually going out into the world? Those kinds thoughts led to some new destinations for our students this year such as Alaska, Thailand, Columbia, and Zambia.
While thinking about a trip to Africa, we also tried to consider how we could unite the student body around the important work in Africa. That led to selecting Zambia as the destination again for our annual Our Hands for His Service project. The Student Council saw it fit to create a goal of raising over $30,000 to support the work of Zambian pastors and a local school. The mission team will then go to see first hand how the gifts will impact the ministry and to help in any way possible.
Nine students were selected to go on the trip (one missing in the picture). There are two current seniors, six juniors, and one sophomore. I will chaperone the trip along with my wife, Becky.
These students are beyond excited to go on this trip. Of course there is the excitement of travel to a new and unique destination (for Americans, at least). But they are also so excited to learn. They are eager to learn about the ministry and the needs of the people in Zambia and to learn about people very different than they. While they are eager to serve in any way, it is understood that as American teenagers we will probably get the most out of the trip by learning from the missionaries, the pastors, and the people in Zambia. We only hope we can somehow be a blessing while there.
I know I speak for the group when I say that we are all thrilled with the opportunity to go out into the world and live the words of Jesus’ great commission.
Phil Huebner
Campus Pastor
Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Please pray for those working in fields that are ripe for harvest. Share their story, engage with future news and receive updates. Follow this link to learn more about our mission fields in Africa and how the Holy Spirit is working faith in people’s hearts https://wels.net/serving-others/missions/africa
