Riva Sharples | Editor
Eleven high school students, part of the Merge Youth Group at Alcester Baptist Church, took their annual mission trip to Mission, SD, last week. The students, along with four adult chaperones, helped host a basketball camp and also run a Vacation Bible School program.
“We helped coach a Fellowship of Christian Athletes basketball camp with Ted Standing Solider at Todd County School June 9-10,” explains Karla Bovill, one of the chaperones who went on the trip. “We helped teach basketball fundamentals, shared Bible lessons and served a meal. We had about 75 kids come one or both days.”
In the nearby Corn Creek community, Merge hosted a Vacation Bible School and served a meal for the community.
“We sang songs, did a Bible story, had a craft, played games and finished with a slip and slide on the 90 degree day,” said Bovill.
Besides Bovill, leaders for the trip included Becky Solberg, Pastor Scott Connor, and Jamie Henderson. Shanna Doering and Karen Evanson joined the group to assist at Corn Creek.
As for the students who attended, it was a growth experience. Here’s what they had to say:
“I realized how big of an influence I was to these kids when each day, they would run to me in joy before camp started,” said Ian Henderson. “After this being my third year attending the Rosebud mission trip, I can say it is a highlight of every year so far!”
“My favorite part of the trip was helping the kids at the basketball camp,” said Ethan Bovill.
Added Andrew Bovill: “The part that I loved the most about this trip was getting to see and recognize some of the kids that have gone in years past and seeing their growth.”
Caleb Ahart said his favorite part was “Seeing the little kids that were just silent and didn’t talk to anyone open up to us and go out of their comfort zone and be able to have fun and make friends with us and the other kids there!”
Devin Hongslo said: “I’ve gone on this mission trip for the last three years and every year is better than the last. My favorite part about this trip is being able to see the same kids every year. Being able to only see these kids once a year, it’s crazy to see how much they’ve grown up over the years. It’s an even better feeling when they remember who you are every year too. It’s a tough feeling for this being my last year on this trip, and it’s even harder to say goodbye to all of the bonds I have made with kids on these trips over the years. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has the chance to go.”
Said Jackson Meyer: “I like going back every year and having kids remember who you are and sharing about Jesus to people who usually don’t hear the message.”
Evan Haak said: “I really like spreading the word of Jesus through basketball. Also seeing the familiar faces every year and the memories and conversations we have as a group.”
Emily Winquist said: “My favorite part of the trip was playing with the kids, and spreading the good word of the gospel with them. It really is a heartwarming experience when you see the excitement the kids get when you get there and tell them you will be back next year.”