What can God do with 16 middle schoolers who had never been on a mission trip in Pikeville, KY?

With the prayers of a whole church lifting them up, so much more than we could’ve asked or imagined!

16 middle schoolers and 4 adult coaches traveled to the small town in Kentucky as the first of three GO! Trips that WCC offered this summer. This trip was organized through Lifeline Christian Mission who partners with New Beginnings Fellowship Church to serve their community by meeting needs and sharing the love of Jesus.

Our students didn’t really know what to expect, but knew they wanted this experience and were ready to work hard! And that’s what they did!

During our four day stay, we worked at the Appalachian Pregnancy Care Center weeding, mulching, sorting diapers and clothes and other odd jobs. The students learned about how their ministry has saved hundreds of babies and offers support for their families.

We scrubbed kitchen equipment to be used in a Community Center that FaithLife Ministries hopes to open soon for the youth of the community.

The highlight of the trip for most of the students was cleaning out a basement for a family who had recently lost their son.

“One of the times I felt God working was when we were cleaning the basement. The lady was telling us how the dust and stuff in the basement was getting so bad that she could feel a ring of dust around her mouth and it felt like she had hot pepper on her tongue from all the dust. It felt really good to help them.” -Katie Morris

“It made them cry of happiness for all of us coming. It was amazing that they made us snacks just because we were helping them out. It showed how much we were helping them in their tough experience.’ -Jenna Couser

The students were able to see God’s Kingdom on earth firsthand as they joined Him in meeting the needs of the community in Pikeville and supporting ministries that do that every day.

Jackson Dues summed it up, “I encourage everyone to go on a trip, but it doesn’t have to be a huge even in a different state or country. It can be in your own home or neighborhood. While at times it may not seem like much, but it can make all the difference in the world.”