This week, Citylight High School students and ministry leaders are going back to Urban Impact Ministries in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA). They will be helping run one of two free day camps in the city for youth in impoverished neighborhoods. These camps involve stations for Bible, sports, crafts, and academic enrichment and have made an impact spiritually, emotionally, and physically on the neighborhood. Get to know a few from the team and how we as a Church can be supporting and praying for them.
Jacob Gatewood, leader
“NOLA is a group that we have shared ministry notes with, learned from, and have become a valuable partnership. I’m excited for us to go back down there. NOLA is reaching their neighborhood and doing things for their neighborhood. It’s what we hope we are doing here in our Omaha neighborhood. Please pray over our 18-hour driving time down there. Both youth groups from both locations are going. Pray for unity and that our team will grow together. There are several kids who are coming again on this trip from last year. A couple of girls from our student ministry who graduated High School this past month and are going back on the trip again. They just want to serve the kids again. Pray that each student will learn something about themselves, that God will reveal to them. Pray for the leaders who are leaving their families with young kids. Nine days away from spouses and them doing single parenting. Pray that the leaders lead well together. That the Holy Spirit is guiding us. Also, we are almost fully funded. If you would like to support us financially, just email me at jacob@citylightomaha.org and I can send you the link.”
Tobin Klassen, student
“This is my first mission trip. I’m excited to see what God will do and how He will grow me. This trip will be a fun opportunity to grow closer to God. I am looking forward to being able to open up to the kids and help them learn and grow more in their faith. Serving kids in my church has given me opportunities to express my faith and be more comfortable. I hope it has impacted the kids. God has shown me that it is important to help the younger generation and help them grow in God. It makes me feel good when I serve. My prayer request is that God will open up my heart to hear new things and learn new things.”
Waverly Julian, student
“This is my second time going on the mission trip. It was a really great experience. I got to know the team and the interns there and the kids. I hope I can be a light to the kids and show them new things. I hope I can connect with the whole student team. Last year, I learned that we are all united through God. Even with all the differences. It makes me feel good. My prayer request is to be able to connect with the kids. Personally, that I can learn things too.”