Woodland students sample work in Dominican
BRESLAU, ON—Twelve students from Woodland Christian High School got a chance try their hand at different types of mission projects in the Dominican Republic this winter.
"Our focus is on offering a wide variety and sampling of missions," says teacher Mandy Wiebenga. "This mission trip offers students a smorgasbord of opportunities. A 'typical day' on this trip doesn't exist. There are so many different activities and forms of ministry that we do."
While on the trip students visited hospital patients, handed out care packages, helped build a house and school, played with local school children, did drama and music-based evangelism and spent time with a local youth group.
"These trips help students realize that they have incredible potential," she adds. "Even if they are convinced that they aren't 'good at anything' this trip proves them wrong. Each student's talents, abilities, and gifts are proved useful. The students learn that they are capable of making change happen; they also become aware of how much they can be the hands and feet of Jesus, not only in the greater global community, but also in their own backyards."
Student Lauren Koopman, says "I loved the community that the people of the Dominican Republic had together. You could tell that there was a ton of care, and a desire to help the others around them. It was really cool to see how different it was from the community we have in Canada.
"It made me realize that I need to be more grateful for the life that I live. ... If people who have a lot less than me can wake up every morning with a smile on their face, I sure can walk around showing how happy I am."
Fellow student Mikaela Van Pelt agrees: "We were able to take a step back and look into their lives. We saw through their work just how dedicated they are to Christ and a community that just loves each other."
Wiebenga adds, "I've seen students whose lives are forever changed because of what they see, experience, witness, and learn on this trip. One student who was quietly considering missions is now actively seeking post-secondary ministry opportunities. Another student who was unsure of which university program to pursue made her choice based on this trip. Other students are simply more aware of the world beyond themselves; they are better global citizens and more interested in seeking and being change in whichever environment they find themselves."
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