God Sighting: Flowing Together in Christ
As I reflect on our 2026 Youth Mission Trip to Montana, I continue to be amazed by the ways God was at work in and through our youth. We often pray that mission trips will change lives, but this year we had the privilege of watching hearts open in ways that only the Holy Spirit could orchestrate.
Throughout the week, our youth stepped into spaces of incredible vulnerability. They shared stories of family members battling illness, loved ones struggling with addiction, fears of not being accepted, and the weight of feeling alone. What was so beautiful wasn’t that these struggles suddenly disappeared, but that no one had to carry them alone anymore. As walls came down, our group became more than just students and leaders traveling together, we truly became a church family. They listened without judgment, prayed over one another, laughed together, cried together, and reminded each other that they are deeply loved by God.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. You could see it in late-night conversations, hear it in worship, and feel it in the quiet moments when youth encouraged one another with compassion beyond their years. God was weaving together relationships that I know will continue long after the trip ended.
One of my favorite moments came during our day at Glacier National Park. As we sat together beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake MacDonald, we reflected on something incredible: this water had connected our entire week. The lake at Glacier flows into the river where we experienced whitewater rafting. That same river continues onto the lands of the tribes we served earlier in the week. Those waters eventually feed into the lake that rests beside the camp where we worshiped, served, laughed and grew together.
It became such a powerful reminder that God connects us in ways we don’t often notice. Though our stories and struggles may look different, we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. Just as those waters flow together, God’s love continually draws His people together.
None of us returned home perfect. We still carry questions, burdens, and brokenness. But we also returned knowing something even more important, that we are perfectly loved in the eyes of our Creator. Our worth is not found in having it all together but in belonging to Christ, who calls each of us His own.
This trip reminded me that ministry is not simply about the places we go or the projects we complete. It is about witnessing God transform hearts, build community, and remind us that we never walk alone. Thanks be to God for the ways He continues to move through the lives of our youth and for the gift of being connected by His grace.
By Cambry Waddell, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Cambry Waddell grew up through the many ministries at Sheridan, leading Sunday School with her mother throughout High School.
Currently, Cambry serves as the Youth Ministry Coordinator, where she works with middle school and high school youth through Bible Studies, Youth Group and more.