God Sighting: Youth Mission Trips Offer Mountain-top, Life Changing Experiences for Youth
As a youth director, I give thanks to God for all the ways that our youth mission trip experiences continue to impact the lives of our high school youth here at Sheridan. And as a parent, I am especially blessed to witness firsthand how my daughter, Alexa, continues to grow in faith, grow as a leader, and grow her heart for serving others in need as a result of participating in these trips. As we gear up for the 2025 Youth Mission Trip, I share a portion of my daughter’s reflection from last year’s trip below. We will soon be hosting our annual Soup-tacular event and the Envelope Fundraiser and we need your help in support of the 65 youth and 12 adults heading to Florida this year to participate in hurricane recovery and relief efforts. Thank you for all the ways you continue to be a blessing to our youth!
The 2024 Youth Mission Trip was a life-changing experience that deepened my faith and connected me with an incredible group. One of the most powerful moments was at the “touch someone who” worship. That night, we were called up in small groups and invited to touch someone’s shoulders or back, according to the description that Ian said. Things such as ‘touch someone who you can depend on,’ or ‘touch someone who was a pleasant surprise,’ brought me closer to others and made me feel God’s presence in a personal way. Our group’s bond grew stronger each night during worship and devotions, where we shared our highs, lows, and prayers, building genuine relationships. I also felt God’s presence everywhere, especially during prayer around the cross while singing ‘Up Above My Head.’ It was beautiful to just listen to our voices and to sense that God was really there.
The service day was also impactful—painting a shipping container, clearing invasive weeds, and cleaning up a park for the community showed how small acts can create meaningful change. What a blessing it is to be able to serve others and their communities, make a difference, and ultimately keep shining God’s light.
This trip reminded me that we are all created in God’s image to be disciples and to spread his love. It’s easy to take these experiences for granted, but through service and community, I realized how lucky I am to have such a supportive group. I’m more grateful than ever for what I have and for the opportunity to serve.
Shared by Alexa Hartfield, Grade 11
And so, I invite you to join us in this mission with our youth. Your support, whether through prayer, conversation, or donations, helps continue this work of faith, service, and connection. Together, as Alexa reminds us, we can shine God’s light out in the world. I hope to see you at our annual Soup-tacular on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 10:45am-1pm and be watching for the envelope board, coming in March, both of which support the 2025 Youth Mission Trip.
If you would like to read all of the 2024 Youth Mission Trip Reflections, visit: sheridanlutheran.org/2024-reflections.
Ian Hartfield, Youth Ministry Coordinator