In the Gospels we find that Jesus consistently goes out of his way to give his time, friendship, and heavenly resources to those in need. This week a team of Browncroft Students is following Christ’s lead by devoting time, mind, and muscle to the needs of Rochester Family Mission.

The pandemic upended out-of-state missions trip plans these last couple of years. But God has been faithful. He has been showing our students that there are countless opportunities to follow Him and serve our neighbors right near our homes.

Case in point… as this article posts, 17 high school Browncrofters will have spent several days breaking out brooms, mops, and squeegees to help restore an abandoned school for RFM. When it is ready, RFM will use the old school to host community events, skills classes, and mentoring programs.

The school has ornate and beautiful architecture, but it needs a lot of work. Our students are breaking down 1000+ boxes, throwing away thousands of pounds of broken materials, sweeping broken glass, and organizing the space for a potential donor walk-through.

This service week at RFM is just one of many ways our students are being discipled towards a life of service. Students have opportunities to participate in Flower City Work Camp, support food and toy drives, help regularly on Sunday mornings, and complete service projects with their small groups.

Through daily quiet times, prayer walks, student-led talks, devotionals, and worship, our hope is that students will come to understand that service is both a physical and spiritual act of worship to which all Christians are called. When we serve the needs of our neighbors, we ultimately serve God Himself and participate (and help others participate) in God’s story.

Our God is a God who works through His people as we meet the needs of our neighbors and spread His blessing. We are so grateful for our teens using their time and gifts to participate in His work this week.