To Dallas, With Love
It doesn’t take much to show someone that they are loved and that they matter. This summer, our 5th & 6th graders had the opportunity to serve the people of Dallas through the 5th & 6th Summer Mission Trip. Partnering with Community Partners of Dallas, For the Nations Refugee Outreach, and Dallas Leadership Foundation, they learned how simple acts of service can make a big impact. 5th grader, Betsy, shares “We can be kind and inviting to others so that they know they are cared for and that they belong here. Something as simple as writing a sweet note can share God’s love.”
Beginning the week, they packed school supply packs for kids in the child welfare system. The supply packs will go toward the annual backpack drive hosted by Community Partners. Since many kids in the child welfare system don’t have adequate resources, a new backpack filled with all the paper, pencils, and supplies they need makes a huge difference! 5th grader, Mary, shares that it’s important for Christians to serve others “because Jesus served others and showed us this is a way to love our neighbors. Serving made me feel closer to God.”
On the second day of the Dallas Mission Trip, 5th & 6th graders packed snack bags for the kids and families who have recently arrived in the U.S. for a fresh start. Betsy shares that she loved “decorating snack bags and making notecards to go in the bags. I enjoyed using my creativity while showing others that they are loved.” For the Nations Refugee Outreach offers English lessons, career assistance, afterschool programs, and resources for people seeking refuge in our country so they can have a safe, successful life in their new home. The snack bags and notes our 5th and 6th graders made helped bridge the gap by making families feel seen and welcomed.
On the final day of the mission trip, Dallas Leadership Foundation opened their doors for our kids to get a behind the scenes look at how they set up their monthly food drives in East Dallas. Teaching the kids about the needs of people in our own backyard informs them on how they can make a difference at any age. Mary shares, “I really enjoyed unpacking the food pantry items and organizing it. I loved knowing that people without food are getting what they need. And it was great to be with my friends while doing it!”
From start to finish, our 5th & 6th graders were energetic and happy to serve. Their excitement to learn about the people they were serving was inspiring. Betsy shares that she learned, “It’s important to serve others because that’s what Jesus would have done. This is a way I show that I’m a part of the family of God.” All the kids did an incredible job and reminded us that you are never too young to serve – never too young to make a difference! Learn how our 5th & 6th graders are finding and following Jesus at hppres.org/5th-6th.
