From San Diego to Africa 

Rebekah and Luke Hamm made 300 New Friends This Summer

The brother and sister spent seven days in the Southern Sudan volunteering with their parents at an orphanage in Yei. Their mother Jenni says that they were an asset to the missionary team from The Village Church because they served as icebreakers for the missionaries. The orphans warmed up the CDA 5^th and 3^rd graders much more quickly than the adults on the trip, speaking English with them, teaching them games and learning some in return. The two learned tribal dances from the other children and spent some time riding the local see-saw with them. Soccer or "Football" was certainly an important part of their week, that and making friendship bracelets. Jenni emphasized that the trip "was a huge blessing and we trust life-shaping for the children!"

High School Students Minister to Little Ones 

This summer Brock and Kaleigh Longcrier went to San Diego on a mission trip along with a team from their church youth choir.  There they ministered through singing in public areas, canvasing neighborhoods, and inviting people to local congregations. 

One unique opportunity Kaleigh had was to work in a women's shelter.  She loved on the kids there and helped the women with their cleaning. Brock had a different kind of opportunity.  He spent his time with Agape church, playing games with children and ultimately teaching them about the Lord.  He had the privilege to share with one little boy and really connect with him.  That little boy gave his heart to Christ.

Kayleigh Brought a Mission Home with Her

Several years ago God put a desire in Kaleigh Longcrier's heart to go and minister to orphans in Africa. Year after year the opportunity did not present itself.  This summer was different.  God paved the way for her to go and minister to the children there. 

She spent 10 days in Zambia, 10 days that changed her life.  Kaleigh came home with a deeper love for God and for the orphans in Zambia.  She is now bringing that love back to North Texas.  She felt like God laid on her heart to raise $80,000 to build a house in Zambia, a home for 15 orphans. As her mother Terri says, "It seems like a daunting task but with God all things are possible."

Family Sponsorship Becomes a Life Changing Experience 

This August, Faith Anna and her mother Shannon met Jonas and Josephat, two Ugandan children they sponsor through World Vision. Traveling to Uganda with World Vision opened their eyes to many realities. While there they toured several schools, worked at the new health clinic and visited the Clean Water Project. Shannon said that she was astounded that just the lack of clean water can create a poverty cycle in third world countries. Children spend so much of their time procuring water that they cannot attend school or learn a trade, which then is detrimental to their future income.

While visiting the Jonas' and Josephat's village, her mother says that Faith Anna, "just ran out and was one of the kids" playing soccer and teaching the other children Duck-Duck-Goose and Simon Says. Jonas and Josephat excitedly showed her the pictures and letters that her family had sent them. Shannon says that Faith Anna came home with a entirely new perspective on life.