I am excited that you are being obedient to the call of Christ to minister the Gospel to a world desperately in need of HOPE. This year we are trying something completely different: ministering in three different cities on our mission trip. This change allows the students to experience a range of ministry settings.
The theme of the trip, “Hope,” was chosen because of the desperate need of our country and world for the one true hope, found in Jesus Christ. The music, drama, and other artistic expressions this year convey the story of Christ’s passion and point the listener toward choosing the only hope of salvation.
My desire for the team this year is that they would consider every moment of every day a ministry opportunity on tour. Our lives should be a vibrant example of discipleship and passion for our Savior! We will be ministering in a wide variety of concert venues, including several churches, a rescue mission, Salvation Army, homeless shelter, public squares, and in parks. The message of hope resounds with everyone in every walk of life.
Our students will be exposed to the realities of a fallen world: people that have been neglected, who are hungry, and who have no one that loves and cares for them on this earth. It will be difficult. It won’t always be pretty. But that’s reality. The experiences that students often have on these kinds of mission trips can impact them for a lifetime. It can break down the walls of selfishness and expose the compassion that Christ-followers are to display.
The adult sponsors accompanying the students on this mission are all gifted, trusted individuals who have a heart for students and evangelism. They each pay financially for this trip and sacrifice throughout the year as servant leaders. Please be in prayer for them as they teach and exhibit the attributes of Christ during our time on the trip.
In closing, please know that I will do my best to provide the leadership you expect on this mission trip. It’s hard to believe, but this is my 17th student choir mission trip at WBC. In the past nine years I have learned that there are always unpredictable situations and difficult decisions that have to be made. Please pray that I will have divine wisdom in making those decisions. If you have any questions before the trip, feel free to call me at the office (256-881-0952, ext 236) or email me anytime: matthew.sloma@wbccares.org.
Love,
Rev. Matthew D. Sloma
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