High School Missions

High School Missions Week in Reflection!

With Missions Week 2010 in the rear view mirror, I want to take a moment to reflect on what the Lord did in us, and to revisit why the SCA community invests so much of our resources in our annual Missions adventures.

First, a look back: This year’s mission program began last fall, when the junior high students participated in two full back-to-back days serving throughout Phoenix. They served at the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, UMOM New Day Centers, The Attic, Neighborhood Ministries, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Rio Vista Community Center and New City Phoenix. In addition, the junior high students supported the high school students with prayer during the 2010 high school mission trips.

High school missions, Living Water 2010, involved fourteen teams traveling to thirteen different cities, seven states and four countries. We sent out 332 students, 29 faculty/staff members, and 31 parents, for a total of 391 SCA short term missionaries. Over 30 prayer coordinators (volunteer members of the mission leadership teams that coordinated the prayer and communication efforts of each team) recruited an additional 120-plus prayer parents who prayed by name for a handful of students during their training and ministry time. In addition, each team was partnered up with an elementary school class that committed to pray for the team in the weeks leading up to and during the trip. That means that, in one way or another, all 800-plus SCA students were involved in this year’s mission endeavors. In total, the SCA community and our extended families and friends contributed over $190,000 to make this week happen. Over $30,000 of this was raised for students who sent out support letters.

So why does the SCA community commit so much of its human and financial resources in this adventure we call SCA Missions? The beginning of the answer to that question is reflected in the 2010 theme verse, Psalm 63:1: “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” (NKJV) David’s knows that God and God alone can satisfy his thirst. Jesus, too, taught that his deepest needs were met only by God the Father. In John 4, Jesus’ response to the disciples’ preoccupation with his need to eat was, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about. My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work…open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (NIV) John supplies the context of Jesus’ statement, and it was cross-cultural. Jesus had been conversing with a Samaritan woman, and offering her the kind of living water only He could supply. It was this missionary work that the Father had given Him to do, and that work – the will of the Father – is what sustained him.

The Lord has a harvest, and in that harvest there is an opportunity for us. We do not do missions at SCA because we want to give the Lord an opportunity; we do missions at SCA because the Lord is bringing in a harvest, and this presents us with an opportunity. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:37, 38 NIV) This is why we do missions at SCA. This is why we invest a large amount of our human and financial capital. The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few. We say to the Lord, “Here we are; send us.” Whether you prayed, gave, or went, you participated in the Lord’s harvest in the lives of those we served and in the very lives of the SCA family.

Missions Week 2010 final updates

Friday Update from Thursday's Activities

Dearborn
The weather is nice there today. They are outside some of the time. Wednesday they had a trip to the Ford Museum and the F150 plant. They also worked at the Acts 29 center doing some cleaning. All in all Wednesday was a busy day for the team. It was good for them to have some labor time so they could process all that they are seeing.

This morning, they handed out tracts again. They are eating at an Iraqi Restaurant as I type this, then on to another mosque. The 16 and 24 year old sons of the mosque leader are making the arrangements for tonight, so the team is hoping to visit with more local youth. After the mosque, they will have some Persian pastries before heading to bed.

There was excitement and encouragement about the progress that the team is having. Keep praying for them all. Everyone has stayed healthy too!! Praise the Lord!!!

Dominican Republic
We had a pretty uneventful day - woke up, did our normal morning devotions, message and breakfast then loaded up with about 15 Dominican players on busses to head to La Vega (or as the Dominicans called it La Vega Nevada) which was about half an hour away. We pulled up to a baseball complex roughly the size of a spring training field (by far the nicest field we have played on yet) and got all set to start at 10. We played with our team and the Dominicans we brought (we didn't quite have enough to field a full team let alone the health, strength and energy levels of our guys). Our guys have really bonded with the Dominicans we have played with the last few days - it's pretty cool to see them become friends with the players. The team we played was basically guys from a baseball academy in La Vega. They had all sorts of players there - all of differing talent levels, but it was impressive to see some of their players.

Our boys have definitely had their eyes open to the level of competition and commitment out there. We played well overall - winning the first game and losing the second game. In between games, two of the students and the Coach all gave testimonies, and it was fun to hear about reflections from the trip, overcoming obstacles and life beyond baseball. The main answer to prayer for the day was it was overcast all day....well, I guess the weather is second to the fact that the student who had been sick was able to come with us today! But it was cooler and cloudy all day when the people at the base told us it was always 10-15 degrees hotter in La Vega. We avoided a lot of sunburns being under cloud cover all day.
This evening is relaxing and team time. The guys are looking forward to finishing the movie they started last night. All for the evening - white water rafting tomorrow and then the end of the week banquet. Thanks again for your prayers!  Can't believe the week is almost over - it's definitely flown by.

Costa Rica
Wednesday night: The afternoon down time paid off for this evening's high energy finale with the town of Corralito. "What a difference a year makes," was the understatement of the evening.

Last year we were greeted with a padlocked door for our scheduled event. This year they ran out of the doors with excitement as we pulled up. Last year they were "culturally late" to the program. This year they were early. Last year we had about 80 -100 for the evening. This year we had nearly 200. Last year the police were skeptical of us. This year they came to find us and requested Bibles for the station where last year's team picture is hanging on the wall. (Last year's team painted the police station.) Last year we had to convince the mayor and the council to let us in. This year the mayor greeted us and closed the evening by remarking how we were considered friends and that the town was open for us to do anything anytime. And the comparisons could go on....

The SCA students knew people by name; knew their specific needs; understood how to connect with them and showed the love of Christ through their actions to a community previously closed. There is much to be proud of in their actions today, but primarily in how they let their hearts be opened to be used by and for His glory.

Thursday will bring clean up of the base (again!) and travel to the beach where we will interact with the team from Beach Community Church who is doing the Bible distribution in that area. Pray for safe travel (this is the section where last year's team go the flat tire) and the team spirit as we close out the week with our last activities.

Later update - the team arrived safely in Tamarindo! They have had a great afternoon, and the big bonfire on the beach is ready to be lit, as the team gathers for a last evening of sharing together.

Globe
It's hard to believe this is our last night to share info. 
They were almost able to finish the second house today. Tomorrow morning half of the team will return to the sight to finish up what is left while the remaining team members will stay at base to clean before departure.

One comment that was made was that the students were able to realize that the work they have done this week on these houses will make a tangible difference in the lives of the people who will ultimately be allowed to live in the house when it is finished. I'm sure that must give our team a sense of fullfillment.

Today when the team went out on bus ministry they had an incredible turnout of younger children ( 2nd-3rd grade ages).  ARM has a parachute that they use to play games which the children love. Sounds like it was a fun time and also the final time our team will be on the bus.

Tonight the team was going to the "coffee house" in town. As our team prepares to return home, let's pray for them to be able to complete the work at the house so that ARM will be able to meet their goals for completion. As they come home, pray that they will continue to be in God's Word daily and walk in holiness and purity. Lets pray for ourselves that we are able to give them grace to adjust to being home and deal with the tiredness, that we will get to listen to our students share about what they experienced and enjoy giving them a pat on the back for a job well done.

Guatemala
A Guatemala team member contacted to say all are feeling better. I think there was still one student who was under the weather a bit but definitely on the mend. No new cases of sickness, what a praise! She said that most students said they wanted to go back again next year so I guess that is an awesome sign. Also, the whole team could see the Holy Spirit breaking the language barrier. Good news and peaceful sleep for us all.

Los Angeles
Many of the children we have met autographed one of our bags. They are a reminder for us to pray for them by name. In your prayers today, we would appreciate you praying for each of us by name. We are headed to the YWAM base for our commitment service this morning. Please pray that God would move in each of the students during this time.

Praise God for the way He moved in our students at the commitment
service this morning! He was powerful in what He accomplished and
faithful to answer our prayers!!!

We were blessed this afternoon with the opportunity to serve kids at a Christian school in Compton. Wow...what a lot of energy they had!!! Such a wonderful way to begin wrapping up our trip, though. Our students have done such a great job with everything we have asked
them to do!

We spent the evening evangelizing in Santa Monica near the pier which
was also very successful. We are definitley worn out!
 
We thank you again for your many prayers that have lifted us up all
week. We are so grateful!!

We had an awesome final worship session this morning and celebrate and praise God for all the ways He has worked in our lives and changed us this week. After quiet time these are some of the words that were used by the students to sum up their week:
Commitment
Eye-Opening
Change
Love
Impactful
Leadership
Obedience
Powerful
Miracle
Fulfilling
Hard but rewarding
The YWAM leaders commended the team as one of best group of students they have worked with. We as leaders are also very proud of the way all of our students really stepped up this week. We pray their transformed attitudes and lives will continue as their walks grow when
we return home.

Phoenix Charlie-Delta Team
God has really been working on the hearts of our students. Today,the other half of the group went to UMOM which is a remodeled hotel that provides rooms for about 180 homeless families. They are able to stay there up to three years and tutoring and daycare is provided. Some of our students had an opportunity to tutor while others cleaned and helped dig a drainage trench.  Afterwards there was prayer time and teaching moments as the leaders were trying to instill the importance of a ‘child-like’ faith: having a trust, overcoming fear, and dreaming big. They also trained for tomorrow's skit, which is going to be presented to some kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity of hearing the Word of God.

The prayer is that tomorrow the students take the opportunity to be shining examples in the community and that the kids are open to truly see God’s message.
Also, that this in-town experience will push them to continue on in their community as there is so much work to be done.

This group at the Masters Covenant is so terrific and has really done a great job involving our studetns.  Please continue to pray for them to keep on growing in their ministry. We pray for all the students across the globe to finish strong and travel home safely.
Thank you for your prayers.

Phoenix Alpha-Bravo Team
Alpha/Bravo had a wonderful day again today, highlighted by two successful 7th and 8th grade assemblies at Shea Middle School . The students were enthusiastic, attentive, and receptive of the anti-bullying/positivity message. The Shea students were greeted at each assembly by a “high five” line made up of our SCA students. There were many smiles and wide eyes that went through!

After the assemblies, the team made one last prayer walk through the neighborhood near Greenway and Cave Creek in preparation for the block party at Iglesia Christiana tomorrow. They also heard a wonderful message from the Pastor about how he was called to shepherd the flock at Iglesia Christiana and how they try to be a “hand-up” more than a “handout” in that community. They are looking forward to a great time there tomorrow.

Salt Lake City
Thank you for all of your prayers. We have had a fantastic mission trip. The following is a testimony from a student regarding today's experience.

"Today, our group went to West High School to sit in on a Seminary class (High School Religion class). The topic for the class for the day was "faith". The instructor, Brother Speare, allowed four of us to contribute and ask questions. We took full advantage of this opportunity and asked many questions and also contributed answers to his questions. At the end of the class, a Mormon girl came up to Blake and I and said, "Thank you for coming to our class today. You brought up some points that I hadn't thought of before." This was so refreshing. We had finally seen, in person, a seed of doubt sown in the mind of a young Mormon. That was BY-FAR the best part of this trip."

Several of the students have stories where they are seeing that their words are sowing seeds. This has been an incredible journey for everyone here. It is snowing pretty heavy here now so pray for safe travels tomorrow and that we would finish strong.

Please pray for completion of the work the Lord is doing in each one. Grace and the fear of the Lord. For them to come home and continue to be in the Word daily, walk in Holiness and go on to maturity. Safety, families that will listen to their experiences. Grace to adjust to being home. Also, please remember to pray, pray and pray some more as your students come home for protection over them and for the work of the Lord to continue.

Show Low
On Thursday the team was able to work in one of the school classrooms and helped in their Library. Some of them even learned a little bit of Navajo from a cook in the kitchen.They took a hike together.They won the Basketball game against the students and staff of the Mission, scoring SCA 63 AICM 60.
They are all feeling that they are ending on a great note and have enjoyed their time in Show Low.
Prayer Requests:
For safe travel home.
Praise- The basketball game was played with no health incidents.
Pray that the unity that has been developed reaches a permanent home.
Pray for the lasting effect on the lives reached out to this week.
Pray for rest and rejuvenation for all of the team after their return.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Romans 10:13-15
Safety, parents/families be available to hear mission experience
John 17
Transition to home and school

Thoreau
The Thoreau team is officially on the road with sunny weather. They woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground but the highways are clear! Pray for safe travel as they cross the plains of New Mexico and Arizona.

The team spent one last day at the boarding school on Thursday with the children. The adults continued to move and load hundreds of books onto the shelves of the library. Can you imagine the librarian's elation that she must feel??

After school they took a trip into Glamorous Gallup and ate some traditional Navajo Tacos and let their hair down, I am sure. They continued to receive praise from the SCA staff that they were a terrific group of students.

Our team expressed deep emotion as they learned and saw the conditions of the Navajo children's living situations. Our kids felt and realized they were doing an important job by loving on them for this week. They thoroughly enjoyed the relationships they built, they planted seeds, now we will wait for the watering and the harvest!

Today's prayer should focus on the completion of the work the Lord is doing in each of our team. Pray that they will come home and continue to be in the Word daily and walk in the Holiness to go onto maturity. Pray for grace to adjust to being home.

Remember to LISTEN intently to their experiences. And most of all, don't stop praying for your student after today, continue to pray for protection over them and for the work of the Lord to continue in their hearts!

Las Vegas
Praises for a great trip! Yesterday the students had about 5 hours of free time. Last night was spent in Worship, prayer and praise. It was a joyful time of celebration and was a meaningful time to all.

Today please pray for safety as they travel back HOME!
Please continue to pray for this group as they re-enter normal daily life.

2010 Theme: Living Water

O God, You are my God. I shall seek You earnestly;
My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

Did you know that King David’s words in Psalm 63 describe a universal experience for everyone? Everyone was created for the pleasure of God and for the purpose of glorifying and enjoying God, and everyone – even those who do not believe in Jesus Christ – yearns and longs for Him. We sometimes make the mistake of thinking that David had simply attained a higher spiritual plane than we have, and shrug our shoulders, wondering if we could ever want God more than the material things this world has to offer. But in truth, at the core of our soul, there is nothing we long for more than the presence of God. He is the refreshment we crave in the “dry and weary land where there is no water.” How well we can appreciate David’s word picture here in the Arizona desert!

This year’s mission theme is a reminder of who God is, and who we are as His missionaries. The Spirit of God is the living water that fills us and satisfies us when we believe on the saving work of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:38) As we are filled with the living water of Christ, we are able to carry it effectively to the world, offering cold and refreshing water to the world that thirsts desperately for the One who saves us from sin. We are, in a way, Christ’s water-carriers.

Where would the Lord have you take the Living Water in you this year? Please take some time to pray about the options before you. For the upperclassmen, there are some new possibilities, and I hope you’ll be excited about the challenges that await you! If the price of a trip seems daunting, then ask the Lord to help you raise the funds you need. I’ll be happy to talk you through the process of raising support.

Please note the timeline and expectations outlined in this brochure. Applications will be accepted at Parent Teacher Student Conferences on October 14th and 15th. Come and talk to me if you have questions! I pray the Lord will give you wisdom and discernment as you make your decision.

Lance Schrader
Spiritual Life Director

SCA Missionary Creed

I am an SCA Missionary.
I represent God the Father,
The creator and sustainer of all things.
I seek to make His grace known.

I am an SCA Missionary.
I represent the Lord Jesus Christ,
The one who shed his blood for me,
The one who lives and intercedes for me,
The one who will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I seek to make His name known.

I am an SCA Missionary.
I represent the Holy Spirit,
The one who convicts the world and indwells believers.
I seek to build the Body of Christ, His Church.

I am an SCA Missionary.
I represent Scottsdale Christian Academy,
The legacy of missionaries who have gone before me and will follow me.
I seek to serve my city, my country, and the world.

I have been chosen by God for this task at this time.
I go in obedience and in His strength,
Upheld in prayer and with the blessing and support of the SCA family.