What in the world are my kids going to be doing?
This year we will be going to glamorous Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to work with Pennsylvania Ave. Church of the Nazarene. Penn Ave. is not unfamiliar to us since we have worked there in the past. Penn Ave. is a small inner-city church pastored by Richard Bond.
Pastor Bond ministers to many different kinds of people and has founded and leads a non-profit organization called OKC Compassion. OKC Compassion helps people recover from drug abuse, domestic violence, as well as many other personal and societal issues. This trip will take our Senior High students out of their comfort zone as we will be involved in justice work right here in our own neighborhood.
As part of the trip we will be helping OKC Compassion as they do work in the city. At the same time we will engage in a poverty assimilation during the week. In other words, we are going to be poor people. That means that we eat and sleep as our neighbors who have little or nothing.[1]
How much will it cost?
Well, believe us when we say that the money is well worth it. The trip to Oklahoma City will cost each student $25.00. Why only $25? Well, one of the reasons is because we want to teach that missions can happen across the street and it doesn’t necessarily need to cost money. The money will be used for food for the week and an effort will be made to teach that service is a lifestyle and not a one-time event.
What qualifications do you need?
First of all, we want people whose hearts are stirred to serve and provide relief who are poor and needy. In preparation for our mission trip to Swaziland in 2010, we decided to do an inexpensive but meaningful mission trip to OKC. By going downtown, we believe that we have the ability to bring relief, but also to bring the gospel to people who may not have heard it before. Therefore, right living before God is the first requirement.
Secondly, this trip is for everyone who is in the ninth grade or older. The trip to Oklahoma City is sponsored by the Nazarene Missions Council of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. Under the council’s direction along with the input of the it is mandatory that people who attend this trip must have graduated the ninth grade. (Graduation from the ninth grade must come before June 8, 2009). Because of the nature of the trip – the distance, the work level, and the philosophy behind the trip – the work will be too strenuous for people in the ninth grade or younger.
When is my money due?*
- Today – Sign up by calling the Student Ministries office. 405-789-2050.
- May 15 - $25 non refundable payment is due. This payment secures your spot as a Team Member.
Where will we be staying?
This all depends. Maybe under a bridge, maybe in the street, maybe in a box. (Just kidding… sort of)
How are we getting there?
We will be traveling downtown via charter buses. The buses will take us to the church and leave us there. All other travel will be done by foot.
If I get hurt, what happens?
We will have medical personnel available on location so that in the event that anyone would get hurt he or she can be well taken care of. Also, as part of the cost of the trip, the Church of the Nazarene is providing insurance. This is not limited to the days we will be on the work site but also the travel days. From the moment you leave the parking lot of BFC to the time when you arrive, you are covered by the Church of the Nazarene!
Will there be a dress code?
Yes! Please avoid wearing Hannah Montana T-Shirts.
How many sponsors are you taking?
This depends on how many students sign up for the trip. We are going to try and focus on a ratio of 1 adult for every 7-10 students.
[1] This can make some parents nervous. Please be aware that our first priority is safety on any mission trip. We will be working through a program designed for teenagers that will hopefully give them a different perspective on the world. We will be including parents in the involvement of the program so if you are available anytime during that week please email me: cpollock@bethanynaz.org.