Melanie and I have always found joy working with university students. For 25 years, we were blessed to send groups of these bright young individuals on both domestic and international mission trips. It was a privilege to collaborate with such welcoming hosts and to serve their communities by bringing students with open hearts and vibrant energy to support their gospel outreach. Now, as cofounders of Batho Pele Resource Center (BPRC), the roles have reversed, and we were thrilled to host 20 university students who journeyed from Chicago to Houston for their Spring Break. Their mission? To bring the joy of “Passion on Purpose,” a holiday club that welcomed scores of children from the Garden City community between March 11-13.
These 20 enthusiastic collegians were part of The Impact Movement of Illinois State University, and their desire to participate in this mission trip down South was truly inspiring. Each day, the students knocked on doors throughout the apartment complex, announcing the start of vacation Bible school. It was heartwarming to witness these young adults engaging with elementary aged children, guiding them in crafts, playing sports, and sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the kids of this underserved area in Houston, TX. The children looked up to these Black college students, who served as such positive role models in a community where there are few.
While the Illinois students skillfully led the program activities, I had the purpose of connecting with residents who were curious about our presence and our mission. One recent high school graduate, JaCoby*, approached me, initially declaring himself an atheist upon realizing we were a Christian group. Our conversation then gently shifted to the nature of God’s love. JaCoby returned over the next couple of days while the vacation Bible school was running. He shared a poignant reality, mentioning that out of his close group of 20 friends, he was the only one who had managed to graduate. On the final day, he expressed genuine appreciation for what we had brought to the children in his community, thoughtfully remarking that he wished something similar had been available to him when he was younger. This feedback, along with the Illinois State students’ own desire to return next year for another Passion on Purpose, affirmed the positive impact of the trip. Their hearts were further encouraged as they shared that some of the children had even expressed a desire to follow Christ, planting seeds of faith that we pray will continue to grow in Garden City.
Sincerely,
Leon Best
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