This past week, our team of 8 high school students and 4 leaders had the opportunity to travel to Kansas City, Missouri, and partner with The Grove Church for a week of serving their community. From the very beginning, the focus was simple: love people in practical ways and create opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationships centered on Christ. Over the course of the week, we saw God work through small acts of service, intentional conversations, and even unexpected moments.
We kicked off the week on Monday by canvassing neighborhoods with door hangers, inviting residents to a “Dumpster Day” and Block Party that we would host later in the week. This was more than just handing out flyers—it was a chance to walk the streets, pray for homes, and begin building a connection with the community. Students were encouraged to see each door not as a task to complete, but as a person or family God cares deeply about.
Tuesday, we shifted our focus indoors as we helped with food preparation for an upcoming Maker Camp that The Grove will host. Preparing volunteer meals for the camp allowed the people from The Grove to focus their energy during the camp on the families in the area. It was a great reminder that behind every successful outreach event are people faithfully serving in ways that often go unseen.
On Wednesday, we hosted a value-shaping event night for The Grove’s student ministry. The topic centered on building relationships through Christ. This event was completely planned, organized, and run by our 8 students on the trip. Through teaching, discussion, and time together, students from The Grove were challenged to think about how their friendships can reflect Christ’s love and truth. It was encouraging to see students from both groups connecting, sharing, and growing together.
Thursday was the highlight of the week as everything came together for Dumpster Day and the Block Party. The Dumpster Day was a practical way to serve the community by providing large dumpsters where people could bring their trash and dispose of it for free. Our students helped unload cars, carry heavy items, and most importantly, talk with people while they served. These conversations opened doors for encouragement and invitations to church.
On the opposite side of the campus, the Block Party was in full swing. We had cotton candy, popcorn, lawn games, two jump houses, and we were cooking authentic “LA-style” street dogs—bacon-wrapped with peppers and onions. They were a huge hit! Families stayed, kids played, and people genuinely appreciated The Grove for hosting an event that served the neighborhood in such a fun and welcoming way. The entire campus was filled with energy, laughter, and meaningful interactions.
God Story Highlight: One of the most memorable moments of the week actually started back on Monday during door hanging. One of the students had a flyer slip out of her hand and fly into someone’s yard behind a fence. Since she couldn’t retrieve it, she prayed that God would use it to bring someone to the church. Then on Thursday, that same student had a conversation with a man who said, “Oh, I found this paper on my lawn and decided to come check it out.” She was able to invite him to church that coming Sunday, and he said he would consider it. It was a powerful reminder that God works through even the smallest moments of obedience—and sometimes even a flyer blown by the wind.
We closed out the week on Friday by helping set up and tear down for a homeschool dance that was hosted in the event space the church runs for the community. It was another practical way to serve The Grove and support their ongoing presence in the neighborhood. Between setup and teardown, we had about four hours off campus, which gave us a chance to enjoy a fun night exploring Kansas City. Our group grabbed some local BBQ and then headed to a Royals game, which was a perfect way to relax, celebrate the week, and enjoy time together after several full days of serving.
Throughout the week, we saw God working in the hearts of people in the community around The Grove. Whether through unloading trash, serving food, building friendships, or simply handing out invitations, each moment played a part in pointing people toward Christ. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside The Grove Church and encouraged by the ways God used our students to love and serve others.
Student Ministry Trip: Kansas City
