GO Week: Miami

By Samantha DePriest

Each January following Christmas break, the entire student body and TCS high school staff spend a week out of the classroom being engaged in compassionate service. Over the years, our GO Week teams have served in faraway places like Austria, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico as well as stateside in Florida, Montana, and Texas. Students choose trips based on their interests and spend time sharing the love of God while lending a helping hand and serving with non-profits and ministries.

In team meetings prior to GO Week Miami, the topic of serving others was discussed among the team. Many students prayed for ways they could serve God through serving others while in south Florida. This topic was highlighted in their devotionals.

TCS Junior Sam Bethea shared in her devotional: “When we feel distant from God it is easy to fall into a downward spiral feeling of empty worthlessness and shame. Being far from God is a lie from the devil and the true love of God is closer to us than we could ever imagine. Serving others is a way to fall in love with God and feel close to him, “Humbleness is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Prayer time at East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC)

“We often think of serving others as very surface level like holding the door for someone, smiling at strangers, or even paying for someone else as those are all acts of service that we should do everyday,” fellow Junior Jenna McConnell shared Philippians 2:4-9 begins: 4 “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Jenna went on to say, “God wants us to take the form of a servant. As we go to the church today, just really humble yourselves and try to serve those that the Lord calls you to serve.”

Mrs. Hutchinson, TCS High School Guidance Counselor, helped lead the GO Week: Miami team. She shares, “During our Miami GO Week trip, we were able to feel the hand of God as He guided us along the path that He planned for us for the week. We were all worried and concerned when we found out that staff member Mrs. Perez was sick and unable to join us for the trip. We were very thankful that TCS Skills Teacher and parent, Mrs. Jody Earl, was able to join us on Wednesday morning. “ God’s provision was evident before the team even left Sharpsburg.

TCS students pictured with Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Daycare.

TCS students serving at Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) Daycare.

One of the highlights of the mission trip was the opportunity for our TCS students to serve at the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) school. Our students interacted with children helping with school work and playing on the playground.

Mrs. Hutchinson went on to share, “On Thursday, students served the children at the RCMA Daycare. TCS students had many questions as they were not sure what types of things they would be doing. Those questions and insecurities melted as the faces of the RCMA students lit up with smiles, and they quickly warmed up to our students. Our students were able to play and work with the RCMA students in their classrooms and on the playground. A fond memory from the experience was seeing the excitement in the faces of our TCS students as they interacted with the RCMA students.”

TCS GO Week team pictured with East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC) youth group.

TCS students shared memories and the impact of their experiences there:

“I had such a fun time with my class!! I loved playing tag with the girls on the playground!” Jenna McConnell

“I enjoyed listening to the kids talk about how their life is in their culture.” John Counts

“I had a great time playing with the girls on the playground and inside their classroom.” Lauren LaFleur

“I enjoyed reading to the kids. I felt special when before I even Introduced myself, a few girls made a space for me to sit next to them.” Lilyana Claborn

“I liked getting to bond with all the kids!” Rylee Jeter

“I liked making slime with the students and talking with them about some of their favorite things!” Katie Williamson

“I got to draw with the three girls hanging out with me. We also got to play together on the playground. It was fun learning how their day was like at their school. One girl I was talking to was explaining how lunch works- They clean tables, wash hands, pray, and then eat.” Toni-Marie Timpson

“I liked reading to the kids and helping them make their snowmen!” Myla Ball

TCS students had opportunities to say a prayer for the group before meals and lead morning devotionals.

East Hialeah Baptist Church (EHBC) Pastor Gonzalo and wife Ada Perez

In the months leading up the GO Week trip, TCS students and parents had a strong desire to do more to help the migrant families in the Miami area. With the help of Mrs. Perez, the team was able to connect with East Hialeah Baptist Church and determine that students could donate clothing items to support the ministry of EHBC.

TCS students enjoyed time with the youth at EHBC. They enjoyed times of worship together, played games like Musical Chairs, and prayed together as a group of believers. “We could see how God used our experience at the RCMA Daycare center to allow our TCS students to be more willing to step out of their comfort zone and interact with people they don’t know. After months of preparation and planning on our part, we know that God perfectly orchestrated the sequencing of the events for our good and for His Glory. TCS students found it difficult to leave that night after making strong connections with the youth at East Hialeah Baptist Church.”

On Friday evening, the GO Week team received a warm welcome from the members of East Hialeah Baptist Church. The church also prepared a wonderful authentic Cuban meal for the team. This church has a very special connection with our very own Mrs. Lizzie Perez. Her father-in-law, Mr. Gonzalo Perez, is the pastor there.

During their free time, the GO Week team was immersed in the culture and explored Wynwood Walls and experienced Miami’s art-culture through colorful street murals created by artists from around the world. The team was also blessed with the opportunity to visit the Miami Zoo and experienced an airboat ride through the Everglades. A memorable time was had by all and a meaningful impact was made on this mission trip to south Florida.