GO Week: San Antonio

By Samantha DePriest

Trinity Christian School equips servant leaders to impact tomorrow's world: “by educating minds for cultural engagement, equipping hearts for character development, and empowering hands for compassionate service”. This past January, a group of twenty high school students led by TCS staff members Mr. Brannon and Mrs. Kuchinski traveled to the state of Texas to make a lasting impact on those in need. They partnered with Kayci, a Joshua Expeditions ambassador, who truly supported the team in every way and led devotions throughout the week.

The team comprised of sophomores and juniors, mostly student athletes, arrived on Tuesday and wasted no time preparing for their missions. Joshua Expeditions connected them with San Antonio Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in Texas. They serve over 100,000 people across 29 counties in Southwest Texas. They are very clear about their mission, “Fighting hunger and feeding hope in San Antonio and Southwest Texas”. Through a large scope of service, great intentionality and excellence, they achieve their goal to serve their community.

“Founded in 1980, the San Antonio Food Bank serves one of the largest service areas in Southwest Texas. Our focus is for clients to have food for today but to also have the resources to be self-sufficient in the future.”

Over the course of the week, TCS students assisted in the processing of donated food items. They helped pack frozen food boxes with a 2 week supply of food for families and loaded food into the 300 people‘s cars. Students were even able to share their purpose of being there with some of these families coming through to pick up food. Students also prepared food for local preschools including breakfast, lunch, and snacks in their commercial kitchen. They packed coolers for the Boys & Girls Clubs after school program as well. During their time at the food bank, students served alongside corporate staff in the finance industry. grandparents and grandchildren, and people from all walks of life.

The food bank does have a large kitchen and warehouse staff but relies heavily on volunteers. Because of their processes internally, they are good at recruiting individuals to serve. Volunteers are what truly makes their mission work and more people to help translates to the higher productivity.

Junior student Anderson Embry serves as the 11th Grade Officer on Student Council, Beta Club Junior Officer, and NHS Member. He is also a member of the Varsity Football and Tennis teams. Anderson shared, “This GO Week trip was so much fun for my friends and I. We served at the San Antonio Food Bank in the morning and afternoon, making meals and serving the population of San Antonio. We filled boxes, loaded cars, and sorted frozen goods. At night we went to the Riverwalk and learned about the rich history and culture of Texas. This GO Week trip is one I will remember.” 

Junior student Elyse Wiseley serves on the TCS Beta Club, NHS, and Student Council. Elyse is also involved in D-Group and plays Varsity Volleyball. Elyse shared “Go Week in San Antonio was refreshing and provided a realistic perspective of how we are able to live like Jesus on a day to day basis. We may not have traveled halfway across the globe, but it was easy to tell we were still making an impact by being intentional and genuine in what we did. Even the small things, such as saying the names of the workers rather than just saying “hey you!” or “ma’am” put a huge smile on their faces. Patrick was very intentional during devotions to remind us that what we do matters, and that our intentions flow from our hearts. Overall, with lots of shopping, walks, sight seeing, and grocery store runs, i really enjoyed the trip.”

After full days of service at the San Antonio Food Bank, Joshua Expedition guide Kayci then took them to visit many historical sights in the area. They visited the Riverwalk, the Alamo, Mission San Jose, and the Historic Market Square (a 100 year old Mexican market). Students loved visiting these sights and learned so much about the area in which they were serving in. Each night, the team would unpack the day through devotions and sharing about their experiences. Students shared that they felt good about accomplishing the mission and what God called them to do. 

High School Bible teacher Mr. Brannon shared, “We were so impressed by our students intentionality, efficiency, and excellent work ethic. They far exceeded expectations and did their best. I encouraged them to leave this place better than the way we found it and through their efforts and attitudes, they did just that. Every student rose to the challenge. We were grateful God allowed us the opportunity to serve with determination and glorify Him through our service. God is full glorified when we are fully satisfying.' Their humility, faithfulness, and willingness to serve was amazing to see.”