Week four was Mission’s Week, one of the weeks students look forward to the most. During Mission’s Week each student is given a choice of what type of ministry they would like to be involved in. This year students had the option of staying in Murrieta for Vacation Bible School, serving in Palm Springs, Utah, Anaheim, a special needs orphanage in Mexico, at CCBC Ensenada, and a migrant camp in Mexico. This time gives students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone, share Christ they wouldn’t necessarily have met otherwise, talk about what the Lord has shown them, and be a blessing through acts of service.
The Palm Springs trip was one of the three new trips available this year. A group of 16 students and leaders partnered with both The Tesoro Club, and the Narrow Door for the week to put on VBS and to make meals for families in need. “I got to share my testimony with a boy named Erwin. He said that he was touched by what I shared and encouraged to get out of his current situation and seek the Lord.”- Jared Stine, OTE student.
Another new trip this year was to Anaheim to work with a ministry called Voice of the Refugees. Their goal is to assist the Middle Eastern and North African refugee community of Orange County to re-establish and assimilate their lives in the United States. This was a sweet time for our students to learn about a different culture and to communicate love via serving and spending time with the families. “These people (especially the children) have been through so much and it warms and encourages my heart to see them still choose joy and happiness. God is Faithful. God is Good. I love these people so much and I hope to see them again soon.”- Kylee Sullivan, OTE counselor.
The teams for CCBC Ensenada and Migrant camps travelled together, and split to their respective ministry areas, but were able to switch halfway through the week. Each team had the opportunity to minister to the families at the migrant camps, and to serve at the bible college. “So blessed by the people I got to meet, the kids I got to hold, Jesus talks and tacos. Thanks Mexico for the sweet time!”- Callie Corum. “Missions week is always my favorite at OTE. We get to serve alongside each other and encourage one another.”- Ecna Perez, OTE support staff.
It was a blessing to be able to send students to this very special mission trip. The orphanage is run by ONE27 Foundation. This is an orphanage that cares for disabled “kids” whose ages range from 12 to 44 years old. The disabilities these kids live with consist of various degrees of Autism, Down Syndrome, and severe Cerebral Palsy and others. “[This week is] forever etched in our hearts. Thank you for showing us what unconditional love looks like.”- Jordan DeFiesta, OTE counselor.
Last but not least, 30 of our students put on Vacation Bible School hosted by Cross Culture Ministries. Students got to connect with local kids ages 3 to 11 to teach them about Christ featuring tons of games, awesome Bible stories, cool crafts, amazing dinner, sweet dances, happy songs and lots of fun. “It’s an incredible thing to see kids jump and sing for God and His love for us!”- Jordan Montano, OTE counselor.
For more information on OTE, visit the website. As the summer program comes to an end, be sure to check out the hashtag to see all the photos and videos posted!