Strasburg youth serve others on St. John UCC mission trip

Youth and adults from St. John United Church of Christ recently served as missionaries at Washington UCC in Cincinnati, centering their work on the teachings of Matthew 25 — to feed, serve and be the salt of the earth.

Youth participating included Gavin Cook, Hannah Dayton, Cole Hutchison, Nick Palmer, Alexandria Parsons, Kennedy Pratt, Brennan Rissler, Evan Rissler and Hannah Rissler. Adults who took part were John Gerber, Heather Rissler and Pastor Jason Rissler.

The group shared their reflections during worship services July 27. Early in the mission, the story of the starfish was presented: a child, trying to save beached starfish one at a time, is told he can’t save them all. He replies, “No, I cannot save them all, but I can save this one.” That story framed their week as they looked for their own “starfish moments.”

Kennedy Pratt said she made connections that will last a lifetime and described herself as the starfish. Cole Hutchison shared a breakthrough moment with a child who at first caused turmoil but cried at week’s end. He said the experience gave him a new perspective on privilege.

Mission activities included pulling weeds, washing windows, sorting clothing, hanging signs and spending time with underserved youth through sports, art and quiet reflection. The group also shared pizza and popcorn with those they served.

Camp Washington, which operates November through March, provides shelter and health care to unhoused individuals under the condition that they work. The mission group said the experience was eye-opening, highlighting the needs of people facing homelessness in Ohio. One group member shared that recognition meant a lot to the people they served.

Funding for the trip came through bake sales, car washes and donations. At one point, when they needed hardware to hang a sign, another customer at the store offered to pay for the supplies. John Gerber said moments like that showed the community appreciated the work as much as the residents did.