We are so blessed to be part of a church that has a heart for the world! This summer is a busy one at Healing Place Church as we send out teams all over the world and invite other teams to do missions projects right here in Baton Rouge. I wanted to give you a snapshot of some of the incredible experiences you are participating in this summer. As a church we have sent two teams to Honduras, one to Camp Barnabas, and another to LA Dream Center. We have one more team headed out in July to Durban to help launch a Life Church.

We also have hosted four churches who had their summer missions at our very own Dream Centers. These teams have painted, cleaned, hosted food giveaways and participated in several servolution outreaches around out Baton Rouge and Donaldsonville.

Another win this summer is our Haiti Coalition. Several churches and key organizations have joined together to bring relief to the people of Haiti. Together we have sent ten teams already this summer to renovate, reconstruct, and most importantly bring the love of Jesus to a poor and hurting world. We have committed to serve this devastated community for the long haul and are currently developing even more plans for the fall.

In addition to all the teams we have sent out, we also have sent two of our very own next generation leaders to spend their summers abroad learning under incredible missionaries and serving the needs of those on the field. Heather Leblanc is in Honduras for two months with Healing Hands Ministry under the care of Martin and Wendy Williams. Dustin Anderson is serving at our HPC Swaziland Campus, leading a team of interns under the direction of Pastor Ben Rodgers.

Below are some pictures from HPC summer missions! Who says the summer has to be a bummer? Through your giving and praying, we have been able to make a great impact for the Kingdom this summer!

It is so incredible to see the next generation really learn to be the church. One way we grow and encourage our students is through our Blue Sushi leadership class. Kari Smith oversees this group of 10-12 year olds who are empowered to be leaders in their generation.

It reminds me of the scripture in 1 Timothy 4: 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Through this class, we teach our kids to be examples through the Word and practical life experiences.

This weekend they had the opportunity to learn from a “more mature” generation when they visited a nursing home. They played games, served, and spent time together. The highlight of their visit was when they met a 100 year old woman named Mrs. Hattie. She had been married for 67 yrs. The Blue Sushi group asked questions about her life experiences and listened as she offered her advice “Never give up”.

WOW! What a great lesson for all of us. I am so often amazed at what we get to be a part of.