Irving church becomes missions learning lab for students

Posted: 8/19/05

Irving church becomes
missions learning lab for students

By Leann Callaway

Special to the Baptist Standard

IRVING–The missions program of Oak View Baptist Church became a learning lab for eight student missionaries this summer.

Six of the workers served a week at the Irving church before departing for other assignments through the Baptist General Convention of Texas Center for Collegiate Ministry. Two students–Caroline Nel-son from Baylor University and Jessica Neuwirth from Hous-ton Baptist University–spent all summer at Oak View.

Student missionary Caroline Nelson poses with a young girl.

“I've always loved stepping out of my comfort zone and serving the Lord in different places, wherever he calls me,” Nelson said.

At Oak View, the students served in the Jerusalem Project, an outreach through which the church has established nine missions in surrounding neighborhoods. The program was founded by Jim Gerlach, Oak View's pastor, and is overseen by Oak View's minister of missions, Sergio Matassa.

Spending even a week with the church's far-reaching missions work made a difference in the students' lives, they reported. And for some, it provided additional preparation for a life in ministry.

The larger group of student missionaries led Kid's Clubs at three of Oak View's missions, and 21 children made professions of faith in Jesus Christ.

“We saw the Holy Spirit work according to his timetable, instead of our agenda,” said John Williamson from Texas A&M University. “At one of the apartment complexes, the kids were rough, and the gangs have had a big influence on many young lives. They could even be uncontrollable at times.”

Children at Oak View's missions show how much they enjoy the activities.

The games, songs and other activities students led at two other apartment complexes made no impact on the young people at that complex, so the student mission volunteers changed their approach.

“We ended up meeting the kids where they were and doing things like dancing around to Christian rap music, playing football and finding ways we could relate with them,” Williamson said.

“As a result of laying down our own agenda and actually showing a genuine interest, three guys that we thought were impossible to reach accepted Christ. It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit take control.”

As the rest of this group headed to the Northwest, Nelson and Neuwirth continued helping Oak View make an impact on the community.

“I knew that God was calling me to serve him this summer and to focus on others and not on myself,” Neuwirth said. “Being used to do God's work and showing love to these kids is incredible. I've never been a part of anything like this before. This experience at Oak View has been so amazing. The prayers and the blessings that have come from this church and the people who have encouraged us have meant so much. I'll never forget this experience. It has blessed my life so much.”

Student missionary Richard Benavidez dressed up as a "Ninja Turle" to capture the Children's attention.