Day 6 Recap

We’ve officially wrapped up our final work day, and I can’t express enough how proud you should be of your students. Once again, they worked incredibly hard—and we had multiple people tell us that not only were these students the hardest-working group they’ve ever had, but also the kindest, most welcoming, loving, and gracious. That’s high praise, and it’s 100% deserved.

Truly, you have raised some remarkable young people. We never had any issues the entire week—unless you count the kids wanting to stay up late just to be with each other! Their unity, laughter, and bond have been a beautiful thing to witness.

Quick health update on me—my leg is doing much better today! The pain and swelling have gone down significantly, and while the meds are still making me a bit nauseous, I’m incredibly thankful for the progress and to still be present with the group.

Last night was our final worship service, and—no surprise—it was another powerful time. Jakoby shared a devotional, and the students spent the evening praying over one another and speaking words of life and encouragement into each other. My heart is so full watching how deeply these students care for and love one another. They represent Christ and His church well.

One particularly moving moment came when our amazing cook for the week, a local volunteer who has been pouring himself out for our group every day, truly demonstrating what it looks like to give generously even in the midst of struggle, had his car break down yesterday. Not only did our students pray for him, they pooled their own money together to bless him and help cover the cost of repairs.

Today we’ll be spending our last day together exploring a little—visiting a local beach, seeing some of the city, and ending the night at a bioluminescent bay (which should be an awesome experience).

Thank you, once again, for your continued prayers. God has truly used this week to shape lives, draw hearts to Him, and build something special within this team. We can’t wait to share more stories soon!

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Day 5 Recap

We’ve had another amazing and memorable day here in Puerto Rico, full of hard work, heartfelt worship, and some pretty incredible moments of faith.

One of our teams served at the El Comador de la Kennedy Center, which is a food distribution center (you should look it up and read their story), and once again, our students made a strong impression—staff there mentioned they never see kids work this hard. Another group spent the day priming a house for painting and showed the same kind of servant-hearted effort.

After dinner Dean took the opportunity to go out and talk to some of the locals to share the gospel, showing boldness and love in action.

Later in the day, our students led an a cappella worship set. The local pastor who was with us was amazed at how beautifully they sang—and even more moved by their hearts behind it.

After, Christian, Haddee, and Kohen shared their testimonies. If you don’t know him or haven’t heard Kohen’s story before—you need to, it’s powerful! God is clearly moving in and through our students.

There’s a beautiful sense of unity forming within the group. They’re encouraging one another, lifting each other up, and growing closer in ways only God can orchestrate. It’s truly special to witness.

We’re also thankful to share that Anthony is feeling much better and feeling more like himself!

On a personal note—I (Jordan) had a bit of an unexpected detour last night to the ER due to a mysterious sting or bite. My ankle swelled up significantly, turned red and black and became painful. I could hardly walk. They are not sure if it is a venomous bite or an infection but they pumped me with IV’s and have me on meds now. By the time we got back from the ER our alarms started going off letting us know it’s time to get up. It’s going to be a long one—but I’m grateful to still be here and excited to see how God moves on our final work day.

Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. God is doing incredible things!

Day 4 Recap

Yesterday was another full, meaningful, and memorable day!

Yesterday, your students rolled up their sleeves and got back to work—and they worked hard. One of the local leaders even commented, “We’ve never seen teenagers work this hard before, we should be paying them! Can we keep them?” Of course, our students weren’t doing it for a paycheck—they were serving with joy, sweat, and a ton of heart.
Not every moment was easy. One group served in a situation where their hard work wasn’t met with much appreciation. It was tough—but it sparked an incredible conversation about grace, love, and what it really means to serve unto the Lord and not man (Colossians 3:23). These moments are forming deep character, and we’re proud of how your students handled it.

Driving in the mountains still continues to be an interesting experience. Let’s just say that driving on one-lane, two-way mountain roads is not for the faint of heart! But everyone is safe, and we now have some great stories (and white-knuckle moments) to laugh about.

Anthony is feeling better today but still not 100%, but good enough to join us for the day and said he is going to try and go to the work site today.

Last night our students led worship again, and as always it was incredible and powerful. Another team even asked if our students could lead worship for their group—but unfortunately, our schedules didn’t line up. Still, what an awesome reflection of the light they’re shining!
Zeke and Christina shared their testimonies—both powerful and heartfelt. Christina, in particular, shared with such clarity and leadership—we think she’s going to be an amazing youth coach someday! We closed the day reflecting on what God is doing in and through this team. Your kids are not the same kids who got on the bus—they’re growing in boldness, faith, and maturity right before our eyes. The leaders here have been absolutely phenomenal, guiding, encouraging, and discipling your students every step of the way. You’ve got incredible kids—and we’ve got an incredible team.

Keep the prayers coming—we feel them. God’s at work, and we can’t wait to see what today holds.

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Day 3 Recap

God is already on the move in some powerful ways through our students, and we couldn’t be more proud of how they’re showing up.

We kicked things off with a solid morning and—no surprise—it was hot. But your kids handled it like champs. Not a single complaint. They showed grace and good attitudes all around.

We had the privilege of joining a local church for worship. The church asked if there was anything our group wanted to share and Eva volunteered to shared a bit from the stage (she did amazing!), and the church even celebrated Zeke, Brooke, and Monica’s birthdays—it was a beautiful picture of community and joy.

Later in the day, our students spotted someone with a flat tire, and without hesitation, about ten of our guys jumped in to help. No one had to ask—they just saw a need and met it!

We then stopped for ice cream and while some were waiting, some of our students began praying with people walking by. Totally student-led. Totally Spirit-led.

Last night, the students led worship for the team, and then we had an incredible time of sharing what they’ve seen God doing so far. Preston and Landon both shared their testimonies, and let me tell you—it was powerful. A real sense that the Holy Spirit is just getting started.

It’s clear that God is doing something deep with and within our students. They’re leaning in, stepping out, and allowing God to use them in meaningful ways.

Thank you for your prayers. Keep them coming—God’s just getting started.

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Day 2 Recap

Today was our first day at our different work sites. Two of the sites are helping local people with their home/property and the other site is a local church. Our kids worked hard today! To the surprise of the local pastor, one site had gotten through all the projects, that he had planed for the day, all finished before lunch. No injuries and everyone is still doing great!

The second part of our team arrived this afternoon and are getting them up to speed on everything.

During dinner we have the opportunity to pray over our cook, a local volunteer, who’s two year old daughter has been going through all kinds of medical testings to find out what she cannot walk. They are thinking that there is something wrong with her spine. So be praying that God would heal her and be with the family during this time.

Tomorrow we are going to a local church in the morning and see what God has for us the rest of the day.

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Day 1 recap.

We made it to Puerto Rico with no problems! Once we landed we grabbed our luggage and got our rental vans and headed to our site base, had dinner, met one of the pastors we will be helping with various projects, and made an interesting walmart run.  

Today we start our different work projects and the rest of the team will be arriving today as well. We are excited for what God has for us today and ask that you pray for safety as we work today, continued health, and for the remaining team as they travel.

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Also internet is really slow so pictures may be slow in getting added to the drive.