As Christians, God compels us to go out and serve others. Cascade Christian Academy understands this call, and works to create opportunities for students to help others and grow closer to God in doing so.
For two school years, the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted CCA’s plans for their regularly planned mission trips to Belize. However, with travel restrictions being eased, the school administration was on the hunt to find a fun mission trip for 2022. After much prayer and consideration, it was decided that the students would serve in Hawaii.
From April 3-12, 2022, 22 students and 10 adults set out for Camp Waianae on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Camp Waianae is an Adventist summer camp that was in need of some renovations and repairs. The CCA students were happy to offer their helping hands.
CCA students conquered many projects throughout their time at Camp Waianae. Their tasks included removing and repairing screens for the cabins, digging ditches, staining the pool pergola, as well as cleaning the pool, washing the basketball court and repairing toilets. Some students also helped with cement work, gardening and organizing the storage sheds.
During their time there, CCA students were taken on fun island excursions. They were able to explore the USS Arizona at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and learn all about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States' subsequent entry into World War II. They were also able to explore Diamond Head, Lanikai Pillbox and Hanauma Bay. All of these excursions proved to not only be fun, but also be very educational outings that the students will not soon forget.
The students of CCA came home physically exhausted, but with full hearts, knowing they had faithfully served. Gal. 5:13 says that we are free in Christ, but it also offers us words of advice saying, “... do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love,” (Gal. 5:13). CCA students certainly answered this call on their Hawaii mission trip.
Randy Maddox, Camp Waianae manager, was incredibly thankful to the CCA team for all of their hard work. CCA students were happy for the opportunity to serve and are already eagerly awaiting next year’s outreach adventure to help serve more people in need of God’s helping hands.
