We wouldn’t dare spend a week on Hilton Head Island and NOT hit the beach!!! So, why not make it part of our ministry, right? Our EPC group had a desire to incorporate sports into their mission trip. We packed up our volleyballs, frisbees, and soccer balls, along with a couple of awesome games we made using some creativity, and headed out to the water. One of our crews made a bright, flashy sign inviting anyone and everyone to come join us for fun beach games and sports on the beach. We met some pretty awesome families and kids who joined us for games. The group of 31 youth students took on the locals and vacationers, encouraging whoever they could to come play with them. They handed out candy prizes and built “Christmas trees” in the sand to create some spiritual conversations.
Adrienne, one of the high school participants, stepped out in boldness and approached a woman sitting alone on the beach. As part of one of our “Ask The Lord” exercises earlier that day, she had a picture in mind of someone on a phone. When she saw the woman sitting and texting, she struck up a conversation and offered to pray for her, saying “we all need prayer sometimes.” Though the woman declined her offer, Adrienne shared her experience with our group during our debrief that evening and encouraged us all to reject fear and step out in faith with confidence from God.
Another day, one crew went out to do sandcastle ministry in the sand. No words needed, the group found a way to share the love of Christ with passersby through writing or drawing messages in the sand. A couple leaders even left their mark by drawing the church’s EPC logo and web address, stirring up interest for people to read the gospel messages they have on their website!
