Faith Mennonite High School’s senior class recently returned from their annual mission trip, which this year took us to Living Hope International Ministries (LHIM) in Ghana. As the leader of this trip, I had three main goals for our time together:
- To experience what it means to live as a Christian in another culture and learn from it,
- To bless the staff and ministry of LHIM, and
- To unplug from the busyness and distractions of our home community in Lancaster County, PA.
Our group was deeply impacted by the experience. From participating in the Village Babies program and helping at the HIV clinic, to visiting and worshiping at various village churches and engaging in evening crusades, our time was full and meaningful. We also took part in practical work projects at Living Hope. These experiences helped us to accomplish two of our three goals—and I hope we succeeded in blessing the LHIM staff as well.
We were especially grateful for the hospitality and care shown to us by Dave & Lou and Earl & Amanda. Our group also enjoyed getting to know several members of the LHIM community—canteen staff, home parents, and others who welcomed us with kindness and warmth.
There was a real sense of ownership among some students in the painting project at the clinic building and the repair work at the shop. Others thrived in their interactions with school children, while some found joy and purpose in the village activities, crusades, children’s programs, and Sunday worship services. Each student connected in their own way, and together we learned more about service, humility, and cross-cultural fellowship.
One powerful image that stayed with me from our time in Ghana is learning about the Sankofa bird—a cultural icon that depicts a bird flying forward while looking back, holding a seed in its beak. This symbol teaches that while we must move forward, there is wisdom in looking back and carrying something meaningful from the past into the future. It may be a lesson, a memory, or even a hardship—but it’s something to plant, to grow anew.
As our students reflect on this trip in the weeks and years to come, I pray they’ll retrieve moments, insights, and experiences that shape their walk with Christ and deepen their sense of calling. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
May this journey be a lasting seed in their lives.
Racquel
I will never forget the time our senior class spent in Ghana. Our leaders and hosts were incredibly intentional about immersing us in the local culture. Some of my favorite memories include walking through Elmina with teachers from Living Hope Academy, attending a Sunday morning church service, and eating fufu along with various other Ghanaian foods. One of the most eye-opening experiences was the village crusade on our first full day. We drove to a nearby village, set up sound equipment, and walked through the streets inviting people to the service. I was amazed by how many came and worshiped the Lord with us. I especially enjoyed interacting with the crowds of children who showed up and joined in with such energy and joy.
Kaylyn
My time in Ghana was truly meaningful, and I’m so grateful for the experience. The staff and children at Living Hope Ministries were incredible, and I was deeply inspired by their joyful worship and love for the Lord. Even the youngest children sang and danced with such passion—it was beautiful to witness. We felt genuinely welcomed and loved throughout our stay.
One of my favorite moments was spending an evening with the teachers, who took us to their favorite places and welcomed us into their homes. Playing with the children, visiting the clinic, and joining in worship with the women and babies were all deeply impactful. I’ll always look back on this trip with gratitude. Thank you to everyone at Living Hope Ministries for your warm hospitality—may the Lord continue to bless your ministry and the lives you touch.
Jonathan
Our senior trip to Ghana was an incredible experience for me. As we visited different villages and even just drove down the roads, we could clearly see the reality of poverty. We’ve all seen pictures, but seeing it in person hits a lot harder. It really sank in that this is daily life for many people. What inspired me most were the Christians we met. Despite living in poverty, they showed perhaps the greatest passion for the gospel I’ve ever seen. They worshiped God with all their hearts, even in the midst of difficulty. That deeply moved and inspired me.
Chad
The highlight of the trip for me was experiencing a different way of worship and doing church. The singing was amazing—really loud and full of energy, which I loved. They sang with everything they had and without any shame. On Sunday, we attended a native church, and I, along with some others, had the opportunity to preach through an interpreter. It was a stretching experience, but a lot of fun and probably the most interactive and responsive crowd I’ll ever speak to.
Peter
Our trip to Ghana helped me realize what truly matters. In America, we have so many resources, while in places like Ghana—and much of the world—people can only dream of such abundance. But in the end, the only thing that matters is your relationship with God. He has placed us where we are for a reason. The Bible says, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Do you trust God enough to do whatever He calls you to do? God’s will isn’t a checklist—He wants your whole life. “Those who save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Alex
Worship has power! My time in Ghana taught me a powerful lesson: true worship flows from a transformed heart that is fully focused on Jesus. It’s not about perfect harmony—it can come through singing, dancing, even crying. Thank you, LHM, for opening my eyes to the importance of worship that comes from the heart.
Wade
Going to LHM was a true blessing—both for me personally and for our class. It opened our eyes not only to the needs of the world, but also to the endless opportunities to be part of what God is doing. Seeing the work God is accomplishing through the LHM school was deeply inspiring, and meeting the students—who were so grateful just to be there—was a major highlight.
Attending native churches on Sunday was an amazing experience for all of us. Their unique and incredibly lively worship styles were both exciting and fascinating. It was powerful to realize that even across cultural differences, we’re all praising the same God.
One of the most incredible moments for me was when five people accepted Christ during a village crusade we held in a small village. That moment alone made the whole trip unforgettable. This experience was the perfect way to broaden our view of life and the world as we graduate and seek to follow God’s will.