What’s the best way to let the world know you follow Jesus? By discussing your theology? Having a moral debate? Maintaining impeccable church attendance?

The answer is actually much simpler: love. Jesus puts it plainly on the night before He would be put to death:

I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)

Not only does Jesus share this command verbally, but He follows it up with tangible action. Jesus humbles Himself, taking the place of a servant, and washes His disciples’ feet.

A command to love, followed by action that serves others. This is the way of Jesus.

And it’s what 45 sixth-grade students from Resurrection did with their summer break this past week! For these students, Jesus’ challenge to love others by serving them became a reality. They put their faith into action by partnering with 11 local ministries and nonprofit organizations throughout our city.

Students stepped into real needs facing our community, serving alongside others who care for neighbors experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and addiction recovery, just to name a few. Not only did these students walk away with more information about what happens in their hometown, but they became equipped with tangible ways they can help.

From sorting food and organizing hygiene products to harvesting natural resources and reviving community gardens, these students brought hope to some very dark and desperate situations. And the cool thing about it all? They were the ones impacted the most! In our final dinner together, students shared the following about their experience:

“I learned there are a lot of kids my age and younger that face homelessness. I didn’t know that before.”

“It felt good to work hard knowing we are making a real impact for our community.”

“I had fun serving with my friends.”

Isn’t it amazing that when we trust Jesus at His word and follow Him by serving others, we often receive the greatest gift? The work these students did this past week has undoubtedly made an impact, not only in our city, but in their lives as well. And the most exciting part? This is only the beginning. These students have so much more to offer, not just in the years they have left in school, but the rest of their lives. Resurrection, God is at work in and through our students. Let’s cheer them on as God continues to bring His kingdom to Kansas City, just as it is in heaven.