Students from Heritage Christian Academy embark this week on mission trips that reflect the school’s commitment to developing Christian character and a heart for service.
Students in the senior high leave early Tuesday, March 25, for Costa Rica, for a trip called Ignite 2014. Over the past few years, the school has partnered with an organization in Costa Rica called Moviendo Esperanzas , loosely translated as "Moving Hope.”
Principal Ryan Brennan says “Through this partnership, we have been able to establish a relationship with a school in the central part of San Jose province. We have been working on the construction of a gymnasium and our primary task this year is to create amphitheatre-style, ring seating. It is rewarding, if hard work. “
When not working on the construction project, students have the opportunity to deliver Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to children in need, visit orphanages and minister in various ways.
“It is a true blessing to be a part of this work,” Brennan says. “Not only do we hope to leave a lasting impact in the lives of those we encounter in Costa Rica, but we know our lives are forever changed for the better, as we step out to serve. We are blessed!”
New this year, junior high students from Heritage Christian Academy are also taking part in a service program during the school’s spring break.
Calling themselves “The Messengers,” 14 students left Monday, March 24, for Prince Alberta, Sask.
The Grade 8 and 9 students, along with their chaperones, have partnered with a church group in Prince Alberta to provide outreach programs for children and youth in the community.
“The students have grown together as a team over the past months of preparation and have already impacted our school in a positive way through various presentations in our elementary and secondary classes,” Brennan says. “Whenever students step out of their comfort zone in faith, God moves!”
The team has named themselves "The Messengers". The main message being shared is "God's love is never ending" and "God's love is sweet.”
The mission teams plan to tweet updates from their week using the @HCA_Calgary account. Information will also be shared on the school’s Facebook page.
Heritage Christian Academy school, and several other Palliser schools in Calgary, are closed this week and next for spring break. Classes resume April 7.