Compassion Builds Community

With the success of our Nicaragua Mission Trip back in the early 2010s, the Parish had two levels of mission/immersions trips offered. International trips to Nicaragua and several local mission / immersion trips with Sacred Heart Community Service and other local organizations. We were now seeking a third level in between: a national mission trip within the United States but outside the state. Through the movement of the Holy Spirit, a parishioner’s niece’s husband worked for a mission trip organization. Upon hearing of our desire, the parishioner linked us together and thus the relationship between Holy Spirit and Next Step Ministries was born.

2014 was our inaugural National Mission Trip. Roughly 40 parishioners: middle school youth, their parents, and several Holy Spirit staff served the community of Perkinston, Mississippi. It was a tremendous success. 2015 trip grew to 50 parishioners, this time serving in Crown Point, New Mexico.

Then in 2016, we found the community of San Augustine, Texas. The warm, welcoming nature of Pastor Sheldon and his wife Ms. Robyn of White Rock Church was the community we were seeking to bond with. They welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family. The 2016 trip was such a huge success that we decided to come back. From 2016 to 2024, we have served with Next Step Ministries to the community of San Augustine, Texas and White Rock Church. This most recent mission trip was a tremendous week. From my viewpoint, it was refreshing to see the first-time participants experience the work, the group bonding, the conversations, and the reflections.

Upon my own reflection, 10 years later from the 2014 Mississippi trip to the 2024 Texas trip, I am in awe at how fast time flies, how much things have changed, and how much things have stayed the same. If it weren’t for the grace of God, I would not have met these wonderful people from Next Step Ministries who dedicate their time and effort to help and offer help to those in need. And it is because of the grace of God that these two very different faith communities of Holy Spirit Parish from San Jose, CA and White Rock Baptist Church from San Augustine, Texas are forever linked.

This is what service is all about and why we are called to serve. The fortunate by-product of going out to serve is the potential bonds, friendships, and relationships that can be formed. Jesus fully knew and experienced this…which is why He calls us to do the same. Through the compassion and the calling of serving others, community is built. Here’s looking to another 10 years!

Blessings,

Row David

Pastoral Associate