The bus was loaded—26 girls, luggage, and food—and headed downstate to a church in Kilbourne, Illinois, for an outreach program. Our first stop was at a bed and breakfast, where we unpacked and got acquainted with the host. After settling in, we headed off to the church, where we were greeted with open arms, lots of food, and a sizzling bonfire where veggie dogs and marshmallows were roasted. After a balloon toss, a game of hide-and-seek in the dark, and a hayride, it was time to turn in.

Early Sunday morning, it was our time to serve God with all our hearts. The pastor had invited us to present the worship service. All 26 girls had a special part in the worship service at the church—scripture reading, prayer, a flute and violin solo, a duet, song service, a children’s story, and a skit. It was evident each girl prepared for this special day, pointing to our special theme, "Serving God with All Your Heart."

“The Giving Person” was the name of our skit. Jessica Panatsis was the Giving Person, Jesus, who gave all He had in order to save us. Aisha Robinzine presented our children’s story. All eyes gazed upon the glove which illustrated us, as people, and the hand inside illustrated God. Aisha related that only with God inside us, like a hand in a glove, can we be completely strong and serve wholeheartedly.

Stephanie Williams brought the message entitled “Me and My World,” and told about prioritizing her life and putting things in the correct order with God first and foremost above everything else. She told how she thought twice about even coming on the trip, but knew deep down inside God wanted to use her to serve with all her heart to tell others about His love. As Stephanie spoke, every heart was tuned in. As she brought a little of her personal relationship with God into the message, tears came to my eyes. All tied in to our scripture reading from Ephesians 6:7, “Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants, doing what God wants you to do” (The Message).

There were three churches represented that day in the congregation. We were invited to come again to put on a Vacation Bible School program during the summer. The pastor said members would invite children from other neighborhoods and churches as well. A member from another church also invited us to come put on the same type of service there. The people were in awe at the high level of spirituality these young girls possessed. They were very touched and blessed by the service and at how it was plain to see God was and is working in the lives of these young ladies.

Broadview Academy is such an amazing place! I thank God each and every day for His continuing presence on this campus and in the lives of these young people.

Robin Weems is the Broadview Academy girls' dean.