Preparing students for today’s world rarely follows a straight line. Just ask Jon Berends.
“We don’t need to be so afraid for the next generation. Not far under the surface they have a thirst, a desire for something good and hard and rich. They’re looking for a fingers-in-the-dirt kind of faith, where what they do and believe matters in the day-to-day.”
Jon Berends holds firmly to his view because he has seen it firsthand. He serves as Executive Director of Act Five (see What is Act Five at the bottom of this article).
This year, as has happened since 2023, Act Five staff facilitated multi-day experiences for Grade 12 students taking the Capstone course.
“When LCH brings students for a Serve & Observe trip,” says Jon, “they’re coming from a place that holds a vision of education that aligns with ours, and dynamically teaches students to be rooted in Jesus.”
What Happens on a Serve & Observe Trip?
While in Hamilton, students bunk in a church basement. They tour downtown streets. They interact with strangers. They volunteer with agencies serving refugees, youth and unhoused adults.
“Mostly, we encourage students to slow down and pay attention…and to see what God is doing and where the real need is,” he adds. “We take them on tours of the downtown, talking about the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth right beside each other…and ugly street up against a beautiful park.
“Taking these pockets of time, LCH students are learning to meet people where they are at and really know a place…and then participate in the story that is already happening.”
Beauty, Brokenness, and Being Present
While Hamilton plays a central role in these Grade 12 trips organized by Act Five, the impact is far reaching. Students learn life skills of noticing people around them, listening to unfamiliar stories, and coming alongside others rather than deciding for them.
They also come face to face with Jesus’ work in their own lives. “It’s the idea that those who serve the least of these are serving Christ,” says Jon, “and are trusting God is present in both the hard and beautiful places.”
Students end their trip with some tough questions. Where did you see God’s presence? Where did you experience His absence? Where did you feel joy and sorrow? Beauty and brokenness?
Jon believes that planting those questions will bear fruit. “We and LCH are in the same business of moving young people towards a rich life of faith,” he adds. “Being partners in education helps us know we are not alone, and knowing LCH trusts and believes in our mission, that’s big for us.”
“Partnering with LCH has been a beautiful dance of mutuality.”
