As we begin to prepare for summer 2020 over here at Next Step, we wanted to take a minute to share that we will not be serving with our friends in the greater Houston community next summer. With every community we serve, our vision is that through our short-term mission teams, we get the opportunity to participate in and impact long-term community development. Though Next Step is not an emergency response organization, we have found a great fit as a ministry that comes alongside communities after the initial relief to assist in the long-term rebuilding efforts for families that are still in critical need and might not have access to other assistance. For the past two years, we have had the pleasure of being welcomed into the Greater Houston Area to do just that.

Since 2018, hundreds of mission trip students have had the special opportunity to serve with Holy Cross Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, and other amazing organizations to help with rebuilding efforts in the community. We cannot even begin to quantify the number of people that have been impacted and transformed by the Greater Houston community. Overall, this community has taught us how to step forward in our faith and remain steadfast through difficult times.
 
While Next Step Ministries will not be serving in the Greater Houston community next summer, we will forever praise God for the kingdom work that has been accomplished over the past two years and continue in prayer as this amazing community continues toward recovery.
 
To Holy Cross Lutheran Church, words cannot begin to describe the appreciation and love we have for you all. You have graciously embraced us into your community and have treated the Next Step staff like family. The willingness to open your doors to Next Step and the visiting churches has shown us what it really means to live life through the Gospel. Also, the care and love through the countless phenomenal home cooked meals does not go unnoticed!

To the Greater Houston community and our various partnerships, thank you for welcoming Next Step into your story. Your eagerness to become zealous developers through your efforts to bring restoration after the hurricane, all while creating invaluable relationships has been life giving.

Lastly, to the countless students, youth groups, and summer staff members that have prayed and humbly served in Houston, thank you! We are infinitely grateful for your hard work, fervent listening, love, and devotion to see gospel transformation in people’s lives.

 

For more information on this transition, please contact us at missions@nextstepministries.com.