We rented a bus from a family-owned business for our Ambassador Day Away. With the bus available until Monday, we saw an opportunity to surprise our youth (6th-12th graders) with a Mystery Bus Adventure after church! Their only clue? Jesus’ charge in Luke 12:35: “Be dressed and ready for service.”

Our journey began with bowling, arcade games, and a pizza lunch right after worship. Then, the real adventure kicked in—we traveled to two senior saints’ homes nearby. Despite the light rain, our students and chaperones joyfully got to work, refreshing flower beds, spreading pine straw, and delivering beautiful Kimberly ferns. Their hands were busy, but their hearts were even busier, serving with love.

Before heading back, our final senior saint graciously offered snacks, fueling us for one last stop at the church. There, we prepared sweet treats for an upcoming Walk to Emmaus event—because even when plans shift, there’s always a way to serve!

The evening wrapped up with an interactive How to Pray Lab, led by one of our pastors. Through scripture and hands-on practice, students prayed out loud with different partners, including their leaders and other adults. Even after a long day and soaked clothes, they stood confidently in prayer, encouraging one another and the children in the room. I even had the blessing of praying with a child about something happening the very next day—and later, I got to share with her and her mom how God answered that prayer!

What did we learn? Our students serve—rain or shine. They treasure time together and were blessed to meet some of the senior saints for the first time. Though we had one more stop planned, God had something even better in store. And in the end, there was no mystery about it—the Holy Spirit used an afternoon and a rental bus to pour out blessings on our church family, leaving wet clothes (and pine straw) scattered in His wake!

“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:5