Sent to Serve

Over winter break, members of our Cornerstone family stepped far beyond their comfort zones and into God’s work in Guatemala. Two seventh graders, an alumna from the Class of 2023, and a Cornerstone mom joined hands with local ministry Casa del Redentor in the Panajachel region, serving communities through compassion, prayer, and the hope of the gospel. Though their ages and roles differed, their shared purpose was clear: to love like Jesus and be His hands and feet.

Braxton Lampert, 7th Grade: Serving with the Heart of Christ

For Braxton, the trip was more than completing projects or distributing food, it was about the heart behind serving. Each day began with team devotions that left a lasting impression on him. “Those morning devotions helped me see how others are walking out their faith and inviting God into their struggles,” he shared. “Seeing what Jesus was doing in their lives really encouraged me.”

As the team visited villages to play with children, provide meals, and improve community spaces, Braxton was struck by the joy of the people they served. “Guatemala was beautiful, but there was so much poverty,” he reflected. “Even though many had so little, they reflected the joy of the Lord in an incredible way.”

He returned home with a deeper understanding that serving is not merely about actions but about love. “It’s not always just about the physical act of serving others,” he said. “It’s about the heart behind it, loving like God loves us and loving others with that same love.”

His encouragement to fellow students is simple: if you want to grow in serving and in faith, step out and trust that God is with His people everywhere.

Noah Stahl, 7th Grade: Discovering That Love Has No Barriers

Noah’s experience revealed that God’s love transcends language, culture, and expectations. 

While serving in villages through meals, prayer, and school visits, one moment stood out: playing soccer with children in Patzatzun. “While I did not speak a lot of Spanish, I learned that play is universal,” he said. “We had a blast, and their smiles were infectious.” The joy of the moment culminated in a memory he will never forget: “When it was time for them to go inside, a little boy came up and hugged my legs.”

He also witnessed God’s power at work in a village where access to ministry had been threatened. Despite opposition, the community chose to keep the ministry present because of its impact. “While Satan was trying to kick us out, God’s love won,” Noah said, recognizing the spiritual victory and the opportunity to continue serving.

The trip reshaped his perspective and gratitude. “I am so much more thankful for everything I have,” he shared. “While they may not have had an abundance of material items, their love and gratitude for what God was providing was humbling.”

His message to others is clear and confident: “Just say yes. When God calls you, He already has it mapped out for you… whether it is Guatemala, your next-door neighbor, or anything in between. It all matters to God.”

Isabel Hicks, Class of 2023: Living Out a Sending Faith

For alumna Isabel Hicks, the week embodied the call of John 20:21: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Prayer walking through the village of Chuitziyut, she and her team went door to door, lifting up families’ needs and sharing God’s love.

She found deep joy in singing, dancing, and playing games with children while others distributed food baskets. Seeing the children’s faces light up reminded her that even small acts of love carry eternal significance. The week was a powerful opportunity to live as the hands and feet of Jesus and to witness the kingdom of God at work. 

A Mother’s Perspective: Faithfulness That Continues

Cornerstone mom and former staff member Heidi Hicks offered a meaningful perspective on the importance of partnering with local believers. Serving alongside the faithful staff of Casa del Redentor, she witnessed a ministry that extends far beyond a single week of missions. From feeding programs and Bible teaching to weekly follow-up with families, their work reflects a deep commitment to discipleship and long-term transformation.

During the week, the team helped paint and clean a library space, prepared and served meals at a local school, and prayed with families while distributing food. They also worshiped alongside a local Spanish-speaking congregation, a powerful reminder that the gospel transcends language and culture, uniting believers as one body in Christ.

What impacted Heidi most was seeing the consistency of the local ministry. Rather than one-time outreach, Casa del Redentor continues walking with families, building relationships, and nurturing new believers in their faith. The experience reinforced that missions is not only about going, but about supporting and strengthening the work God is already doing through His people.

She returned home encouraged and humbled, grateful for the opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness and to play a small part in His greater story unfolding in Guatemala!

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As we reflect on this winter break journey, we are reminded that missions is not reserved for a select few or distant places, it is an invitation for all believers to live sent, wherever God has placed them. From seventh graders taking their first steps in service to alumni continuing their calling and parents faithfully supporting the work, this trip is a beautiful picture of the Cornerstone family walking in obedience together. 

May their stories inspire us to pray more intentionally, give generously, and remain open to God’s leading, whether across the world or across the street, trusting that He will use willing hearts to make an eternal impact!