After serving on the board at the Black Mountain Home for children for the last five years, I knew that it was a special place for our players to have an opportunity to serve, and fellowship with one another. Eyes were opened as the players heard testimonies of children who were growing up in a group home without their parents. Many tears were shed that night as they listened to the hardships that teenagers just like them, had to endure at no fault of their own. Our players connected with the children at the home through face painting and a pick-up game of basketball. Prior to the trip, players took the time to go through their gently used clothes, in order to donate to the Children's Home thrift shop. Lastly, we did a two hour service project: raking leaves and helping clear out the yards on the campus. It's hard to put into words all that God did in each of our hearts. Jesus gives us many spiritual markers in our lives and this was one of them. The time spent with these girls will go down as one of the most memorable times of my life. I cannot think of a more special group to share such spiritual and relational intimacy with than my players. Thank you PCA - we really are a school on Mission for Christ!
When asked about the time spent on the retreat, Olivia Horne said, "The retreat was a special time for both teams to grow closer and bond before playoffs. God moved in big ways and it was a blessing to be able to serve the Black Mountain Home. It helped us become one big family!" Anna Jaye Walters commented, "I am so grateful that I got to grow deeper in my faith and closer to my teammates. It opened my eyes and humbled me to see children who are facing hard obstacles but live with such joy and selflessness. Experiencing it as a team made it so special." Charlee Olsen reflected that "the trip was a great experience in so many ways. It brought the two teams together as one and taught us to serve our community together. It also grew us all in our faith tremendously."
