Axis Summer Mission Trip
Last week, our high school students took part in a mission trip they won’t soon forget. We traveled to Logan, West Virginia, a town nestled in the mountains, rich with both history and heart. Over the course of the week, our students served in powerful and practical ways, forming new friendships, deepening their faith, and discovering just how impactful small acts of love can be.
The week was filled with laughter, sweat, and tears—sometimes all at the same time. Each morning, our team split up and headed to four different service sites scattered throughout the Logan community.
One group tackled the hard, physical work of digging out a massive mudslide that had buried part of a local property. It was dirty, exhausting work, but they persevered with shovels in hand and smiles on their faces, determined to be a blessing.
Another team served at nearby community centers, helping with deep cleaning, organizing, and resetting areas that hadn’t been touched in years. From scrubbing kitchen walls to rearranging furniture, they brought new energy to these beloved spaces and helped restore a sense of pride for those who use them daily.
One of our more creative teams had the joy of working with local kids, teaching them how to play musical instruments. The sounds of guitars, drums, and laughter echoed through the halls as students poured their talents and love into the next generation. It was a beautiful reminder of how sharing a skill can also share hope.
At the end of each day, we gathered back together for dinner and some well-earned fun. Whether it was playing games, going on evening walks, or simply hanging out and debriefing the day, those moments became a chance to rest, reflect, and recharge.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of each night was our group sharing time. We set aside time to talk about our experiences—the challenges, the joys, and the ways we saw God moving. Some stories brought laughter, others brought tears, but all of them pointed to something deeper: that when we show up with willing hearts, God uses us in ways we never expect.
This trip to Logan was more than just a week away from home. It was a chance for our students to step into something bigger than themselves. They didn’t just serve. They connected, learned, grew, and most importantly, loved like Jesus.
Thank you to everyone who prayed, donated, and supported this trip. Because of you, lives in Logan were touched, but just as importantly, so were the lives of our students.
We can’t wait to see where God leads us next.
-Zach Hardee, Director of Student Ministries