New School Provides Learning, Mission Opportunities
Victoria Geurink is wrapping up her year as a student in the inaugural class of the Bridge Street Mission School.
“What drew me here was the community at the Bridge Street House of Prayer (BSHOP) and living and doing life on the west side with west-siders,” she said.
The non-profit ministry along Bridge St. in Grand Rapids has been around for several years - initiating urban ministry outreach efforts such as youth programs, prayer/study groups, special events and a neighborhood coffee shop. But this was the first year for the mission school, a one-year program designed for students to “go deeper.”
“It’s a training/discipleship opportunity for post-high school-ers who want to take eight months in equipping themselves to follow Jesus in mission wherever He calls,” said BSHOP director Ryan Waalkes.
A combination of classroom training, hands-on local ministry, and a two-month international mission experience are part of the school’s curriculum.
LIVING OUT THE MISSION
This first year of the mission school featured just seven students, with four ministry staff members leading them.
“All of the students live in community in an apartment building we own,” noted Waalkes of a spot less than a block from their headquarters. “They cook and eat meals together and there are 40 to 50 hours per week with some sort of scheduled activity,” he said of the intensive effort.
Geurink said the community living concept has been challenging.
“You see everything about each other, and realize the bad that is in yourself,” observed the Allendale High School graduate. “But that is where you see the grace of God flowing through the community in accepting and forgiving each other.”
BSHOP youth discipleship director Derek Sterenberg said there are three phases to the 8-month program – spiritual formation, international mission, and equipping and sending.
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Guest pastors and leaders are invited to address students on various issues and concepts. They cover subjects such as Biblical overview, prayer, worship, global ministry/mission and social justice.
There’s even a unit on spiritual warfare.
Meanwhile, the students also serve in the coffee shop ministry (at The Pavilion, 1056 Bridge St NW), help tutor students from nearby Sibley Elementary and Westwood Middle schools and interact with neighborhood kids.
“The thing I’m continually surprised by is the power of the gospel to transform lives,” said Sterenberg. “These students are different people than when they started here, and I feel like I’ve been able to watch God do incredible work.”
ON THE WORLD STAGE
The seven students and leaders spent two full months in Guatemala to work as part of an ongoing ministry there. The focus was La Limonda, a shanty-town in a forgotten section of Guatemala City. It’s the largest urban slum in Central America, with an estimated 60,000 residents. Guerink and her fellow students helped teach art and music in a Christian school there.
To Geurink, it was the most “impacting” part of her Mission School experience. “We watched God work through each one of us, giving us the strength and energy together for another day or class,” she said, pointing to a group of verses in I Peter that defined the trip.
“…If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ…” (I Peter 4: 10-11 NIV).
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Waalkes is hopeful that the school can expand next year to perhaps a dozen or so students, as the infrastructure of the program is established to handle growth. There is adequate residential room for additional students, but he wants to maintain the discipleship emphasis which requires one-to-one time.
The BSHOP already conducts a summer time “immersion” experience for high school students who wish to serve in the neighborhood, and some of them have expressed interest in the mission school.
The suggested age range is listed from 17-30. Waalkes said the year-long course offers high school or college students a “gap” year of discipleship study during their regular post-high education. Or it may interest someone finished with college who wants to serve and study before going on in their work career.
There is a cost for the experience. Tuition is around $7,200 per year, which covers all room, board and transportation, including the international mission trip. And at this point, earned credits do not transfer to any college or university.
Meanwhile, Guerink is excited for her graduation ceremonies, set for May 3. The 19-year-old is now considering college. She recommends the Bridge Street school to others who may be contemplating their futures.
“It will be a year that will challenge and will make you grow as a person, but even more in your faith and is well worth it,” she said.
For more information visit http://bshop.org/youth-discipleship/missionschool
