Neligh Teens Participate 5-Day Mission Trip

Six high school students recently returned to Neligh after participating in Hope Nebraska—a new, five-day mission trip.

Haley Kerkman, Simon Beacom, Layne Bullock, Trey Svatos, Garret Belitz and Conor Ramold, youth from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, along with their sponsor Becky Kerkman, were were among the 40 teens who served at St. Augustine Indian Mission in Winnebago in partnership with Hope of the Poor, June 10-14.

Becky Kerkman said the youth stayed at St. Augustine and traveled to Macy each day to interact with the children there as part of the mission led by Danny Leger.

“Danny Leger said the purpose of the mission is to just spend time with the people there and interact with the children,” Kerkman said. “His idea is to see Jesus through the eyes of the poor, living out, ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.’”

She said they spent time with the children by coloring, jump roping and playing basketball and card games. Their days also consisted of prayer, cultural talks and a different speaker every night.

This was the first year St. Francis in Neligh has participated in this mission, but it won’t be the last.

“It was an amazing experience,” Kerkman said. “I think it will continue to grow each year.”

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