Concordia students travel to Ghana for mission trip

Concordia sent six students on the university’s first mission trip to Ghana May 11-31. Led by admission counselor Alicia Oldre, the group worked with two Lutheran schools to teach children biblical stories and provide worship opportunities.

“The joy that we continually saw in the children, teachers and fellow friends will never be forgotten,” Oldre said. “Our group was definitely challenged, encouraged and strengthened by this trip.”

The group worked at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tema and Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Accra where they led chapel for the students through skits and songs, focusing on God’s gift of grace and salvation through Jesus. The group also visited four classrooms each day to lead crafts and devotions.

“The kids love it. They get so involved in the songs, the actions and the skits,” sophomore Sarah Rethwisch said. “They constantly run up to you, give you hugs and want to hold your hand.”

The group also experienced Ghanaian culture at a visit to Kakum National Park, a tropical rainforest with a 1,150-foot canopy walkway over the treetops.

The group was met in Ghana by freshman Heather Rasch’s parents who have been missionaries in Ghana for several years. The group also included students from Concordia University, Texas, and Concordia University, Portland.

Concordia Nebraska student participants included:

Heather Rasch, freshman, Jos, Nigeria

Sarah Rethwisch, sophomore, Fort Dodge, Iowa

Malinda Standerfer, sophomore, Noblesville, Ind.

Thomas Hinrichs, junior, Auburn, Neb.

Jordan Potrzeba, junior, Hastings, Neb.

Kayla Sombke, junior, Indianapolis, Ind.