Students Serve Portland Through Mission in Action

Six PAA students, along with Pastor Steve Lemke, spent two full days serving the Portland community, stepping into hands-on opportunities to make a real difference through five different service projects. Their willingness to serve, learn, and engage made a meaningful impact across the city.

On the first day, students began at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, building wheelbarrows, sorting supplies, and preparing materials for reuse. In the afternoon, they partnered with SMART Reading, cleaning and repairing donated books that will be given to children in low-income families. Through this work, students saw firsthand how access to books can shape a child’s future and open doors to learning.

That evening, students joined nearly 100 other volunteers at CityTeam for Night Strike, serving Portland’s most vulnerable community by helping provide meals, medical care, and basic necessities. It was a powerful experience of compassion, humility, and service.

On day two, students continued their work at the PACS thrift store, sorting donations, stocking shelves, and preparing items for sale. They finished their mission experience at the Sunshine Division, organizing food donations into boxes that will support families in need as the organization transitions to a new location.

Throughout the trip, students didn’t just serve - they connected, learned, and grew. They saw how many people care deeply about the Portland community and discovered the impact they can have when they step forward to serve others.

We are proud of our students for living out their faith in tangible ways - showing up, working hard, and sharing God’s love through action.