When mission teams come to a Back2Back site, they’re not just bringing extra hands; they’re stepping into stories often heavy, complex, and sometimes longing for hope. Back2Back staff around the world pour themselves day in and day out into every child and family before them. Children long for connection, excited to meet sponsors, new friends, and receive reminders that they are never forgotten. Both staff and children were in need of encouragement, presence, and the warm reminder that they’re not alone. 

What could have been a long season marked by depletion and distance became something new when a visiting mission team from The Church at LifePark said “yes” to stepping in. 

The team divided with intentionality: one group served at the children’s home, arriving with thoughtful skits and Bible stories designed to share the Gospel in ways children could grasp and enjoy. The other group came for one purpose alone: to care for the staff, the very people who spend their days caring for others. They created space for every department, listened closely, and prayed over each staff member by name.

“The team prayed over every single staff member individually,” shared Catherine Ridley, Back2Back Staff. “The encouragement and emotion were thick in the air; I look forward to the stories of healing and mended, refreshed hearts to come from this time.”

As they served, something unexpected happened; a full-circle moment revealed just how far one “yes” can ripple.

Earlier in the year, the same church had given funds to purchase Spanish Bibles for children and families in programming. Catherine sourced and distributed them, later learning the captain of the home wanted to sit with each child one-on-one to give them their Bible and share about Jesus. When she shared the vision with the Director, he asked for something even better: for the house parents to be the ones who shared the Gospel with each child, ensuring the adults who knew them best would be sharing.  

“The house parents received training to share the Gospel and their faith with each child in their care,” Catherine explained. “And when the team arrived, they were able to sit with the children as they read in their very own Bibles, in their very own language.”

What began as a simple gift turned into a multi-layered moment of empowerment: local leaders equipped to disciple the children in their care, staff strengthened through prayer and presence, and children reminded they are worth the time, attention, and hope being offered to them.

The group’s generosity is a gift that keeps unfolding. Every time a child opens their Bible, a staff member remembers the prayer spoken over them, and every time a house parent shares about Jesus with confidence they didn’t have before, they can remember this trip with fondness. This is what happens when everyday people say “yes” to giving their time, talents, and treasure: Jesus becomes more known, safe adults are strengthened, and vulnerable children discover that people around the world are cheering for them, praying for them, and celebrating each step forward, big or small.