The Nelson Family Indonesia

We were very excited to be invited to present to three classes of high school students at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA. Orange is a suburb of the sprawling Los Angeles metropolis and our experience at OLU was nothing short of eye-opening and incredible.

OLU has an entire missions program. Interested students can take a course each year of their high school tenure focusing on missions-related topics. Not only this, the missions program has an entire wing of a building dedicated to it! Students have a place to relax, plan, socialize, pray, and otherwise breathe missions, all the while in close proximity to staff dedicated to missions and assisting students as they become aware of and perhaps personally interested in service elsewhere in the world.

Each class we presented to had 12-20 students. Most were upperclassmen but a few were sophomores and freshmen. Many had been on one of the annual mission trip opportunities the school provides, whether to a native American reservation in central California, or to an impoverished community in the Appalachian region of the US, or overseas to any number of potential destinations. These trips obviously left deep impressions on the students and spurred them to greater interest in learning about the global reach of the church.

A variety of motivations drew the students towards mission trip opportunities or the missions program at OLU. Some were in search of meaningful community. Some were interested in global issues such as the environment and how the Church intersects with such issues. Some wanted to grow in their knowledge of God and faith in Christ. All seemed highly satisfied that they were receiving what they sought – and more.

They were particularly curious to hear from our sons Alec & Caedmon since they were closer to their own age. Being able to hear how peers found their overseas experience was hopefully one of the most valuable aspects of our time there. And we’re hopeful we can continue to keep in relationship with OLU, assisting in whatever way possible the formation of these young people as they grow in greater understanding and experience of themselves, their peers, their Creator, and their potential vocations.