Mission trips can be life-changing experiences. The trips can give people the opportunity to meet like-minded people around the world, broaden their perspectives, be introduced to other cultures, learn new skills, and change the lives of others.

"One of the things I really like about mission trips in general is the opportunity to expose students to thinking about where we're headed," stated Beau Walmer, student ministries director at Manor Church. "Also, it's a way to help them grow skills through something like a service project or maybe step out of their comfort zone through some of the things that we do."

Although Walmer began working at Manor Church in August 2019, this will be his first year assisting with the annual student ministries benefit auction and going on a mission trip with youth group members.

The annual student ministries benefit auction at Manor Church, 530 Central Manor Road, Lancaster, will be held on Saturday, March 26, at 9 a.m. Some of the items up for bids at the benefit auction will include gift cards, tickets to local sporting events, services offered by local residents, gift baskets, a handmade cornhole set, and a handcrafted porch swing. The COVID-19 pandemic hit right before the church's 2020 auction, so donations received that year have been stored and will be auctioned off in addition to the items donated this year. Food and beverages will also be sold throughout the day.

All auction proceeds will be used to give local high school and middle school students the opportunity to serve and make an impact in the Appalachia region of Kentucky on their mission trip this summer. From Sunday, June 26, to Friday, July 1, students will help repair homes and churches, lead Bible school, host sports camps, and build ramps for people with disabilities in that region.

According to the statistics compiled by Appalachian Research Commission, one out of every three Appalachians experiences poverty. The average income is 23% lower than the average level of American per capita income.

"When it comes to the student benefit auction, it is just kind of a way to support local middle and high school students to give them the opportunity to make an impact specifically through the mission trip this summer," stated Walmer.

Donations for the auction are welcome. Those seeking more information may call Walmer at 717-285-3138 to discuss dropping off an item or to learn more about the event.