D Now-Service/Mission Projects

When you begin creating the schedule for your D Now weekend you have  a lot of things to consider.  While this event is only a weekend there is still much time you need to fill.  Partially because you want to get the full benefit out of the time that you have with your students and also because too much free time can be a very bad thing when it comes to teenagers.  The day where this will come into play the most is on Saturday.  This is why I suggest doing some type of mission or service project on Saturday afternoon.  It has so many benefits.  For one it does take some time, usually two to three hours, so it helps with avoiding all of that unnecessary free time.  Next, it also give your students an opportunity to really apply and take ownership of the things they are learning.  Finally, I truly believe that the biggest benefit is that your students get to see that ministry can happen any time and anywhere.  It does not have to be at some far off mission trip.  What you do is up to you.  I have done everything from canned food drives to volunteering at nursing homes.  Just look around your community, think about your students interests and needs, and choose what fits your ministry best.  What you choose is not as important as the fact that you give your students an opportunity to serve.