My name is Rick Pilieci, and I serve as the Director of Alumni and Church Relations at Grace Christian University. I wanted to share a little about our Grace Travelers’ recent trip to New York and the opportunities God gave our students to serve along the way. Our team began their trip by traveling through New York City before making their way to Long Island, where they spent the weekend serving at Eastport Bible Church. This trip gave our students an opportunity to experience a new part of the country, build friendships, and use the gifts God has given them to encourage others.
From the moment they arrived, the people of Eastport Bible Church made our students feel welcome. Their hospitality and willingness to share their lives with the team made an impression on everyone. Throughout the weekend, our students had opportunities to connect with the youth, lead worship, share testimonies, and serve alongside the congregation.
Connecting With Students and Building Relationships
One of the highlights of the weekend was the youth group event. Grace Travelers spent time getting to know students through games, conversations, and fellowship. These interactions gave the team an opportunity to encourage the youth in their faith while building new friendships. Jeremy Herr, pastor of youth & discipleship, appreciated the students’ willingness to connect with their youth group. He shared, “I loved how the team made connections and built relationships with our students.”
Serving Together on Sunday Morning
Sunday morning brought opportunities for students to serve throughout the church. Grace Travelers helped lead worship, shared testimonies, assisted with sound and media, participated in Sunday School, and youth groups. Â
Connor delivered the Sunday morning message, sharing biblical teaching with the congregation. Kaleb Kemper, Lead Pastor of Eastport The Bible, appreciated his preparation, clear communication, and heart for ministry. Students also stepped into roles that challenged them to grow. Some led worship, played instruments, or handled technology they had never used before. Through these experiences, they gained confidence while learning to rely on one another.Â
Gracie Young reflected, “Eastport was so welcoming and gracious as I stepped into roles that I had never served in before. I already feel like I have grown so much in such a short time.” Â
Encouraged by the CongregationÂ
The congregation of Eastport Bible Church welcomed the team into their community. They shared their stories, and showed genuine care for each student. When one team member suffered a sprained ankle during a basketball game, members of the church stepped in to help. Â
Jeremy Herr noticed the students’ attitudes and willingness to serve and shared, “This group was open, excited, loving, and willing to jump right in.”Â
Kaleb Kemper noted how impressed the congregation was by the students’ conversations and the genuine interest they showed in others.
Taking What They Learned Back to Grace
By the end of the weekend, the Grace Travelers had gained ministry experience. They formed new friendships, grew in their leadership abilities, and saw how God can use their willingness to serve.Â
Connor Rice summarized the experience: “The Grace Travelers are a wonderful group of students and staff that make an impact wherever we go! It has given me multiple different opportunities to be able to meet new people, serve those people, and ultimately serve the Lord by serving those people!”
From traveling through New York to worshiping alongside the congregation at Eastport Bible Church, the weekend reflected the heart of Grace Christian University’s mission: graduating courageous ambassadors for Christ who make an eternal impact wherever they go.
The team returned with new experiences, stronger relationships, and gratitude for the people of Eastport Bible Church who made the trip possible.
Pictured from left to right: Rick Pilieci, Connor Rice, Ian Wriggers, PJ Young, Allyson Lubbers, Gracie Young.
