When I was a youth group leader, I always loved to watch how quickly community developed during student mission trips. A byproduct of that community (and one of the things I most appreciate about youth ministry) is seeing the transformation that takes place in the life of each young person.
As director of Short-Term Programs (STP), I get to see this transformation happen in the students who come through Rosedale International (RI)’s City Challenge program. There is something incredibly life-giving in seeing the same students who arrived at the Rosedale International Center (RIC) feeling unsure or unenthusiastic, leave on Friday afternoon full of smiles and endless stories to share at home on Sunday morning!
This past summer, the leader of one of the youth groups who joined us for City Challenge shared with me that his students received exactly what they needed through their experience. I believe that our program is truly special; I’d like to summarize what we do in Columbus for five or six weeks each summer and invite you to join us.
Students arrive at the RIC on Monday afternoon and are quickly oriented to the fast-paced rhythm of our program. The next three and a half days are packed with opportunities to experience and participate in local ministry. These include times of worship and teaching, neighborhood prayer walks, service projects, work with community nonprofits, and a city-wide prayer challenge.
Our job as STP staff is to guide your students as they process these experiences. The preparation that goes into the City Challenge program is noteworthy; most notably, Phil and Lexi (program facilitators) put countless hours into creating an environment that is welcoming to all groups, no matter the size or dynamics. They also train the RIC interns, who play a huge role in City Challenge each summer.
Jesus works in this place and in the lives of the students and leaders who serve here.
Every two years, our staff develops a new curriculum that gives participants tools to live a life in obedience to Jesus’s calling. We are looking forward to year two of “Fishes and Loaves,” a curriculum centered around Jesus feeding the 5,000. We hope that as students wrestle with this story during City Challenge, they will come to the realization that Jesus can do incredible things with whatever they bring to Him—regardless of how large or small they believe their offering to be.
Our team has experienced many highs and lows since the pandemic a few years ago. But regardless of any changes, one thing remains consistent and undeniable: Jesus works in this place and in the lives of the students and leaders who serve here. Through City Challenge, youth groups build deeper connection with each other and their Creator, broaden their perspective on missions, and return home with tools to transform their friends, families, schools, and communities.
I invite you to join us in Columbus for City Challenge 2026. Registration is currently open for the following weeks: June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, and July 13-17. You can register your group at https://rosedaleinternational.org/cc/. Spots are filling up fast, so don’t wait—we hope to see you in Columbus real soon!
Photo credit: Rosedale International
