May 17, 2023 – Washington County, WI – Ozaukee Christian School, 1214 Hwy. 33
West Bend, WI, sent middle school students to see God’s movement in the foundations of our country.
The much-anticipated trip to Washington DC gave students a renewed appreciation for God’s hand in the lives of those who built our country.
Students Lucas and Anaika were both struck by the symbolic placement of the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol, and the White House in the form of a cross.
Lucas noted the Washington Monument was at the center where the lines of the cross intersect. “On top of the Washington Monument, there is an aluminum cap that says ‘Laus Deo,’ which means ‘Praise be to God.’”
Anaika recalled, “It shows so much evidence of the power of God.”
Kiera was most drawn to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. “From the knee down it is unfinished … because while [he] was alive his work was unfinished. His dream hadn’t yet been fulfilled.”
Kiera paraphrased one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sermons, “You cannot overcome darkness with darkness; only light can do that. You cannot overcome hate with hate; only love can do that.”
Leah was moved by Thomas Jefferson’s library. She recalled seeing Bible verses on display. “My favorite part was how God was woven into all of it.”
A highlight of the three-day DC visit was David’s Tent, a place of perpetual worship on the National Mall. The middle school worship team had the opportunity to sing there one evening.
Elizabeth said, “[God] was everywhere, and at David’s Tent I could feel God in me. And God was with me the whole trip.”
No student on the trip avoided the striking sense that God is in control of the country, and has been since the beginning. The evidence was in every building and landmark.
Jesse said, “DC taught me that even today, God is a big part of our country!”
