Brooks Schollmeyer, Helias Class of 2012

Brooks Schollmeyer is a Helias graduate from the Class of 2012.  His first mission trip was to Memphis as a chaperon.  He hopes to become a Heart's Home missionary and has even traveled to their U.S. headquarters in Brooklyn for a Come and See Weekend.  This blog is about his mission to Memphis.

Brooks Schollmeyer, Class of 2012

Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

            That decent anxious feeling was running through me as I sat on the bus headed to Memphis on November 28^th.  Being my first mission trip, as well as being a chaperone, all that I was capable of doing was begging to God to send his wisdom into my thoughts, actions, and words, due to my lack of experience.

            Arriving in Memphis, we ate at an Italian restaurant called Coletta’s.  Ian Thompson who was also a chaperone, sat at my table while we ate.  I was very blessed to have had a conversation with him as he encouraged me in the right direction starting the week off, along with being much help with any advice I needed throughout the trip.

            I came to realize very quickly that his Helias group was selfless towards one another, unloading bags and equipment into the gymnasium, and lending a hand until everyone was situated.

Holy Names Catholic School

When my group and I first arrived at Holy Names Thursday morning, certainly the environment was consisted of heavy poverty.  As we were walking towards the school, Mr. Aur pointed to a couple of houses nearby saying, “That one used to be a crack house, and this one two young boys were shot to death in.”  Keeping this in mind I walked into the school.  Two of my students helped sixth grade math, the other two went to seventh grade English, as I went back and forth between the two.  I must say we didn’t have as many activities to engage/help the students as hoped for, but this didn’t take away the amount of love we received and gave.  They quickly invited us into their discussions and made us feel right at home.  Each one of the students in English class introduced themselves by saying what their hobbies were and what they wanted to be when they grew up.  During their responses, I was hearing their heart cry out.  With hope, they were determined to live a better life than what their parents have chosen and to make them proud.  From wanting to be a doctor, artist, engineer, etc.  They were joyfully thankful to be in school to receive an education, thus they could pursue their dreams.  The teachers were on a mission to give them all they offered.  With infinite love, they were genuine and heart driven to help these kids enjoy school and succeed.  As I walked in for lunch, they all screamed at me to hurry over and sit with them!  They were so excited to be in my presence along with their friends, just giving and receiving love.

Brooks & his team at Holy Names

            Looking up at this big cross in the school with no arms, Mr. Aur tells us about history and the meaning behind it.  “We are the arms of God in this world.”  We are all here to help each other grow with God’s love.

            On Friday, my group and I went to a school named New Hope.  I helped organize school work with Liz Myers.  At first, I thought I wasn’t doing too much help.  She specified to me, “Being with the kids is great because you really sense the good you are doing, but they are grateful for everything you do for them.”  Which made me realize helping in any sort of way is of equal cause.

            The St. Jude Marathon was truly a memorable experience.  Each person was running for their own cause.  In the minds of many, “Let’s punch cancer in the face!”  Many were nowhere near in shape for this journey.  Out of straight willpower, they pushed themselves.  How grateful they were of our action in this event by just handing out water, cheering them on.  This kept me baffled for quite some time as they were my idol.

            This mission trip bears immeasurable fruits that I know I’ll never fully understand.  I have experienced the need of fellowship.  Rich or poor, whichever way life has taken you.  We all long for love by one another and without it, loneliness will take over which will rob us of the true beauty in life.  It is through one another that we see the face of Christ.

            As everyone knows who has been on a mission trip before, it’s a life changing experience.  I do believe, however, it is after your experience that you must take the gifts God has given to you and use it in your everyday life; otherwise you lose the value of it.  My mission simply doesn’t end here.  Jesus invites me to take up my cross daily.  Every day I must die to myself and live for Christ, which is challenging but well worth it.  I encourage others to do the same.  Luke 9:24 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it.”

Memphis 2012 Chaperons

            I decided to go on this mission trip because I feel a heavy calling by God to pursue one, called Hearts Home, that Mr. Aur’s son and daughter have chosen to become a part of.  If this is what the Lord has down his path for me, I will be sure to partake on this mission.

            Thanks to the Helias Catholic students, and chaperones.  I would like to give special thanks to Mr. Aur.  Thank you so much for not only letting me come on this trip, but believing in me as a chaperone with no experience.  I can only hope I met your expectations.  I owe you one.

Grace to you, and Peace,

Brooks Schollmeyer