Mission Trip Volunteer Spotlight Dercks Family

Paul Dercks’ connection to service began in his childhood, and when he joined Directors Investment Group (DIG), that attitude was encouraged. The company focuses on Christian generosity and service, continually asking, shooting hoops with the local people. When Paul realized his heart for service had been passed along to his children, he was overcome by emotion. In that moment, he again found himself asking the question, “What more can I do?” As he pondered, he noticed there was nowhere to actually play basketball, and God prompted him to donate funds for a court. He soon found out that local church members had been specifically interceding for a basketball court!

Taking this company philsophy to heart, Paul reflected on what more HE personally could do.

Paul decided to join the annual Costa Rica mission trip. But he didn’t stop there—he brought his wife (Kelli) and three kids (Bennett, Emi, and Davis), too. He figured the trip would serve as a familybuilding opportunity to deepen their relationships with each other.

On the third Costa Rica mission trip they attended, his kids brought a few extra supplies. They packed basketballs and a rim in hopes of

The next year, the Dercks family returned to Costa Rica and celebrated the court’s completion. During the dedication ceremony, Paul was asked to take the first shot on the court, but before he could, Bennett stole the ball and dunked it! While this was a funny moment, it was also representative of the Dercks family’s approach to service: Paul leading the charge and “teeing” his kids up to do even greater things. Among these “greater things” is Bennett’s dedication to the trip itself. A freshman in college, Bennett sees the value of service and attends the trip on his own initiative.