Hyde Park Schools Annual GOWEEK Ministry Program

By Anne DeVries

Hyde Park (HP) Schools participated in their GOWEEK missions during the first week of March.

The program is structured to enhance the school’s curriculum by helping students grow spiritually, mentally, and physically through service. The program offers a variety of mission and service opportunities for students to spread hope through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

GOWEEK is a weeklong program scheduled annually in March. Students, 4k-12th grade, are divided into service ministry teams, guided by Hyde Park faculty and community members, to work and, in some cases, live together during the time they serve. Numerous local causes are supported, so not all students travel out of Austin, but the GOWeek Ministry serves ten international and several out-of-state missions also. The program aims to provide students with cultural immersion, ministry opportunities, and a deeper understanding of what God is doing in the world around them.

When asked how GoWeek impacts the student body at Hyde Park, Head of School Dr. Chris Coy replied, “GOWEEK represents the heart of Hyde Park Schools. Our students experience outside in the world what they learn inside the classroom: serving others like Jesus did for them can have an eternal impact on their lives and the ones they serve.”

The options for serving are vast. By offering older students the opportunity to choose a far-off destination to serve, like Ireland, Spain, or Egypt, they can broaden their world experience and begin comprehending the challenges other nations face to serve the disadvantaged. The experience can be lifechanging.

Regarding his experience, HP Senior Sam Ballard, who served with Austin Serving Abaco in Abaco Bahamas, stated, “GOWEEK gave me a humbling, eye-opening experience outside my comfort zone to show up and walk with people who have few resources and opportunities. I learned to appreciate my next steps as I go out into the world after high school and to think about how I can use my life for others”.

The local charities reached by HP Go Week include the Ronald McDonald House, Community First, Foster Village in Dripping Springs, Down Home Ranch, and others. In total, over forty different non-profits are served by the HP Schools community during their Week-long initiative.

Through GOWEEK, students can develop as Christian servant leaders and learn how their gifts and abilities can be used to impact the lives of others. The program is designed to help students develop a life of servant leadership that extends well beyond their years at Hyde Park Schools.