Dear Friends,

I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to share something that’s been on my heart and to invite you to be part of it.

From June 3–14, I will be returning to Athens, Greece on a mission trip with a team of 11 believers from Texas and Wisconsin. We will be serving alongside local churches, working with the homeless, refugees, and individuals who are vulnerable to trafficking—offering food, essential supplies, prayer, and most importantly, human connection.

This trip is especially meaningful to me because I went to Athens last year—and it changed me in a way I didn’t expect. If I’m honest, I went into that trip with the wrong mindset. I saw myself as someone going to “help” people—those Jesus calls “the least of these.” But one moment in particular reshaped my perspective completely.

One night, while we were walking the streets handing out sandwiches and juice boxes, I met a woman who asked for a red juice box. I didn’t have any left—only blue. When she declined, I felt frustrated and even a bit superior, thinking she should just take what she was given and be grateful. Later that night, as we debriefed, I shared the story in a way that made light of her. Someone on my team simply said, “Brent… don’t you understand? She wanted a red one.” That moment hit me hard.

I realized I had completely missed her humanity. She wasn’t a problem to solve or a task to complete—she was a person, with preferences, dignity, and worth, just like me. In that moment, I saw how easy it is to dehumanize others when we view them as “less than.” And the truth is, I was the one who needed my heart changed. Jesus says in Matthew 25:40 - “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

That verse feels very different to me now.

This year, I’m returning with a diAerent posture—not to “fix” people, but to see them, honor them, and serve them with humility. I’ll also be serving as a leader on this trip, helping guide our team and leading our morning and evening devotionals.

To make this trip possible, I am raising $4,000. All donations will go through Christian Steps Ministries, a registered 501(c)(3), and are tax-deductible. Christian Steps Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: 81-1678503

If you feel led to support, there are two meaningful ways you can be part of this:

1. Financial Support - Your donation will directly help cover travel, lodging, and ministry expenses. Any amount— large or small—makes a real difference.
2. Prayer - Please pray for our team—that we would serve with humility, love well, and be open to how God wants to work in and through us.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for considering being part of what God is doing in Athens. Your support—whether through prayer, giving, or encouragement—means more than you know.

WitLooL,

Brent D Kern

• Provides meals and supplies
• Supports outreach to refugees
• Helps vulnerable individuals feel seen and valued
• Equips ministry teams on the ground

WitLooL,
Brent D. Kern