Lincoln boys basketball seniors Chase Jobe and Jamie Ploch have always been leaders on and off the court.

And this summer, they took that leadership to a new level, as the two seniors traveled to Lima, Peru for a mission trip with Church on the Move.

Jobe and Ploch represented Lincoln Christian School, COTM and the basketball program by helping build houses, spending time with the local children and ultimately, helping lead people to Christ.

"The overall trip was a great experience," said Jobe. "We got pray for people in hospitals, pray for people in need and provide them essentials to live life, we even got to build a house for a family without a home."

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the two and the rest of the group.

"The missions trip was was life changing and extremely eye opening," Ploch said. "It was absolutely incredible."

Head coach Jonathan Hopkins thinks very highly of both Jobe and Ploch, highlighting their selflessness in all walks of life, even on his basketball team.

"'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends,'" said Hopkins, quoting John 15:13 NIV. "Jamie and Chase embody this scripture on and off the court. As players that came off the bench, each of them played critical roles on our team, but I imagine they wish they were starters playing more minutes and a bigger role. It's human nature to want more."

However its their servant leadership through their faith that resonates most with the head coach.

"But contrary to our current culture of self-promotion, Jamie and Chase are amazing teammates that have made their teammates better by sacrificing their individual wants," Hopkins said. "The cool part about these two is that their unselfishness extends beyond the court. Each have served and volunteered at the church and at the school, but this summer, it was cool to see them serve on the mission field."

Each had a new perspective about leadership and what's most important in life as they came back from Peru.

"One big lesson thing I took away and will take into basketball is perspective," said Ploch. "Some of the families we helped had nothing but that did not stop their joy and laughter."

"I learned that being a leader isn't always about being loud, older, or having power," Jobe said. "Being a leader is how you act when everyone is watching and when no one is watching. This challenges me going into senior year to lead these young guys to put in hard work on the court but most importantly impact them and push them in their personal relationships with Christ by acting how Jesus would even when it is challenging."

Both were blown away by the faith demonstrated by the individuals in Peru, something that will stick with them as they walk throughout their senior year.

"The thing that surprised me the most was whenever we asked anyone if we could pray over them, no matter how bad their circumstance were, they immediately would ask for prayer for their family and friends," said Jobe. "It showed how much they cared for one another."

"The biggest surprise I had was, without a doubt, how grateful the people were," Ploch said. "The people never stopped smiling. They expressed so much love to us and showed so much hospitality. It was truly incredible."

For Ploch, the time spent in fellowship with kids and families is something he enjoyed doing most.

"My favorite part was going into the villages atop of the mountains to play with children, as well as helping some of the families up there with tasks around the homes," he said.

Meanwhile, Jobe's most impactful experience was not only helping a family build a home, but more importantly, helping the father build a relationship with Christ.

"When we were building a house for a family in need, I was able to have a great conversation with the future home owners and after about a two hour conversation, I was able to help lead the husband to Christ," Jobe said.

Hopkins has seen these two seniors grow over the years, but thinks this trip can amplify their leadership in new ways.

"It's been fun to watch Chase and Jamie develop over the past three years," Hopkins said. "However, I think that's just the tip of the iceberg for each of them. This missions trip is going to accelerate their growth and development in so many levels. God is preparing each of them for big things in the body of Christ."

The head coach is excited to watch these two step into larger shoes this fall and winter, as their patience has finally paid off.

"I'm also excited to watch them play a bigger role this season," Hopkins said. "I expect their maturation to carry onto the court. They have waited patiently for their opportunity. I believe they'll take advantage of it and show that patience is a huge part of God's development for us all."

Jobe is also looking forward his senior year on the floor with his close friends

"I'm looking forward to just getting one last year to play especially with Chandler, Jamie, and Luke," he said. "I'm excited for the bigger role and the challenge that brings but most of all excited for my final year of basketball."

And ultimately, this summer will help the senior get the most out of his final year at Lincoln and strengthen his relationship with Christ.

"My faith has grown even more because of this trip," Jobe said. "As I said before, being a leader is about how you act when people look at you and when people don't. And being a senior this year, I need to stay focused in my walk with Christ so I can leave an positive impact on Lincoln basketball and Lincoln in general."

Ploch feels similarly, as this summer provided a life changing experience for the senior.

"At the beginning of the summer I felt like I was almost stuck where I was," he said. "No improvement to be made and no where to really go. But this summer has been incredible. I met and grew with such an amazing group of people in Peru and made connections to last a life time."

And his outlook heading into his final year at Lincoln couldn't be more clear.

"God met me where I was stuck and has dragged me by his side," Ploch said. "I learned this year at the Uncommon Conference that I can't just try to fit God into my life but God has to be my number one priority. That's something I am pursuing and working on this school year."