Mission trip thoughts...

In just a few days we will embark on our first youth mission trip. We have had our share of bumps and bruises along the way. When we started this process we had no clue what we were doing. Fortunately I was smart enough to go with an established group. I just wish they would make the information on who, what, when, where, and how available before you register for the trip. Parents really would appreciate that and so would I. Don't get me wrong, since signing up they have been getting us all the information that we need as well as working with us to make sure that we do everything that we need to.

We are going to Indianapolis, IN to participate in Group Workcamps "Week of Hope." There were a few reasons that we went with Group this year, the main one being cost. With a limited budget $219 was very doable. We chose the "Week of Hope" program because we wanted to start with something a little easier since we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

"Week of Hope" is described on Group Workcamps website:

Affordable “Community Service” Camps

Week of Hope is an affordable summer mission trip at just $219 per person.It’s five days of service. A lifetime of rewards.

The Experience:
Each of these Week of Hope student mission trips offers your youth a unique opportunity to:

• Offer hope to people in need and demonstrate Christ’s love

• Serve in a meaningful way without special skills or experience

• Develop close friendships with students from other churches

• Experience powerful worship and inspiring devotions

• Grow closer to Jesus

Each day of these youth missions, your students will enjoy meaningful, interactive worship and devotion times, plus individual youth group devotions. You and your young people will have lots of chances to spend time together and connect more deeply in your Christian faith. You’ll also meet new people who will help cement the lessons learned through worship and devotion. It’s moving. It’s fun. And it’s life-changing!

The Service:
All you need is a willing heart…no special skills required! Week of Hope teen mission trips are packed with practical acts of service and love. Your youth will develop meaningful friendships as they meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of needy children, youth and adults.

This may include:

• Providing meals to the homeless

• Tutoring poor or struggling children

• Helping host sport camps

• Organizing a home or sprucing up a dilapidated yard

• Painting a room or deep cleaning a home

• Sharing stories with a lonely elderly person in an assisted living facility

Whatever the service, your team’s acts of kindness will be rewarding to your group, and will “mean the world” to the people you serve. This is a week that’s all about developing relationships—with the people you’re serving, with the new friends you’ll meet, with your own youth group and most importantly, with Jesus.

All of our youth mission trips place spiritual growth as a top priority—even over the acts of service.

It was that last line that was the clincher for me, they place spiritual growth as their top priority. In doing that they will get the acts of service.

Since I still need to prepare for youth group tonight, Bible studies on Thursday and Friday, the monthly newsletter, and the youth led service on July 30th I had better get to them. Make sure to accept all of the blessings that God has for you.

Because of Him,

Terry