Transformational Moments on Mission Trips
I have had the awesome privilege of being a part of over 20 mission trips throughout my lifetime. Starting as a M.S. student, continuing in High School and college and then ultimately, helping lead over a dozen mission trips during my time in youth ministry here at SRBC. Every trip has been a learning experience, a chance to see God at work in me, the students serving and those being served, and overall, each mission has been extremely rewarding.
Radiate has done local, regional, nationwide, and international mission trips over the past 20 years. About every 4 years, we try to do an international mission trip. This summer, our hope is to embark on another one of those international mission trips. Lord willing, we will be taking a team of around 20 H.S. students and leaders to Guatemala to serve in children’s ministry, construction, and health services.
I think every High School student should consider being a part of missions during their H.S. and/or college years. Here are some things that I’ve discovered on mission trips over the years that will hopefully help you consider serving as a student or supporting this trip as an adult in the year ahead.
Students can be used by God, not just adults.
On our most recent international mission trip to Hungary, I remember the locals and the missionaries we were supporting amazed at how much ministry was done by students, especially when working with kids. Students have an amazing way of making connections with people while they serve. When I was a H.S. senior on a mission trip to Mexico, I remember saying for the first time, “God is really using me here to do ministry.” That seems pretty simple now but was profound for my faith then. Our students don’t need to wait to be the church of tomorrow, they have the ability to be the church now too!
Leadership and spiritual gifts can be uncovered.
When I was in High School and college, I didn’t feel like I had a ton of leadership potential and I definitely had no idea what areas I might be good serving in. I got some of my first glimpses of serving during short-term mission trips. I had the opportunity to try many different areas of serving, which ultimately helped me uncover my spiritual gifts as an adult. I also was given my first shots of leadership as a student where another leader empowered me to lead in small ways. Today, I love seeing students uncover passions and interests while on mission trips!
Your life can change forever.
My life literally changed at 14 and 18 years old. I was already a Christ follower, but I felt God’s first promptings to go into full-time ministry during my freshman and senior years while serving in Mexico. I was able to discuss these promptings with my youth pastor, youth leaders, and peers in the safe setting of a mission trip.
It’s not all about me.
Time and time again, I’ve heard powerful testimonies of students first realizing how well they have it in life. Whether it’s being away from the comforts of home or seeing people live in extreme poverty, a genuine thankfulness for God’s provision and faithfulness is developed within them. In the U.S. especially, there is a huge temptation of becoming consumers only in life. Leaving cell phone service, a nice bed, and the coveted Wi-Fi signal are sometimes huge opportunities for spiritual growth within students. When you’re serving others, you’re rarely thinking of yourself. And one of my favorite quotes I’ve heard in the past decade by Chris Brown is this, “You’re never more like Jesus than when you’re serving others.”
Community and friendships are built.
A group of individuals leave on a mission trip but by the end, a team has emerged. This may sound cliché but when you do life from sun up to sun down with a group of individuals for a week or more, the opportunities for community and friendship are huge. When you commit to a mission trip, God gets to use all of our talents, passions, personalities, and even quirkiness to develop a strong team.
Serving can be rewarding.
Serving doesn’t always have to be cumbersome or painful. I can recall countless missions where some serious fun has been created by a team. I love the energy, laughter, comradery, and unity that is developed with a group over time. I’ve seen students with hardly any connections become really good friends on mission trips.
At the end of the day, we have to ask if these mission trips are even worth it? Do they help the people we’re serving or just ourselves? As a Youth Pastor for 18 years, I can honestly say both! I’ve seen some of the best spiritual growth and transformational moments happen within our youth ministry on mission trips. But I also know that missionaries and communities have also been blessed by a team’s willingness to serve.
This summer, we want to put together an awesome mission team of willing students who will serve the people of Guatemala. Parents no doubt have influence in supporting their students in this and students have a part to play in stepping up as well. Who will embark on the journey with us?
Student Team Size: 12-15 students
Student Ages: 8th Grade Graduates through H.S. Graduates
(possibility of former graduates as well who didn’t have a chance to take part in an international mission trip)
Adult Team Size: 4-6 adults with specialties in kids’ ministry, construction, and health fields.
Parent/Student/Adult Informational Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 5th, 11:30 AM (lunch included)
Meeting Location: SRBC Basement - Lydia’s Cafe
This is the Sunday with 1 service at 10:00 AM. Please let Bryce know if your family will be attending for food purposes. (The meeting will last less than an hour)
** We are currently looking at either a week in late June or a week in July. More dates will be discussed at our meeting and the final week will be chosen based off of the students who sign up. **
