by LaCount Anderson

Created on: September 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 21, 2009

Training Youth through Mission Trips

I remember my first youth mission trip in the summer of 1966. Our church's youth choir planned to tour the state of NY singing concerts and working in local Vacation Bible Schools in the upstate. Our trip was two weeks long. As I reflect upon that experience and applying today's standards, I am amazed that a bunch of adults would take a bunch of hormone active teens on a trip of that duration.

From my teenage perspective it was great! I fell in love during that trip. I also learned about another part of the country and culture (we were from southern Georgia and we were ministering in upstate NY). I learned about farming and maple syrup. I had the opportunity to stay with a wonderful Christian family who modeled Christ for me.

I wish I could say that I participated in something mystical and that something wonderful and spiritual happened to me during those two weeks. It probably did, but I don't remember. What I do remember is that was the start; the planting of a seed in my mind about missions. That trip began a wonderful journey with Christ personally.

During my teen years I participated in several other mission experiences. I participated in projects at home that were a direct result of my trips away. I gained an interest in helping others and being involved with other Christians. Missions have continued to be an important part of my life. I received my formal education, and have spent the past 34 years as a minister. During my career I have had opportunity to serve churches that placed a high priority on Christian missions. Now, I am a missionary working with the homeless in North Carolina.

Youth Mission trips are expensive, inconvenient, and much trouble. Many express frustration when their youth groups go off to another country or another state. They enjoy expressing why can't we do that at home! I would be willing to bet money that in every mission planning meeting someone will express the desire for the youth to stay at home and work. What must be understood is that youth mission trips are a part of a young adult's Christian education experience. Just as we teach students the Bible in Sunday school, we teach students to apply what they learn from the Bible in practical and hands-on experience.

Jesus says: Love your neighbor as yourself. Youth learn exactly what that means by participating in a youth mission trip. It is important to understand that going off on a youth mission experience is to train the student to be a missionary at home. Who knows, maybe the next Billy Graham is in your youth group!

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