This weekend our youth will be participating in Mission Marietta--a short-term mission trip right in our backyard.
As both a pastor and the director of a non-profit, I'm a firm believer in short-term mission trips. And I love giving teenagers and adults the opportunity to serve through these trips. (FYI--I'll be leading a team to Kenya next summer June 11th-19th. Contact me if you're interested in going!)
With that said, I'm often asked the question: "Why should I go on a mission trip?" Maybe you've had that same question. I hope the following list may help you as you prayerfully discern going on a future trip and it's a great way to pray for our youth as they serve this weekend.
Let me also say "THANK YOU" for your support of our youth ministry. Without your generosity and faithfulness, we would not be able to give our youth the opportunity to serve on mission trips!
In closing:
Be a Blessing
Fulfill the Great Commission (Read Matthew 28:18-20)
Invest in the lives of others (Read Philippians 2:1-4)
Care for people in need (Read Matthew 10:42)
Encourage the Christians and churches in the place you are serving (Read Ephesians 6:9-10)
Use the gifts God has given you for His purposes (Read 1 Peter 4:10)
Be Blessed
Deepen your walk with Jesus Christ
Build lifelong relationships with your team members
See God’s power and might in a new way
Take the opportunity to find gifts and abilities that you may have not known you had
Experience the worldwide body of Christ
Step out of your comfort zone and away from your day-to-day distractions
View the world from a whole new perspective
-Brandon