I have been on two mission experiences in the past two years. One to Haiti, in which a dad brought his high school son. The second to Romania, in which a 7th grade middle school student travelled with the team leader having responsibility for her.
And I believe without a doubt that students need an international mission experience. They need to see the world. They need to go. They need to respond to a call.
The maturity I watched in this young 7th grade girl on our team blew me away. I didn’t know her at all before we boarded a bus to head to the airport. She was likely nervous for her first time on a plane, first time oversees, first time without mom or dad to guide her. But man she did it and she did it all with such grace and poise.
She was ready.
That is key in sending any students on an international mission experience.
She so easily connected with the kids and youth in the homes. She connected in ways others of us could not or couldn’t do easily. Her attitude was stellar. She loved and learned and digested what she was seeing.
She was a gift on this trip. And I encourage all to create experiences and moments where students can get outside of their own world and serve.
If your church doesn’t do international missions, find an organization who does and go through them.
Pray about what God wants for your church and how you may be the yes your church is waiting for.
Moms/Dads—go with your kids, go without your kids and set an example of obedience, and finally – send your kids.
They matter in the world.
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