Gary has served on over 100 short-term missions trips, and he continues to add to that number. He values sharing other cultures with the younger generations, encouraging a community of next-generation missions-active Christians. He shares some insight and challenges other adults to invest in the teens in their spheres of influence for the cause of missions.
There are three verses I use during missions trip orientations:
- 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT): “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.”
- 2 Timothy 1:6: “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you….”
- Acts 4:13: “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures.”
It is quite common for young people to have doubts about their abilities to do the variety of jobs required on a missions project. Most have never mixed concrete, laid bricks or blocks, hung drywall, installed lighting fixtures, taught school, led Vacation Bible School, etc. However, they all want to do their best. And when the trip is over, they want to leave knowing that the job was done to the best of their abilities and that it was done right.
Every team member has God-given abilities (1 Peter 4:10), and on the mission field those abilities flourish (2 Timothy 1:6). When given the opportunity, it is amazing to see the transformation from doubt to absolute confidence (Acts 4:13). Abilities are God-given, and spiritual gifts are Spirit-granted. Combining them with volunteering brings about remarkable results that are life-changing and rewarding. It also brings great blessings to those who are served. Ordinary team members who have been with Jesus do extraordinary things. God requires it.
Parents and grandparents, there is no greater gift for a teen’s graduation, birthday, or Christmas than the gift of a missions trip. Just do it. Better yet, go with them!
GIVE: Give the gift of missions to someone this year. Trips to most WGM locations are available throughout the year. Teams are custom fit—work, college, youth, family, prayer teams—so there’s no end to the ways you and your group can minister. Learn more at www.wgm.org/teams.
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