I'm going to Maine!

I'm going next week to the New England District Association (of Evangelical Free churches) yearly conference. I will have the opportunity to speak for 7 minutes! So, in that time I want to share my vision for short-term missions. Short term missions is the major factor for people to decide to serve full time in the mission field of the world today. It also develops the worldview and character of the members of our churches who go on trips. I hope to make some good contacts for speaking arrangements at various churches and to build the network I need to finish raising the support to begin working full time with Youthbuilders. Pray for clear communication, excitement in the subject and interest in Youthbuilders as well as support.
Short term missions is a modern approach to an ancient "call"....Go therefore into all the world..."

Are Short-term mission trips really worthwhile?

I wish that every Christian in our American churches would go on ONE short term missions trip. It would affect the church in ways we can only imagine! For me my mission trips have opened my eyes to notice what I DO have, the blessings of living in America, and the responsibilities! I pray differently, I give differently, and I see the greatness of the task of evangelism beyond my own town. I am less annoyed by the kid in the row behind me or the lady with a candy wrapper, when I attended a church where chickens and dogs attended and kids played with HUGE bugs, right in the isle! I have had a chance to see what is really important in life, because I’ve seen how others have joy in Christ, in spite of hunger and the comforts of life. Yes, our churches would be so different if we all saw the worldwide church at work. Short term missions is critical to the task of evangelism and the work of God in us.

So, when do you leave?......everyone asks…..

Answer...I have to raise all my support first. I don’t know when that will be! Aaghg.
I’m learning an important lesson in the way God works. He needs me to come to the end of my abilities in order for me to know Him better.
What will my job be? I am to be the Recruiting and Marketing member of the Youthbuilders staff. Speaking to youth pastors, missions boards, youth and parents about the awesome opportunities available to serve God on the mission field as a teenager. To spread the word how churches can influence the world with THIS generation! I want the local churches to realize a vision for their youth in worldwide evangelism! It is documented* that short term trips can be extremely beneficial if not a deciding factor in confirming the desire to serve in full time career missions.
I have been in Youth ministry now for going on 12 years. Almost all of my time has been spent at the local church level, serving under 4 consecutive youth pastors and attending innumerable retreats and events. I’ve attended and/or helped lead 8 missions trips including the last with Youthbuilders. Wow, what a difference! Youthbuilders is a quality outfit!
My first dream was to fly for JAARS or MAF, but that wasn’t God’s intention and He placed me in a ministry that I love, with teens in short term missions! Now I just want to get there.