While visiting one of our mission trip locations last night, I had the opportunity to witness a college student lead an entire group of participants through an experience that gave each and every one of them the opportunity to respond to the message of Jesus  and the forgiveness He offers.  Simply amazing…

This Leader (and his teammate) are completely in charge and in control of a mission trip location that will see about 600 people serve a community for the next 6 weeks of the summer.  They received 2 weeks of intense training, passed through a difficult 4-step application process, and are being prayed for by hundreds of support staff around the country.  And this team and 14 others like them around the country are the strongest staff members that we have.  God has gifted this next generation of leaders in amazing ways.  We trust them and Him.  I love seeing God use them and work through them to change lives.  What an amazing opportunity to witness God at work.

So… It all begins…

This week begins 7 straight weeks of ministry for our mission organization.  It’s going to be a great summer of stories of lives changes, challenges met, and God working.  We can’t wait to hear all that God is going to do throughout the summer.

And we want to hear from you!  Please send us your stories of your mission trips this summer.  We want to highlight all the work God is doing this summer.  We can’t wait to hear how God is using your group.

God bless you in all the ways you serve this summer.

Chris Kidd is a youth leader in England who blogs about youth ministry.  He recently posted a 6 part series of posts about Youth Mission Trips on his blog: Chris Kidd – applied youth ministry

It starts here with Part 1 and you can follow thru to Part 6.  I would love to know what you think about how others in England are working through important issues in youth missions.  Leave a comment…

Jason Chenoweth was selected to receive the 10 Free Registrations to 1 By Youth.  His group is registered for the Indianapolis 1 By Youth event on May 1.  Congrats to Jason!

I know Summer Camps and Summer Mission Trips aren’t the same thing but they happen at the same time of year.  Head on over to MoreThanDodgeball to participate in a poll about the best time of the summer for big trips like Missions & Camps.  Follow the link…

When does summer camp work best for you?

Just last month, Rick Lawrence, Executive Editor of Group Magazine, published a summary of a survey of thousands of teenagers.  Each year Group Magazine gives a survey to each participant at Group Workcamps and Group Week of Hope.  The survey results are published here.

I hope you take the time to read thru the information.  It’s interesting stuff.   And pretty insightful.  I would love to know what you think.  Is it surprising?  Do you not agree?  Leave a comment and let me know what you think…

If you’re still looking for a good, fun Easter activity for this weekend’s youth group gathering.  Here’s something from Toby with Group Workcamps.

In-the-Dark Egg Hunt & Devotional

Have a blessed Easter.  He is Risen!

I was very proud when our ministry launched 1 By Youth at Simply Youth Ministry Conference last month (Doug Fields announcement was posted here a couple days ago).  We’re very excited about this national one-day service event.  The first 2 locations are this spring in Manassas, VA on April 24 and Indianapolis on May 1.  I would love for every youth group from the Indy and DC areas to participate.  The dream is to have over 1,000 people transform an entire neighborhood in each community in one day (the bigger dream is to have 1,000,000 teenagers serving some day…).  In order for a dream like that to happen, it has to be easy….  So, 1 By Youth is only $29 and you can register your group now (so we know exactly how many people to prepare for) and pay the day of the event.

To help get as many involved as possible, we’ve giving away 10 free registrations.  Simply leave a comment to this post between now and April 7.  On April 7 a winner will be selected.  So, please check out 1 By Youth and register your group soon.  We don’t want you (or anyone) to miss out on this amazing service event.  If you “win”, we’ll credit your group 10 free registrations.  Good luck!

I wrote this article a couple years ago for youthministry.com.  It’s a good reminder for all of us this spring before we begin to take our trips this summer.

“What matters most…“

Changing lives.  Serving those in need.  Witnessing God work in our midst.  All of these things are important and reasons we do mission trips.  But bringing kids home safe is the basic, important thing we can do…

Doug is a friend of our ministry and I wanted to share his note…

It’s not often I get the chance to announce something brand new that I believe youth workers will absolutely love.  I want to invite you to join us and participate in a ministry called 1 By Youth.  1 By Youth is a one-day service event designed specifically for your youth group and the local community (think “Extreme Makeover” that your kids accomplish).

On April 24 in Manassas, VA and May 1 in Indianapolis, a thousand or more teenagers will gather together and serve those communities–they’ll paint, tackle minor home repairs, landscape, clean schools, and completely transform an entire neighborhood.

In addition to serving the community with an extreme makeover, they’ll experience what it means to put their faith in action and be the hands and feet of Jesus.

The cost for 1 By Youth is only $29 per person which includes all the materials, lunch and an end-of-day celebration. All that’s needed is your leadership to get your youth group involved to serve others.

Learn about Manassas and Indianapolis – you’ll find out project information, the schedule and how to reserve your groups spot now!

Please consider having your group be a part of this new ministry. Our dream is to eventually see 1,000,000 teenagers working together to transform neighborhoods across the country. Make plans now to get involved in this movement. Visit 1ByYouth.com or call 1-800-366-8948.

Doug Fields
Simply Youth Ministry