You’re Only as Good as Those Around You

Jeff on September 3rd, 2010

Just a quick thought about those we serve with in our ministries.

I have the wonderful blessing of working with an amazing collection of people God has blessed with tremendous talents, gifts & abilities. And they use those skills to help thousands of people serve those in need every year. It’s my privilege every day to work alongside them. I thank God for them.

It makes me think about you. How has God blessed you with those around you? Fellow staff members, a spouse, a volunteer, or a team of people. Don’t forget to thank them. And don’t forget to thank God for them. Where would any of us be without those God has blessed us with?

Thanks God for allowing us the chance to work with others. Thanks for not letting us be alone. Thanks God.

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Now Is The Time!

Jeff on August 31st, 2010

If you’re a Youth Leader and you’re considering taking your group on a mission trip, now is the time to finalize those plans and make the decision about where your group will serve next year.  But you might be saying to yourself, “Why now?  It’s still the end of August.  I’ve got plenty of time…”

But… you don’t.  Many mission organizations are already finalizing their plans and participation for 2011.  I know for us, Group Workcamps and Group Week of Hope, some of our most popular locations are already full.  I have friends that work for other youth mission organizations and I know that they experience the same thing.  We all have locations that “sell out” long before Thanksgiving.

And, it’s not just youth mission providers.  Many missionaries and receiving ministries only have room for a certain number of people each year.  Once those places are taken, they are “full.”

Please, if you want to get your students involved in a mission experience this summer, get going now.  There are lots of folks to serve.  Lots of needs to be met.  Thanks in advance to reaching out to those in need.

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A Summer of Service

Jeff on June 16th, 2010

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.

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Thoughts on Youth Missions

Jeff on April 20th, 2010

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…

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Why Serve?

Jeff on November 10th, 2009

Helping others in need.  Doing social Justice.  Going on a mission trip.  However you phrase it or talk about it… the idea of serving others as part of our relationship with Jesus is a growing topic amoung Christians in general and youth ministry in particular.

In the latest issue of Relevant Magazine Jon Foreman, of Switchfoot & Fiction Family fame, talks about why he and his band have become concerned about others that are in need.

“I expect everyone to do social justice. ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’” he says.  “Just the fact that we’re here on American soil means we’re amoung the luckiest 98 percent of the world; we’ve got shoes, a pair of jeans, a fresh pair of underwear, opportunities to shower in fresh water.  These are things you don’t take for granted when you travel.”  (read the entire article here)

What do you think?  Why do you take your teenagers on a mission trip or to serve in your local community?  Is Jon Foreman off base or on track?

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