rebuild, restore, rejuvinate

I might have some white hairs, and enjoy a good cup of tea in my snuggie on a rainy day, but I am not THAT old. But man, hanging out with twenty something high schoolers this past week made me feel old. But in a good way.

I was granted the amazing opportunity to lead a team of Texan high schoolers to Joplin, MO to help rebuild the city after tornados destroyed it last May.I was not exactly sure what to expect, 

as this was my first time on an Encounter trip. I also have not been around high schoolers in a long while. But it was so amazing how we all came together for a single purpose. RESTORE.

This group in particular was kind of a random group. The kids were all from the same church, however most of them didn’t know one another, nor did they know their own counselors very well. Also, some of the youth had not been on effective missions trips in the past, so they were very skeptical at first as to what our plans were. However I have never seen a harder working group of youth before!! While a majority of this group were girls, they were not afraid to get dirty, get their legs scratched up by thorns, accidentally step on rusty nails, get sunburnt while freezing in the wind, and sometimes running away from spiders or other weird bugs we found buried deep.

I was really excited to help with this “old school” missions trip. Where I could wear old clothes, pick up a hammer, wear bandanas and really feel exhaustedly accomplished at the end of a long day of manual labor. 

Those were the kind of missions trips I went on in high school, so they will always hold a special place in my heart. I was even more excited to find out that for a lot of these youth, this was their very first missions experience! What a great opportunity for me to share God’s word and hope not only to the devastated people of Joplin, Missouri, but also to share in the goodness of our Lord and participate in true action of the word with these youth! In so many ways, this missions trip was not just about cleaning up the plots of land for rebuilding homes in the local neighborhoods. It was not just about reminding the community of Joplin that they have not been forgotten and we still unite together to help them. It is not just about cleaning pastures so that farm life can continue there in Missouri. Its not just about me gaining experience and learning how to be a Project Leader for Encounter. It wasn’t even just about the youth having a great time serving and connecting to missions and one another. All of those are great things, but then don’t add up to much when alone. They must all work together and combine in order to truly make a difference. Cause at the end of the day, it is just about glorifying the Lord in ALL things.

Colossians 3:14,17

I cannot tell you the newfound joy I have now after returning from my time in Joplin with these inspiring youth. They are on fire for the Lord in a big way, and are already making plans to impact God’s Kingdom through powerful actions. Seeing the appreciative smiles from the local community of Joplin will stay with me forever.

The kids said this to me multiple times, and I have to agree with them: I have the best job ever. Mobilizing generations of people to change and impact God’s Kingdom here on earth is SUCH an honor. I could not be more blessed to work with these groups of adults and youth to serve and show God’s love. I can only do this job with your help and support. Please consider donating to this ministry in order for me to continue this impactful and empowering work with Adventures in Missions. Your money won’t go to waste. I mean, just look at these smiling faces of the youth who know how much their Daddy in Heaven in proud of their clean up work over Spring Break? You helped bring them that smile. Continue the smiles by becoming a monthly donater. 

Have questions or wanna chat more? Shoot me an email or comment! I love those!!