In an Economic Crisis, Why prefer International short term missions?
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by: un2meu
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Word Count: 845
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2012 Time: 10:59 AM
The teen years really are a time for learning what life is really about and finding purpose and direction for the years to come. But it is also a time full of questions. Is acquiring the latest gadget or following American Idol where every day life is at? Many teens find the affluence of American life not big enough a challenge. "What else is out there that I can sink my teeth into," teens wonder.
Temporary Missions, especially international missions, is one tool that can pry teens out of their comfort zone and alter the path of their life.
Here are five items to integrate in to the Temporary Mission plans for your youth group.
1. Discipleship on the front lines. Has got the faith of your youth group been tested? Do these young people really know the things they believe and why? Are you aware what you consider? Faith is tested in unfamiliar territory, whether geographical, emotional or spiritual. The unfamiliar is how faith either grows or fades. Embedding from your younger years group in challenging situations provides them a chance to be stretched.
American churches have too often become comfortable havens away from the front lines. Don't get me wrong. We want safe havens to return to from the front lines. However, you can't just stay there insulated from the world. A minimum of true disciples of Christ can't. So if you need to make sure from your younger years become disciples of Christ, show them the front lines and have them exercise several spiritual muscles. Provide them with suggestions for the things they can perform, prepare them, and then launch them.
2. A perspective on the main issue. How many Christians really know what God does on the planet? If you think maybe CNN - or most media - God's not doing a thing. That's a lie, obviously. But how are you finding the truth? The easiest way would be to view it top notch.
The large picture includes more than what God does. Main issue stuff teaches about life "out there," about how not to sweat the small stuff and how to care for the really big stuff. For instance, don't squeal at every bug. But do breathe deeply when you find out how lots of people malaria kills each year. Do shake your face in alarm whenever you learn top notch how AIDS ravages families. Learn exactly what it means to be poor. Teens can find out more about a different culture in one week than they could learn in a year of studying textbooks.
3. An Understanding of God's Power. So, let's not pretend, when's the last time God did something amazing in your church like an honest to goodness miracle? Miracles aren't common in many American churches, even the charismatic ones. We simply don't have much requirement for them or feel we don't. On the front lines, there are times that if God is unseen up someone gets hurt...literally. Should you haven't seen God work miracles due to you, without a doubt there's nothing greater. The glitz and glam around the globe don't match up against Gods power. When your teens have seen it for action, they'll start to view it more, in mundane places, where they may least expect it. They'll continue to seek it since it will fire their passions more than anything else.
4. Training on how to really make a difference. Perform the people in your church possess the tools compare unique car features wherever they live? Sure, they might know how to swing a hammer, but a construction mission needs in addition to that. I am not saying it's hard to make a difference, but no mater what type of mission your group goes on, they'll need training.
The Dream Center in La includes an approach to training people steps to make a difference in simple but profound ways. They're so great in internet marketing, in fact, that they routinely train other youth groups within their methods. They also have started an international training camp in Belize. Young people I know have come back from that training prepared to change their city. They've even stuck with it for more than a year.
5. Learning the value of self sacrifice. American culture breeds superstars and encourages superstar gazing. We love to watch them perform. When superstars enter into messes, everybody knows about it because the media makes sure they do. Truly, when superstars spend some time and money to help others, little gets written about that. When they are "found out" they become true American heroes. Talk with your youth about the joy of giving. Inform them, out of your own example, how much you have while you gave. You are able to pull on their heart strings and induce guilt by giving them statistics of all the bad stuff in the world. But it is better when they learn how to give because they want to feel the joy of giving, again and again. And the best way to do that is to tell them your stories!
About the Author
For More Information Regarding short term mission And also short term mission, Please Check my Website: http://www.christian-mission-trips.com
