“God doesn’t call us to a place. He calls us to Himself.” – Gary Witherall

What does that mean for your missions trip?
First of all, it’s not just about what great things your group is going to do. You are going to be used by the Lord to bring hope and truth to others. But if God is calling you, and if God will do it, then the other question is what you’re going to gain. What you’re going to learn. What you’re going to see of the Lord; new things you just wouldn’t have gotten back home.

I’ve led enough projects to know that kids are always surprised at having come to give and having so greatly received. Want to know what I mean? Just take a look at some of the trip reports from past and ongoing projects. The same’s often true of youth pastors. The same’s still true for me. It’s because God doesn’t just call us to a place. He calls us to Himself.

Additionally, there may be the question of where you’re going. Maybe your first-year team has been planning for somewhere exotic, somewhere fun, somewhere you can brag about. Why head to West Virginia when you could go to Ghana?

Or perhaps it’s exactly backwards for you. Your church has gone to do construction at the same place in Peru for years. You know exactly what you’re going to do when you get there. The routine is down. It’s pretty much the church guided tour.

Where are you going? Why?

“Why” is the big word behind everything. Intentionality. What do you want? Where are you trying to go with this? Some people aim for a place. The more successful ones head toward a Person.

What sort of challenge do your kids need? Where will they get it? Let the Lord guide you.

Continue…

What's the YMC?!?

AIM's desire is to partner with you to use missions trips to help raise up radically committed disciples of Jesus Christ. The YMC ("Youthworker Missions Center") helps get this done. YMC resources will help you plan and prepare successful trips. If you want help via telephone instead, call 1-800-881-2461 and ask to speak with a church mobilization rep. Hey, enjoy the YMC. Let us know if you have a request for additional resources by clicking here to email us!

- Zihna Edwards (YMC Administrator)