Missions Trips

Spring break varies in date around the country. For most of us out here in California it’s the week before Easter (once called “Easter Break”… in the great days of old).

For many of us in youth ministry, Spring Break means missions trips, a growing trend. My three kids are all going to missions trips around Spring Break this year.

My 11 year old, Ashley, went on her missions trip last Saturday. All the 6th graders went to downtown Sacramento where they served food to homeless people at the Sacramento food bank. Ashley said that the homeless people were very polite and said nice things like, “Your smile brightens up my day.” She saw a guy wearing a “Chelsea” shirt and ended up talking soccer with him for quite a long time. (How many 11-year-old Americans do you know that can name a bunch of Chelsea’s starting players?)  🙂

From there they went to the grocery store. They were divided into groups of three kids and were given 15 dollars to try to buy food for four: the three in the group and one other person. They then set out to find a person to give the third meal to.

They finished the day by walking around the city and praying for Sacramento. It was a great experience for Ashley.

My 13-year-old, Alyssa, leaves for her trip this Thursday. Alyssa will be going to downtown San Francisco where they’ll be helping out the homeless, serving food and washing feet. Yes, washing feet! The 7th and 8th graders serve all weekend. This is an amazing experience for them.

My 15-year-old son, Alec, leaves Sunday for his trip, a weeklong trip down in Downtown Los Angeles and Watts. They will be serving the homeless, loving people on the streets and initiating conversations with many people they encounter.

I’ve been so impressed with these missions trips that I actually interviewed the guy behind the whole thing. Last year we recorded this as a podcast, Episode #16 on our Podcast Page. I encourage you to give it a listen.

Prayer warriors: pray for my kids and the others that will be on missions trips this next week!