Short Term Missions

With all the demands of ministry, it is important to have a clear understanding of the purpose of our activities. One of the most demanding activities in the youth ministry is the annual short term missions trip. For that reason, it is vital that the youth, and the church, understand why we commit ourselves to such an exhaustive and intensive form of outreach and service.

The most important reason we participate in short term missions is because we are commanded to.  After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the apostles and told them to be his “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). Throughout the year, we, as a body, should be ministering and witnessing to the local community. However, our impact does not stop there. We should send witnesses out to surrounding areas, within our state, then to our country, and ultimately around the world. This model of missions should be followed regardless of location or age.

There are other reasons why short term missions is common practice among the youth ministry at Occoquan Bible Church. We go so our youth can experience life outside of their comfort zone. It is important for youth to be supported as they reach beyond the familiar to see and be a part of the work of the Lord. These trips also help students develop a proper world-view and expand their ministry potential. By being aware of conditions that exist outside of their communities, students are better able to prepare for world wide ministry.

Another reason we go on trips is to help our teens gain a perspective on cross-culture and multicultural ministry. We desire to train students how to take the gospel across cultural barriers that normally separate “us” from “them”. Mission trips build unity among the participants on the trips. This better enables students to serve together in the local body and their local community and teaches the importance of unity in the church.

Finally, these trips cultivate compassion in the lives of the youth. Students are humbled in spirit by these trips, helping them to take on the characteristics of a servant leader.

We believe that short term missions trips help individual students grow in their faith and unite believers together to proclaim God’s Word to the world. With each trip, we ask for your support and encouragement. There are a number of ways you can be a part of a youth ministry missions trip. If interested in being involved, please contact Ben Purves (benpurves@hotmail.com).

Ready to Go?  Complete the missions trip application.

2009 Missions Trip Application