For over two decades, I have allocated time and resources to take young people to be part of mission projects locally and abroad. The projects involved doctors, nurses, pastors, carpenters, plumbers, painters, and teachers assisting the communities. Volunteers provided health assessments and dental clinics. They also gave talks on nutrition and careers. They repaired and repainted homes, schools, and churches. They also distributed food baskets, clothing, back-to-school packages, and toys to small children. These projects improved the community’s quality of life.
Each year, we invite kids from our churches and academies or youth participating in the Teen Leadership Training (TLT) to take part in these experiences. Generally, we place them side-by-side with the doctors, nurses, pastors, and other professionals to observe their work practices and compassionate interactions with the people they are assisting. These observations often help them define what they want to become in the future.
Once “bitten by the bug” of engaging in missions, they never look back. They never stop helping others. They keep seeking the next opportunity to serve their community, local church, and conference. Time and space will not permit me to tell you the many stories of those who are now pursuing careers in the medical field, in pastoral ministry, or even serving in long-term mission work overseas as a result of their mission experiences.
Seventh-day Adventists are making progress. We are doubling our numbers, establishing missions, and unfurling the banner of truth in the dark places of the earth. Yet, the work moves far more slowly than God would have it. Our standing before God depends not upon the amount of light we have received but upon how we use what we have. Our efforts should be intentional as we continue to train and develop the talented youth in our church and community. God will use everyone who makes him or herself available to His service.
We must continue encouraging and motivating those youth who have started or experienced missionary work in any form. The Bible reminds us of Jesus’ compassion. Matthew 9:35-38 says, “Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’ ”
With its missionary approach, Adventist education focuses on integrating values, purpose, and community engagement among our young people.
