Boys on a Mission

We've just returned from a children's ministry mission trip.  It was a little bitter sweet due to the fact that this was Tommy and Trey's last mission trip as part of the children's ministry drama team.  Soon they will be heading off to student ministry, where I'm sure their mission adventures will continue.
As with most mission trips, the people who go are as ministered to as the people they visit.

This group of mostly tweens spent four days sharing the gospel in Gatlinburg, TN.  People were willing to take in their message because of their age and the level of confidence they displayed in sharing their faith.  I noticed three different reactions to our group. 

1. People were amazed at them and would stop and listen to everything and soak it in. 
2. People would wonder at their willingness to share so boldly and be encouraged to do similar things with children at their church.
3. People would totally pass them by, but would still take notice.

Our leaders were also encouraged by them.  Listening to their sweet prayers before each event.  Hearing their insights on the events of the day.  Watching them grow as they completed daily Bible readings and prayer journals.  Watching them bond as a team, as a family of believers.  The joy that comes from seeing them encourage one another is incomparable. 

Of course there was plenty of time for fun! 

 

I mean- what boy could resist baked beans!!!

 

We hit "watering holes", raced go carts, go lost on narrow mountain roads, and went on picnics too!

 

They had a great time sharing their faith with their church family.  We don't have to worry about their self esteem when they've got Jesus esteem- when they know who they are in Christ. 

I know a lot of moms that worry about if they teach their kids too much about Jesus their kids will turn out weird.  Jesus doesn't want your kid to be weird, but He does want them to be different.  This kind of different is exactly what I want my tweens to be!