The Well Missions
Why Do We Do Mission Trips?
All throughout the New Testament, we see the pattern of believers receiving the gospel and then proclaiming it to others. Each gospel concludes with some version of Jesus commanding his disciples to go forth and preach the gospel to the world (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:46-47; Jn. 20:21).
We all have that same calling on our lives today. As we are called to love God and to love others, one of the primary ways we do that is by pointing others toward the hope of the gospel— the good news that our glorious God has graciously saved us through Jesus Christ.
How Do We Do Mission Trips in 2023?
Does that call change during a global pandemic? Absolutely not. If anything, as the world around us, is broken and hurting, there is a greater need for a faithful gospel witness. And yet, what often happens in our lives during a pandemic is the opposite. The complicated events around the world cause so many of us to be consumed with an inward focus. We’re thinking about our job security, our financial stability, our disrupted family rhythms, our shifting plans, and so many other ways that our lives have been impacted. Before long, we’re consumed with an inward focus that runs counter to that missional lifestyle we’re called to live.
When we engage in missions, we overcome that inward focus as we demonstrate to our students that the mission trumps the circumstances. As we see in the life of Paul, even when we ourselves might be hurting, we still look to love and serve others with Christlike humility (Phil. 2:3-4). Planning a mission trip requires sacrifice as we give up our time, our finances, our vacation days, and much more as we seek to love others. Putting that mission trip on the calendar is a tangible way of teaching your students that even when the world around us stops and reconfigures, the mission of God continues on for Christ-followers.
What Should Missions Look Like For Students?
We partner with an organization called LeaderTreks. LeaderTreks is the organization we are using for our mission trip this summer. LeaderTreks stands out from other mission-oriented organizations. One of the biggest differences is that we will be the only youth group at this site. LeaderTreks will provide a certified, trained staff member to focus solely on us and the work we are doing. Our students will really get to get to know this ministry visionary, giving them a new view of how they can live for Jesus Christ.
LeaderTreks weaves leadership and discipleship together. The staff member allows the students to make real decisions and experience the results of those decisions. Every activity on the trip is viewed as an opportunity for leadership skills to be developed. It is also a great place to grow spiritual disciplines that lead to deeper discipleship. Each day there is a 45-minute morning devotion time and every night during Team Time, we will process everything that God is teaching us.
The Well Student Ministries Commitment Statement for Mission Trips
We believe that God honors a commitment, and commitment is a major requirement for leading. This means TIME and PRAYER invested in preparation, in people, and in service, all seeking to glorify God. It means SERVING and being willing to LEARN and GROW at Living Water Community Church.
Your responsibilities as a participant and member of the mission’s team begin upon acceptance of your application.
IF ACCEPTED, I AGREE TO:
FAITHFULNESS
Be faithful in the ministry of Living Water Community Church, my studies, and my relationships with God and others so that my life, along with my team, will be a witness of integrity and credibility for Christ to all those whom I come into contact with while serving and leading.
MEETINGS
Attend team meetings as notified. If I consistently miss meetings/youth group/church, I forfeit the opportunity to participate in the Missions Trip but will be required to fulfill financial obligations.
TIME
Invest the time and effort to develop, participate in, and pray for the ministry and my team.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Be kept accountable for the above responsibilities by Pastor James and other adult leaders and teammates as well as keep team members accountable for their responsibilities and commitments.
I understand that if I do not keep my commitments and do not satisfactorily meet expectations established I may forfeit the opportunity to participate in any trips and privileges given to Missions Team Members.
What Mission Trips Do We Offer?
Our time of pre-planned outreach will be with a local church. In 2-3 hours each day (Tuesday to Thursday), we will be able to assist the local church in ministry to their local community. Students are given full ownership of that portion of the trip. Before the trip ever starts, students from our team will plan and organize the outreach program. Adult leaders and the LeaderTreks staff will support and encourage students in planning, but students will have complete ownership and will lead it. Each night, the team will evaluate the day and make necessary adjustments to navigate obstacles, and clearly share the love of Christ. This gives significant leadership development opportunities as students work together towards excellence.
WHEN
Thursday, June 29th to Saturday, July 8th
COST
$2500 (This includes food and travel)
WHO
This trip is for students currently in 8th grade to 12th grade
WHEN
Saturday, July 1st to Saturday, July 8th
COST
$760 (This includes food and travel)
WHO
This trip is for students currently open to all 6th to 12-grade students.
A Liability Waiver will be required for either Mission Trip
Liability Waiver - A liability waiver will be required for all events unless otherwise stated. You only need to fill out one for the year, not one for each event.
How Can I Afford My Trip?
We will provide some workdays opportunity through our TaskForce Program and letters for you to send out to family or friends. We do not do organized fundraisers. Students can earn money on their own and we will help them with some creative ideas. We suggest for you raise funds through garage sales, yard work, and support letters in addition to the workdays that we have as a team at Living Water in the fall/spring.
For more information