The Teen Missions Experience
25th February 2010 by Julia Hosking
(Around) the world for God
Nate Brown is hooked on overseas mission.
He's been on mission trips to India (2004), China (2005), Papua New Guinea (2005), Zambia (2005), Cambodia (2006), Nepal (2008), Fiji (2008) and Egypt (2009).
To have been on eight trips since 2004 is no easy task. They're hard work, and full of challenges. So why does Nate keep jumping on a plane and flying to all sorts of destinations?
"Three reasons: Firstly, because I love working with young people and it's such a privilege to go around the world with them.
"Secondly, because of what God does in my heart and life every time I go; I always come home stretched, challenged and stronger in my relationship with God.
"And thirdly, because it opens my eyes to the world, I can see what a difference we can actually make in the places we go. Oh, and the smiles ... to see kids with nothing, smile like they have everything, blows my mind."
An Egyptian summer
Nate's most recent trip to Egypt was with a group called Teen Missions Australia, a Christian organisation that gives short-term mission opportunities to teenagers over the Christmas holidays.
For four weeks in Egypt, Nate and his team renovated an orphanage in Assiout - a city located on the Nile - that houses 450 young people. As a team leader, he was also privileged to be able to lead life groups and mentor his team members.
However, as with his previous seven trips, Nate also had God work in his life. "God challenged me in this trip about living a Christ-like life ... I've had enough of mediocre Christianity, it's time to get switched on and do something."
Outside showers vs Xbox
Washing clothes in a bucket, sleeping in tents, and showering outside would push most people out of their comfort-zone. But other things we take for granted - like having supplies on hand to build a house - can also cause issues.
"There are so many ways that Satan tries to derail the efforts of young people, but every time, it's so important to bring it to God in prayer," says Nate. "He is so faithful to us, and we've never faced a challenge he hasn't brought us through victoriously."
Before Nate went on his first mission trip, he thought it would be the most boring way to spend his holidays. Judging by his eight missions though, his opinion has changed.
"What else are you going to do in the holidays? Play Xbox? Roast yourself at the beach for six weeks? Why not go change the world and travel to places most people only dream about?"
Nate's highlights
These moments were Nate's top five highlights from his eight mission trips.
- India 2004: Eating curry so hot I was crying, sweating, snotting, and felt like my insides were bleeding.
- Zambia 2005: Having a group of young kids sing to us while we were working; they had the most beautiful voices I've ever heard.
- China 2005: Spending three weeks with deaf kids who have nothing at all, but who have an unspeakable joy in their lives.
- Nepal 2008: Holding an open-air outreach in a Hindu village and seeing 15 people accept Christ as their Saviour.
- Egypt 2009: Shopping at the Khan markets in Cairo ... seriously one of the craziest experiences of my life!
How you can get involved
Anyone from the age of 13 through to early 20's, from any church across Australia and New Zealand can go on a trip with Teen Missions Australia. "Teen Missions knows that God doesn't wait for us to be old before he can use us," says Nate. "He uses young people all the time in the Bible, so why should it be different now?"- Teen Missions also need team leaders, so if you're 21+ you can apply to be either a ‘head leader' or an ‘assistant leader'. "[Being a leader] is the most fruitful investment I've ever made into the lives of teenagers," says Nate.
- In December 2010, Teen Missions will take teams to: Argentina (church), Uganda (refuge and AIDS orphanage), India (slum and leprosy mission), Thailand (orphanage), Vanuatu (trekking and school), Papua New Guinea (airstrip and school), China (school for the disabled) and Egypt (orphanage).
- You can apply anytime from February through to November at the Teen Missions website. Because of the cost involved (cost ranges from $2000 to $3900) start fundraising the minute you submit your application!
By Julia Hosking
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Comments
Great article!! Makes me want to get up and go right now!