"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age." — Matthew 28: 19-20

Mission trips are for the sole purpose of helping people with their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. Then through those experiences and Gods love you will learn and help yourself more than you know

When I went on my first mission trip I was 16 years old. After finally deciding to go I went having no idea what would be in store for me. After a 16+ hour road trip across the country from New Jersey to Tennessee, we finally arrived at the camp. Without getting into much detail it was probably the best and worst week of my life. I was put into a horrible building group where people were very rude, inappropriate, and lazy. I got accused of dealing and smoking weed. However, I had fun with my church throughout the week. After the trip was over I was mortified at even thinking about going again the next year. Once December rolled around that same year it was time to start thinking about if I was going to go back. After contemplating for many weeks I decided that I was going to go and if it was another mortifying experience then I wouldn't go again.

So we packed the trailers, got into our vans and headed up the mountain for my second trip. I knew what to expect this time around and was ready to deal with the worst again. But it didn't happen. I was in a building group with an age range of 13 years old to 49 years old, and everybody did their part to complete the holy trinity of mission work. Some worked harder on the project than others while others talked to the families or the person we were helping. Not only was my group able to finish the projects that were given to us, we were able to finish projects left behind from other groups and give people peace of mind that everything was safe for them to use. Some projects that I have worked on have been building wheelchair ramps, a new set of stairs, stair rails, nailing tin roofs, and yard work. Most of the people that I have helped are either disabled or can not afford to buy the materials themselves.

After each project was completed, we said a prayer and goodbyes. People would always be so shocked that we weren't from the same church. Not only are you physically working on projects over the course of the week you are also spiritually getting stronger and more equipped to spread God's love to the people of the county.

Every night after dinner there would be a worship service, however, it's not your same old boring church service with hymns and long lectures. Everyone on the campsite gathers together and sings modern popular Christian songs with a small worship band, then every night we hear a different coordinator's story about how the bible theme affected their life, but worship isn't the same every night. Some nights it's a traditional setup, sometimes it's through worships stations, and others are hearing the campers own stories. Through hearing real-life connections with bible verses and people it's easier to understand God's word and to appreciate it more and more when you are there.

Finally, it wouldn't be a trip without some fun; you get to mingle with other churches create bonds with people all over the country and play some great games. Then sadly the week was over and I had to say goodbye to my new friends, and people that affected me for the better over the course of the week. But the one goodbye I didn't say was to God because I know our journey together isn't over yet.

I encourage every Christian to do something like this at least once in their lifetime. Knowing God's word is amazing, but being a disciple is such a humbling and groundbreaking experience you will have until the day you die. I leave you now with one of my favorite bible verses that is an overall theme at the camp:

"Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." — Matthew 4:19