Steve

“Please don’t send me to Africa, I don’t think I’ve got what it takes.”  This was a funny song my wife and I sang 20 years ago about not wanting to serve in missions.  I used to joke that I would rather serve in missions that to work with the youth group.  God has a sense of humor—I find myself on a missions trip with the youth group.

            This trip has changed me and my thoughts about both missions and youth ministry.,  I have been blessed to meet Mitch and Debbie Martinez and to see what missionaries do on a regular basis—running schools, planting churches, supplying needs, meeting with people in their communities.  I have been blessed to meet and serve the people these missionaries serve.  I have seen their poverty, but also their passion for Jesus Christ. 

            My view of teenagers has changed too.  I have laughed with them and heard what is on their minds and in their hearts.  They have demonstrated an intensely deep devotion for God.  They have given of their time and have put themselves out to be used by God.  They have connected with people, young and old, from a radically different culture.  I’m very proud of each one of them. 

            All-in-all, God has been amazing.  I hope to do this again.  It has been a great adventure. 

            -Steve McElwee