“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
In the north section of the Conejo Church foyer is a wall with dozens of framed T-shirts, chronicling over 30 years of youth group summer mission trips. Many are from trips to San Felipe, Mexico, where for decades we’d bring teams to make bricks and build simple homes. There’s a shirt in memory of a trip to Puebla, Mexico, near Mexico City, another for a trip to the Portland Urban Ministry Project (PUMP) in Portland, Oregon, and one for a mission trip to Houston following Hurricane Harvey. We’ve been going to AMOR to build in greater Tijuana and Rosarito since 2011.
So why do we invest so much in these trips, year after year? I’ll reflect on three reasons, though there are likely as many reasons as there are participants.
First, these trips spiritually form our teens in important ways, helping them see a bigger world, broadening their horizons, and getting them out of their comfort zones. Going to serve in a foreign country is a stretching experience that helps our kids realize that they can do hard things—and I can readily attest that foundation day is a hard day! Our kids also are bonded by working hard together as a team, enjoying camaraderie with our adult volunteers and each other, and learning new skills or honing skills from previous trips.
Second, this trip accomplishes something that we strongly believe God wants done in the world. Building a home for a family in need enables us to love our “next door” neighbors in a most tangible way. As our team lives out the good news of Jesus, I’m reminded of the words of Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel wherever you go. If necessary, use words.” Jesus taught us that what we have done for his human brothers or sisters we have done for him (Matthew 25:40); this trip teaches us better to see Jesus in our fellow humans.
Third, this trip blesses our congregation. How so? If you agree with Jesus that “it is more blessed to give than to receive,” then the opportunity to support this project is a blessing to all of us. Each year, we give above and beyond our weekly offerings to support the youth mission trip. For the AMOR trip, we raise about $500 per participant, plus funds for shirts, gas, insurance, and travel incidentals. This past year, our church family came together for a Chili Cookoff in October and a Bingo Night in April, donating all the funds necessary to make this trip possible. Our teens feel this support and are deeply grateful for this congregational investment in their spiritual growth.
Church, thank you so much for supporting these trips year after year. This year, as in many years past, we have several teens who are the second generation in their family to go and serve in this way. We’re deeply grateful to our Conejo Church family for showing your care for our neighbors and your support for our kids. To God be the glory!
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