Costa Rica 2024
Main Point: Short-term mission trips are key to the lasting growth and health of both our youth ministry and the church.
Our mission is to “
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. —Psalm 145:4
Short-term missions
“One effect of true holiness is to make us deeply interested in various benevolent enterprises. It takes us out of ourselves. It enlists our energies in behalf of interests that have no direct bearing on our personal affairs. We give our time and money for that which brings neither profit nor reputation.” —B.T. Roberts The Earnest Christian (1885)
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ —Matthew 25:34-36
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ —Matthew 25:37-40
Short-term mission trips
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. —Genesis 50:20
Take away: Short-term missions help students integrate faith into their daily lives and relationships, fostering a lifelong commitment to service and spiritual growth.
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it important for the church to invest in sending young people on mission trips, and how does it benefit the entire congregation?
2. How did the Costa Rica trip allow students to witness the global church in action, and how can that experience inspire us as a church here at home?
3. How do short-term mission trips help students better understand the concept of “serving the least of these” as Jesus teaches in Matthew 25?
4. As a congregation, how can we continue to support mission work both globally and locally, ensuring that the lessons learned on trips like Costa Rica are applied in our community?
Table Discussion Question: How might seeing the impact of a short-term mission trip inspire the next generation to step out in faith and participate in future trips?