Missions Trips
B-A Seniors Cooper Burns and Julie Norris at a missions trip in Chile.
June 6, 2019
It can be easy to look around and take the things we have for granted.
It might be hard to imagine life without simple things like clean water, electricity, shoes, clothes that fit properly. Believe it or not, there are people right now living without those essentials.
Countries like Uganda, The Dominican Republic, Chile, and so many more, need our help.
If you’re looking for a way to make an impact on the lives of the people living in poverty, you might want to consider going on a missions trip.
Missions trips give you an opportunity to build friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime while also spreading the good news.
We have students right here at Bellwood-Antis who have gone on missions trips.
Senior Julie Norris, went to Chile, where she got to lead classes and teach English at the local school. She also took part in making meals and teaching vacation Bible school.
“It is the most humbling experience,” said Julie “There are things that take for granted that you really shouldn’t. The children I taught lived in some of the worst places yet are so thankful. It makes you wonder, why me?”
Senior Cooper Burns also went to Santiago, Chile and Slovakia and has a lot to say about his experience.
“To go on a missions trip means that your are passionate for the spread of the gospel and that you long for people to come to personally know Christ,” he said “ For a Christian, that’s what we are called to do.”
A typical missions trip might have set of goals that they would like to achieve.
“Our main goal was to assist them in whatever ways possible. I filled in as a teacher for the week, taught a bible class, made meals, taught a local church’s Sunday school, lead a kids vacation bible school and gave counseling to younger girls.” said Julie.
Cooper had similar things to say about the things he accomplished on his trip.
“We held a vacation Bible school. I taught 5th and 6th grade kids the Gospel. We played some games and had snacks. We also had a kids club in the heart of Santiago.I taught the gospel to a big group of adults and kids there.” said Cooper.
Despite all the positive benefits of going on a missions trip, it can also be a struggle to adjust to a new culture and the language barrier.
“There was some comfort zone issues but on a missions trip, that’s a good thing. You are supposed to be out of your comfort zone. It was also hard teaching lessons with translators.” said Cooper.
Emotional Challenges also tend to play a huge role in missions trips.
“The whole trip was mentally challenging,”said Julie.”You look at the way these people live and then you look at your life. You can’t help but feel guilt and shame for complaining.”
If you aren’t able to go on a missions trip but want to get involved, there are organizations you can get connected with to support missions trips and missionaries.
