One of the ministries that has been a huge part of my time here is Mission Adventures! It is definitely one of my favorites. This is the ministry that I started out in when I first joined YWAM San Diego/Baja back in 2007. Youth With A Mission (YWAM) had a rich history of sending young people into missions but there wasn't really a lot of options for short term missions trips for high school students back when Sean Lambert started Mission Adventures in the 90s.
This morning during our prayer and intercession time Andy, one of our long-term faithful Mission Adventures leaders, shared with us about the first group of students we have with us here at the San Antonio del Mar Campus. They are 4 separate classes from a University-type school in Norway. In most of Europe, after high school graduation, students take what is called a GAP year. This is a year for them to "sow their wild oats" and figure out what they WANT to do not just what they are supposed to do. Many students travel the world while others take elective classes as local schools such as dance, skate, technology, etc. This is what this school is for, this GAP year.
This morning during our prayer and intercession time Andy, one of our long-term faithful Mission Adventures leaders, shared with us about the first group of students we have with us here at the San Antonio del Mar Campus. They are 4 separate classes from a University-type school in Norway. In most of Europe, after high school graduation, students take what is called a GAP year. This is a year for them to "sow their wild oats" and figure out what they WANT to do not just what they are supposed to do. Many students travel the world while others take elective classes as local schools such as dance, skate, technology, etc. This is what this school is for, this GAP year.
 One of our DTS students, also from Norway, sharing her testimony with her fellow countrymen. |  Our 4 Mission Adventures teams sharing their morning devotions out on our soccer field. |  The Dance Class from Norway sharing with a group of girls and women who have been taken out of sex-trafficking. |
Here is what Andy had to say:
We have a group of Norwegians that came from across the ocean. We didn't invite them. Pastor Leo asked how they got here, the leader said they'd been praying, tried several different organizations. Didn't plan to go to Mexico. They sent a request to us & we were the only ones to respond.
We've been praying for them as well. God is answering them. Last night was the night we reserve for the passion play (a gospel presentation). At first we weren't sure if we were going to do it because many of the group aren't Christians. We felt as staff it is our responsibility to share the gospel. It's not our responsibility if and how they respond.
These Norwegians are hungry. Their country isn't like ours. They came searching for God even though they don't know Him! They found Him last night. It's not about the play, the program, etc. it's about God!
He knew when they were praying months ago that they'd be here for this encounter!
God spoke through Michelle (one of our full-time Mission Adventure staff) powerfully, the dance team (from the Norway school) shared 3 dances, and the passion play was anointed. They walked up the hill following Jesus, walking the path of death. When Jesus was on the cross, the students were in awe, just looking at him. They took him off the cross & laid him in Mary's lap. When she looked up with tears in her eyes, she looked at each student & said "you did this to him". They carried Jesus away & they were left with that feeling of guilt. But then Adam, another full-time Mission Adventures staff, shared the rest, the redemptive part of the story, the resurrection. He then gave a final call.
All 80 students walked forward in response to that call!
Adam challenged them to be strong, to walk through the fire like in Daniel 3. The students have been learning about how Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were tossed in the fiery furnace because they refused to follow anything but the one true God. Daniel 3:25 (NIV) says, "He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.' " Adam challenged the students to be bold, to walk around, even in the midst of the fire, unbound because they are walking with the Son of God! There was no awkward wait because there was no hesitation to move forward & answer that challenge, that call!
These 80 Norwegian students will go back home & change their school, country & world!
That is Mission Adventures!
Pray for us as we have another group of 20 coming this week from Norway and 60 junior highers from Canada coming this weekend. Pray that God will transform their lives as well! Prayer changes things! Pray for our staff & DTS students as they continue to be God's hands and feet for each of these students.
Adam challenged them to be strong, to walk through the fire like in Daniel 3. The students have been learning about how Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego were tossed in the fiery furnace because they refused to follow anything but the one true God. Daniel 3:25 (NIV) says, "He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.' " Adam challenged the students to be bold, to walk around, even in the midst of the fire, unbound because they are walking with the Son of God! There was no awkward wait because there was no hesitation to move forward & answer that challenge, that call!
These 80 Norwegian students will go back home & change their school, country & world!
That is Mission Adventures!
Pray for us as we have another group of 20 coming this week from Norway and 60 junior highers from Canada coming this weekend. Pray that God will transform their lives as well! Prayer changes things! Pray for our staff & DTS students as they continue to be God's hands and feet for each of these students.
If you liked this story, you will probably also like:
More Stories about Mission Adventures specifically:
Make sure you also check out all of the other stories through our YWAM Ministries.
Want to join us for the next quarter? Check out all of our awesome upcoming schools that you can be a part of! Head on over to our newly designed website to find out more. If you have questions, let me know!
- YWAM Ministry Spotlight: Zone Kids
- YWAM Ministry: The Red Light District; ZONA NORTE
- Serving Him Through The Everyday!
- Sometimes You Have To Wonder
- Suffering : 7 Reasons There is Suffering In The World
- 67 Kids and Counting
- Sense, A Psalm by Sheril
- Praise Reports & God's Blessings
- Birthday Surprises & God's Faithfulness
More Stories about Mission Adventures specifically:
- There's No Such Thing As Safe Sex
- Tie-dyed and Loving It
- Short-term Missions: Help or Hinderance
- Impacting the World
- New Perspective by Rachel Villaire
- Magnificent Truth by Catherine Hsu
- Changing Lives - One Meal At A Time
Make sure you also check out all of the other stories through our YWAM Ministries.
Want to join us for the next quarter? Check out all of our awesome upcoming schools that you can be a part of! Head on over to our newly designed website to find out more. If you have questions, let me know!
RSS Feed