SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
YOUTH HOSTEL MISSIONS
“I did not know what to expect going into YHM, but I did know that our God can do exceedingly more than we can ask or imagine. Traveling through Europe experiencing new cultures, people, and places was an amazing experience. The Holy Spirit so clearly led and helped our team meet people and have life giving conversations. Throughout our time traveling and seeing the majestic beauty of our Lord, I began to realize how much our world needs Christ. Being able to talk about Him and live missionally 24/7 for 3 weeks has given me a newfound sense of what it truly looks like to live for Christ daily. God does do more than we can ever ask or imagine, and standing firm in that promise will allow you to step out in boldness to proclaim his Gospel to others! YHM was truly a blessing to go on and the Lord taught me and my teammates so many things about his character and his heart for the world! Ephesians 3:20-21”
- Brooks McRae
SOUTH ASIA
“Spending 2 weeks across the world will teach you a lot. But more than anything else, I was especially encouraged to see how clearly the Lord is moving in a relatively dark and confusing place. While we were there, we encountered so many people whose hearts were so ready to hear the gospel—evidence of the Holy Spirit going before us and preparing his flock.
Through the unity of the gospel, we were also able to partner with local churches. We were left in awe of how He has already built up strong, local believers that are bought in to His mission of daily proclaiming the gospel. I am confident that the Lord will continue the work he has begun in the lives of the people of Southeast Asia, and I encourage you to join with me in praying for them!”
- Sarah Lynam
NORTH AFRICA
"As our time in North Africa comes to a close, there are a few things that I will continue to reflect on. As we have gone out into the city sharing the Good News, a few things have become clear. People are continually seeking to fill their hearts with anything other than the Gospel. Our team has gotten to share the love the Lord has for His creation and the opportunity of salvation that comes not through works, but by His Grace. Secondly, it has been humbling to realize that we have nothing to offer people apart from the love of Christ that He has poured into our hearts. I am grateful for the beautiful gift that God has given us to join Him in His work! Join me in praying for the people of North Africa and that the Lord will continue to soften hearts to the Gospel!
- Paul Prim
TORONTO
“Coming to Canada has been an eye-opening experience in many ways! I did not know what to expect coming into Toronto, but the Lord has given me a love for the people in Canada! We have gotten to visit college campuses, partner with a local church to run community events, and most importantly, bring the good news of Jesus Christ to various individuals at parks, malls, and festivals. It has been a stretching and rewarding experience to depend on the Holy Spirit in all aspects! Toronto is a beautiful place to experience a multi-ethnic culture and to bring the good news to! Acts 1:8”
- Abbie Bagwell
PARIS
“The Lord is so kind, and this was exceptionally evident to our team this week in Paris! Getting to share the love of Christ in the city of love with people from all nations was the coolest experience ever. We learned about the patience of the Lord and the overwhelming forgiveness that He shows to His children. What a beautiful and surreal thought it is to know that the Lord touched the hearts of many people this week and is continually moving in Europe! We serve a God who is sovereign in Auburn but also in Paris! What an encouragement to know that when we lay our cross at the feet of Jesus and simply go where He calls us, that He will exceed any expectations that we could have ever dreamed of. Because I’ve seen the Lord provide for His children before, and I’ve seen Him provide for His children this week, I can stand in full confidence in the fact that the Lord will not forget nor forsake His children.”
- Ella Kate Hewes
LONDON
“Being on mission for 6 weeks in London was an incredible experience. We were working with the IMB and partnering with different local church plants all over the city. This included helping with the ministry that has been established at Brunel University, prayer walking and taking demographics of other universities, and doing door to door evangelism for local church plants. Getting to experience a new culture and meet people from all over the world was truly a blessing. God has clearly brought the nations to this city and He gave us the opportunity to have conversations centered around the gospel with students and people from all over the city. This trip has given me a greater understanding of what it looks like to live on mission all the time and the importance of the gospel in our every day lives. I am very thankful for our team and the way the Lord used each of us to make His name known.
Psalm 95.“
- Trent McNeilly
TOKYO
“The Lord has been so evident throughout our time here in Tokyo, Japan. We have spent time working with the IMB, going to college campuses, and attending local churches. The missionary team and local believers here have such an encouraging passion for the Lord and to reach lost people. It has been so sweet to meet new people and make new friendships, all centered around showing the love of Christ to others. One thing the Lord has constantly reminded me of these last few weeks- in the hard and good moments- are the words “By His grace alone.” By His grace alone can we live and breathe and do anything. By His grace alone can we be saved and share this love with others. The Lord is working in this place and I would love for you all to join me in prayer over Tokyo! Ephesians 2:8-9”
- Sara Tipton
PORT ST. JOE, FL
“Living in Port Saint Joe Florida for two months has been nothing short of a blessing for all of us who came down here. Our team has grown from a group of strangers to a family. The people love to talk about Jesus and are bold with their faith. It’s obvious that God has his hand over this town. Over our time here, God has led us to people who need the gospel and that’s given me a greater understanding of the Great Commission that Jesus gave to all of his disciples before he ascended into heaven. It amazes me that even in my imperfections, God still wants to use me to grow the body of Christ, and it brings me so much joy the actively serve Christ everyday. One of my prayers I’ve prayed over my life is to have a greater heart for the gospel and through this trip that prayer has been realized. I’m so thankful for the wonderful friends I have made here, the staff at windmark beach church, and of course God for the opportunity to serve here.”
-Evan Carson
BOSTON
“I’ve learned a lot about God’s love this summer. From serving in food pantries to holding up signs and asking people what their story is, His heart for these cities is so evident. God is moving in Boston, and starting with us, His chosen ones. First hand, I have experienced the love of Christ fueling my love for His people which has led to conversations, which led to relationships, which has led to the gospel. I’ve learned that sharing the gospel takes so much more time than I am willing to expire in New England, anywhere. I’ve learned most gospel convos are gonna start at a table, and not until after fifty convos about the weather and work and music and what you did last weekend have happened. I’m so thankful for this summer, and so ready to grow in sitting with, knowing, and loving others with a love only coming from sitting with, knowing, and loving God by myself and alongside community as we’re formed into Christ image one day at a time.”
- Randi Skipper