Why Every High School Student Should Experience a Mission Trip

You may be curious and want to know, “When is a good age to start going on mission trips?” Well, I am glad you asked! Based on my experience, I think the best age to sign up for a mission trip is while you are in high school.

Read on to hear why!

Showing off my Dance Moves in Ndibai, Kenya 2016

First Mission Trip at Age 15

When I was in high school, I went on my first mission trip to Ndibai, Kenya at the age of 15. While on this trip, I got to experience a completely different culture and saw how other people lived outside the United States. I think it is important for young people to go on mission trips because the real world is more than just what is outside your front door and it always good to experience life outside your comfort zone.

My eyes were opened to what true hard work is really like, the importance of education, the value of fresh drinking water, the importance of community, how to work together on a team, and building relationships with people of other cultures.

Kenyan Students Sitting at New Desks in Their Classroom

I Learned How Much I Was Unaware

Many people around the world work all day but make only pennies to show for it. They are unable to live sustainably this way, and it continues to be a cycle of poverty, reflective of the economic inequality in many third world countries. I also learned that education is essential for people around the world to escape poverty. Clean drinking water is important to prevent illness and gives people the ability to farm and provide for their families.

I saw firsthand how a community of people take care of each other, by caring for their neighbors’ needs with sharing food or stepping in to help when someone is ill. I was able to form relationships with the team I was serving with but also the people we were serving. I was lucky enough to develop a special relationship with two girls, Joyce and Hannah, who were my sponsor children for several years.

Playing with My Sponsor Children in 2017

I Came Away Feeling Very Grateful

I was also able to take a lot of the things I learned while serving and apply them in real life like how to work on a team, share ideas, and implement them. I came away feeling so grateful for my education, having textbooks and school supplies, and even desks to sit at in school. I am so blessed to have easy access to medical care, a working toilet, safe drinking water, and a home that is safe and comfortable to live in. These were all things I took for granted until I saw that not everyone around the world has these luxuries.

Greeting a Group of Kids in Ndibai, Kenya 2016

Mission Trips Changed Me Spiritually

Mission trips can also show how you can make a difference in the lives of others. The trips I have served on have showed me the gifts and talents that God gave me were meant to be used to serve others, even at a young age. Most importantly, God has called us to serve, and He did not include an age limit. I believe He finds joy in watching us, especially the younger demographic, going on mission trips and loving on others.

When I opened my mind to a different environment and a different culture, it allowed me to see things from a different perspective. This allowed me to open my heart and really care about people who live on the other side of the world. These trips have really shaped me into a more caring and compassionate person. It also changed me spiritually.

Seeing people who have absolutely nothing and yet are so grateful to God for even the little things really puts things in perspective. It also gave me people who I can pray for because I built relationships with these people, and I care about them. It also made me want to return again and again to continue to build these relationships and see all the amazing things God is doing in these communities.

Mission Trips Have Shaped Who I am Today

Looking back, I am so fortunate that I was able to experience serving others while in high school. It has shaped me into a better person early on and has taught me invaluable lessons that I will have for the rest of my life. Being a kinder, more compassionate person is something that every young person should strive for and is always best when taught early in life. Mission trips are one way to help make this happen.

Learn more about 410 Bridge trips here!

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