Australian Presbyterian World Mission

As a Christian Youth Worker, it is my passion to see young Christians challenged to have an Acts 1:8 witness for Christ - first, in their local communities, then, in their broader contexts, and finally, to the ends of the earth. That's the reason why I helped to lead and organise a short term overseas mission to India. Seeing young people confronted with the realities of mission, seeing them so dependent on God, seeing youth groups and churches involved in supporting them, and seeing them stretched out of their comfort zones, are just some of the encouragements of a short term mission for young people.

In 2012, we took our team for three weeks, to Dehradun, India to work at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the Hope for Children Home. We spent part of our time contributing to the physical needs of both places, and the other part being involved in Bible teaching and children's ministry. We were able to invest plenty of time in relationships, both with the children from the Home, and with the students on campus. It was a wonderful blessing to enjoy Christian fellowship, to see the priorities of the Church, and to work alongside long term missionaries.

I would commend short term mission to any young person who is thinking about serving God in whatever capacity. My first short term trip changed my life, and God can use the experience to develop your faith, challenge your perspective on ministry, and open your eyes to see His glory in other lands. While not all short term missionaries will become long term missionaries, most long term missionaries started out with a short term trip! Pray, Trust, and Go!