2003 Youth Mission Trips
Ireland
Passport
2002 Youth Mission
Trips
Passport
Niagara Falls, NY
Honduras
2001
Youth Mission Trips
During
the year 2001 two trips were scheduled:
An
Appalachian Mission Trip to Athens, WV 17-24 June
A Passport Mission Trip to Daytona, FL 15-22 July
Passport
Mission Trip
To Florida July 15-22, 2001
59 Youth and Adult leaders left for
Daytona, Florida on Sunday, July 15. This year there was much excitement
and enthusiasm for passport. This is the largest group of youth we have
taken in the five years we have participated in this program.
The Group arrived safely about 5:30 PM
on Sunday. They are living out of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and
working in surrounding areas of rural Florida. The youth and adults have
been assigned to 10 different Mission Teams who are working for local
agencies. Some of the projects include working for the State Blind Library
which houses the braille books for the entire state.
One group has been working with a local
nursing home and have gotten very good at wheelchair dancing with the
elderly. Several groups have been painting old houses which house
counseling programs for abused women and children while some have been
painting facilities for drug and alcohol rehabilitation. One group is
especially excited about leading a sports camp for underpriviledged
children.
All the youth are working hard and
playing hard. The group is growing very close to one another and to God.
The theme for the week is "Katundu", an African work that means
"stuff." We are focusing on how to get the excess stuff out of
our relationships with God, and with others. We are concentrating on how to
clean our our closets both externally and internally.
The week has been very meaningful. We
will update you later on what is happening.
Already some photos and short movies are
available from Patrick Shields on the Passport trip to Daytona.
Many more photos may be seen HERE , and movies
may be seen HERE
. Be sure to check out the pictures...
Youth Missions Background
Youth Missions are a very important part
of the Youth Ministry Program of First Presbyterian Church. For about 15
years the Sr. High Youth have gone out to serve God in national and
international mission fields. For about nine years the Jr. High Youth have
done likewise. These mission experiences have helped our youth grow into
compassionate young people who seek opportunities to serve others in the
name of Christ. Many continue service projects around Atlanta all through
the year.
Our money is very well spent by sending
these youth to meet, live with, and serve others less fortunate than
themselves. God uses these experiences to shape their attitudes about
caring for those in need. There is a lasting impression made that
encourages youth to develop into Christians who will give of their time,
talents, and resources to help others. These experiences shape youth who
will support missions all their lives.
2000
In 2000 we took about 100 youth and
adults to Honduras, Milwaukee, and Colorado. Each of the projects allowed
youth to learn and serve within a Christian context.
Honduras
On June 10, some 36 Sr. Highs traveled to Rancho el Paraíso in Olancho
province in central Honduras. They worked for a week in the San Esteban
Valley, an area of about 5000 very poor people, building latrines and
conducting Vacation Bible School. The impact these youth had will be
unbelievable. They made friendships with the Honduran people that will last
a lifetime. Click HERE
to see reports and photos from Honduras!
Milwaukee
On June 18, some 21 Jr. Highs traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to work in
the inner city with children’s ministries, homeless and urban poor
ministries, and elderly and nursing home ministries. Their experience was
invaluable because they partnered with other youth from around the USA to
serve these people, while providing work opportunities that are tailored to
younger youth. Click HERE
to see reports and photos from Milwaukee!
Colorado
On July 15, some 48 Jr. and Sr. High Youth traveled to Avon, Colorado to
work with Passport, a multi-denominational ministry that reaches out to the
under-privileged people around the USA. These youth conducted Backyard
Bible Clubs, painted a Hispanic Church, and renovated and repaired the
dilapidated homes of elderly people in Avon. This experience was unique
because it stressed worship as an important part of service. Click
HERE
to see the latest info from Avon!
All these mission experiences allow our
youth to share and demonstrate their faith through service to God and
others. Thank you for your prayers and support for our Summer Mission
Trips.
Throughout the year, our youth work hard
to raise money for their mission programs. In 1999, for example, they
raised more than $60,000 through special projects and contributions of
members.
1999
In 1999, our junior and senior high
youth traveled to Scotland where they worked for nearly two weeks in inner
city missions. They also traveled to Murfreesboro, North Carolina, where
they repaired homes of elderly people and tutored disadvantaged children.
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