“Mission-minded” is a phrase used by youth minister Angie Partin to describe the youth group at Kenansville Baptist Church. The group, which has been on several mission trips since 1996, is planning two trips for this summer.

On the international level, eight people will journey to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, from June 22-29, to do mission work in the areas of medicine, construction, sports, servant evangelism, creative movement drama team ministry and backyard Bible clubs, according to Partin.

Honduras is a trip close to Partin’s heart for it is a destination she has been to on three previous mission trips with the church in 2002, 2003 and 2004. She added that many adult groups in the church have been to Honduras, too. In fact, a Kenansville Baptist group just returned from there, she stated.

Since this international trip is only open to people age 15 and above, Partin is planning an additional trip to Charleston, S.C. for this summer. This trip will take place July 13-18. The short-term missionaries on this trip will do much of the same work that will be done in Honduras, it will just be done state-side, Partin explained.

Trips to different parts of the world are good for the youth group, and all who embark on one, Partin stated, because it “gives them a better worldview ... opens their eyes to other parts of the world ... and opens their eyes to see that they can do mission work around home.”

One of the things the youth realize during these “eye-opening” experiences is how blessed they are, Partin commented. “The people (we serve) are so appreciative. The youth say how happy they are with so little and how willing they are to share what they have.”

The youth of Kenansville Baptist Church have served actively in the mission field since 1996, having taken trips to Russia, Ecuador, Philadelphia, the N.C. mountains, Canada, Alaska, Fort Caswell and Kentucky, in addition to the Honduras trips. Partin called these trips “wonderful experiences.”

She bragged on the youth for the work they have done on these mission trips. “They were flexible and committed to do anything. They all worked together well. I’ve seen God work through them. They really pour themselves into it. They have no fears, no complaints, they just go right in.”

One youth, Ellyn Smith, said she has been “blessed to have participated in several mission trips in the U.S. and other countries ... After returning home from each trip, I am more thankful for what God has blessed me with in my own life. Serving others through mission trips has greatly strengthened my relationship with God and most importantly taught me to listen and follow His direction.”

Smith said her trips have taught her “the importance of serving others and showing God’s love through various mission activities” because “ no matter where you go in this world, people desire to be loved and cared for. Although they may look different, talk different or live different, they have the same feelings and hopes as we do. ”

And, for Smith, mission work is something all Christians are called to do. “ ... God calls us to go and serve others, whether it is in our own community or in other areas of the world,” according to Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Most of the youth feel this same calling as Christians to serve, and they have expressed desires to continue missions “at some level” and “will always continue with mission work,” Partin commented. “They want to serve hands-on in tangible ways ... They want to keep on.”

Partin, as a youth minister, strives to make these experiences something more than just a few days of service. She said it’s not “just a mission trip;” rather, missions should become a way of life.

She plans activities that allow her youth to help in the community and carry on with what they do on trips. On Wednesday nights, the youth participate in Youthquake, which helps them to “learn to be a disciple through doing.” The group goes to nursing homes to play bingo and sing hymns; hosts appreciation dinners for people like firemen and nurses; visits shut-ins in the community; washes windshields; collects blankets; works in a clothes closet and a food bank, amongst other acts of service.

Partin encourages everyone who gets an opportunity to go on a mission trip to do so. “It can be one of the most awesome experiences you can have.”

Missions is a team effort though, Partin explained. Not everyone can go on every trip, but “those who can’t go can give support financially and through prayer.” All of that is required to “spread the gospel and meet needs.”

For more information regarding fundraising or to give support to the youth group for their summer mission trips, contact the church at (910) 296-0910.

Amy Kelly can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 119.