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Family Mission Trips: Why Go?

You may have noticed last month, much of our attention has been focused on the over 40 children who were being trafficked, neglected and/or abused at the Son of God orphanage. Thanks to your intercession and support, the media picked up the story, and the orphanage was shut down. 
We as a ministry have been so encouraged by how the family of God at large have rallied around these children. Thank you for your praying and advocating for the children of the Son of God orphanage. We’re continuing to minister with our partners to build a new home for them; to donate, click here.

As many of us pause and take time off for Thanksgiving, God continues to work in Haiti and overseas. As you share with your loved ones what you’re thankful for, start a new tradition — ask God how you can get involved with what’s going on in the world.

In the U.S. this week, over 40 million people will hit the road and the skies to be with family & friends. Executive Director Seth Barnes invites us to consider missions as another opportunity to gather family together — to travel and serve as a family.

Going on a family mission trip may be one of the best decisions you could make for your family. Getting out of the house and out of your
comfort zones will teach you to depend on God and to trust each other in
deeper ways. I may be a little biased, but I highly recommend that more
families go on mission trips together.
It’s always worked for the Barnes family.
 
I’ve
taken my family on mission trips for most of their lives. Karen and I
began our marriage in the mission field. Once we started having kids, we
wanted to expose them to other cultures and the importance of radically
depending on God. One summer, I took my kids to Peru to plant a church.
One Thanksgiving, we served the poor of Appalachia.
Our good friends, Mark and Katherine Almand took their family on a month-long mission trip, and it had a wonderful impact on them.
 

As you spend time with family and share what you’re thankful for, have everyone take a look at their calendars. Consider going on missions for spring or summer 2012; take a look at the opportunities available.