The Ripple Effect: How a VBS Plants a Church for Refugees

Youth mission trips are unique opportunities to experience something new, to grow closer to your youth group, and to get out of your comfort zone and experience God's word in a real, and tangible way.
 
Over the course of a week, a youth group from Houston, Texas, partnered with Juan Pablo of World Impact in Dallas to teach Vacation Bible Schools in the local refugee community. When they arrived, he had no idea they were about to change his ministry and his life.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditionally, VBSs teach bible stories, make arts and crafts, and provide an opportunity for kids to have fun while they learn Christ's story. However, the contagious spirit of love and laughter made this VBS different as whole families came out together to take part in the fun and games.
 
All week three tough-looking teenagers sat on the curb across the street watching kids laugh and play and eyeing the teens leading animated songs about a man who died on the cross. 

At the end of the week, Juan was approached by the teens who had been watching from the curb. They told him they wanted purpose. The boys were tired of wasting their lives, they wanted to belong to something bigger – they wanted to be like the teens from the youth group.   

Juan was convinced he had the answer to a question only God knew he had been asking – it was time to plant a church in this community.
 
Instead of spending their spring break doing crafts and leading sing-alongs, the teens who chose to leave their home and serve the refugees in Dallas created the seed of confirmation for lasting change in the community.

The memers of this youth group now understand God's love for the church and community. They want God's name to be proclaimed! And because of the time they gave, they're now part of the roots of revolution.

 
Do you want to be a seed of change? Find a mission trip that's right for your youth group here!