Adventurous Volunteers Wanted!

New Volunteer and Mission Trips For The Adventurous

HELLO Youth Quests News, We wish to share with you exciting Mission Trips and Volunteering Trips now available!

VOLUNTEER TO THE BEDOUINS IN ISREAL!  We are looking for volunteers who would like to have a interesting volunteer opportunity in Israel. This opportunity is to work with the Bedouin population in Israel.  The organization in Israel is a registered non-profit for community development and women’s empowerment seeking volunteers to tutor English or work with youth in one of our after school programs.

  Volunteers will assist with workshops focusing on: Communication, Self-Confidence and Personality Development, Girls’ Rights, Physical Development, Sexual Harassment and Reproductive Rights. Other on-going activities include sports as well as English/Arabic/Hebrew Classes.

  If you, someone you may know or a group would be interested in volunteering in Israel or other locations, please contact us.

NEPAL SAFE DRINKING WATER - AID - MINISTRY OUTREACH PROJECTS!  Faith and Work go Together - Our mission is to overcome death and disease resulting from the consumption of contaminated water by providing safe, clean drinking water to those in need around villages in Nepal while we let the light of the Lord shine through us.

Our project and ministry for this trip is a safe water project with bio-sand filters and community Outreach.  Imagine spending your time serving the people of Nepal, sharing the love of Christ in a tangible and needed way building bio-sand water filters to provide safe drinking and potable water.  This project will benefit 50 houses and 250 individuals.  Teaching, community outreach and bringing hope to the local children and adults alike will not only benifit them, but you will be blessed and impacted for a life time.

 If you, someone you may know or a group would be interested in volunteering in Nepal or other locations in Africa,please contact us.

Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct Part 3 of 3

Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct
(Part 3 of 3)
(Our actions, attitude and lifestyle speak louder than words)

The Need for Self-Discipline How many times have you heard a non-Christian say about or to a Christian that Christians shouldn't do that, Christians shouldn’t act like that or And you call yourself a Christian?  I would bet you have heard this many times in one form or another.

It is just a simple fact that we, as Christian, live in this world like we are in fish bowl for all to watch.  It seems that the non-Christians know more about how we as Christians should act and behave then we do at times.  Why is this?  My theory is that they know they are not Christians and may be under conviction.  Then to feel better about themselves or to justify their way or life or themselves they point a finger at anyone they can find fault in.

Conduct Ourselves in a way pleasing to the Lord
(1 Peter 2:12 AMP “12 Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [[a]when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].)
(Prov. 13:10 A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.)

Discipline Ourselves to Run the Race(1 Cor. 9:24-27 “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?  So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training.  They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”)

Let’s Be Zealous and Honor Christ
(2 Cor 8:22-23 “In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.”)

Jesus says that we will recognize good people by their fruit. And so will others!  He likens them to trees: bad trees cannot bear good fruit, but good trees do. Matthew 7:18-20 (KJV)
“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

We bear fruit!  Either that of the Spirit and Righteousness or of the Flesh, Sin and Death.
A study on The Fruit Of The Spirit

Witnessing is Sharing your Faith, this is what Christ Has Done in You!
Sharing Christ is about being real and demonstrating our faith with passion, conviction and sincerity. God’s call from Scripture is clear. Evangelism is not about catchy slogans, poster boards, tables, tracts, or formulas (although these can be helpful), and it is definitely not arguments and/or confrontations. Rather, it is helping others see Him by how we treat them and live for Christ. Evangelism is allowing others to picture Jesus in us, not our trying to verbalize without showing Him demonstrated in us first. We cannot just say a few sentences and move on. We have to nurture and demonstrate, and be considerate and loving. It is our lives telling His story that the Spirit uses to win people, not just our mouths. Our mouths are to further explain Him.
“We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21”

Now  It Is Time To Step Out In Faith!
Stepping out in Faith!

Go to these links for more information on:

Short Term Mission Trips or Short Term Volunteer Trips

Missionary Conduct and Training Part 2 of 3

Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct

(Part 2 of 3)

(Learning to study, adapt and present Christ in love)

Do Not Argue or Offend
Often times, western missionaries have gone out to the far corners of the world to reach the lost only to find that there has been someone there before them.  What the nationals encountered with these tourists or missionaries could have been a positive or negative experience.  Likewise, there will be others that follow in behind you.  

Unfortunately, one major stereotype that runs throughout the world regarding western civilization individuals is pride and thinking that everyone should do things as they do in the west.  (Prov. 13:10 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise)  Keeping this all in mind, we should be extra careful and humble not to cause offense or to “muddy the waters” for the next witness that comes along. (John 4:37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.)  (Ezekiel 34:18 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?)

It is our duty to study the culture, history, and at least attempt to learn some of the language, customs and religious beliefs of the people groups to whom we are called to help in order to be a testimony of Christ.  Our studies in these people groups and cultures will help us reach them without offending them while on short term mission trips or volunteer trips and projects.

First, we must become the student to be an effective teacher or witness.  (2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” )  This knowledge is not to be used for arguments, but to aid in understanding the people and present the Good News in the best way possible to them as Paul did.  Acts 17:22-24 (NLT)  “So Paul, standing before the council,[a] addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.  “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples,”  Paul did not argue with them but instead used what they already believed and told them about the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Secondly, to avoid offending the people we are wanting to reach for the Lord, we must be culturally sensitive.  This can be done by taking some cultural sensitivity training that pertains to the people group you with which you wish to reach or work.  (Prov. 18:19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.  Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.)  First of all, we really need to examine and clean up our own cultural baggage we may be packing when we prepare to leave for cross-cultural ministry.  Becoming a long term missionary will take these steps even further and require more adaptation.  (Prov. 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.  Prov. 17:19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;  Prov. 18:6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.)

It is OUR responsibility as the guest to not argue or cause offense when crossing into other cultures to evangelize, minister or volunteer.  We must learn to be the example of an effective witness for Christ both home and abroad.

Links to begin your Cultural Awareness and Cultural Baggage

Go to these links for more information on:

Short Term Mission Trips or Short Term Volunteer Trips

Missionary Conduct and Training Part 1 of 3

Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct

(Part 1 of 3)

(Learning some very important lessons from two missionaries)

Respect and Adapt to THEIR Culture
To start this portion of the study, I wanted to give you a little information about two very successful missionaries, J Hudson Taylor (Founder of China Inland Mission) and the Apostle Paul.

Hudson Taylor’s preparation and attitude:  (some excerpts taken from http://www.wholesomewords.org)

Hudson Taylor heard his call from the Lord to go to China at a young age.  He decided to learn what he could about China and its culture and to prepare himself for the Chinese mission field.  Who was Hudson Taylor? “J. Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was an English missionary to China. Founded the China Inland Mission which at his death included 205 mission stations with over 800 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christians.”

In these three years of preparation for the mission field:

• He eat simple foods that were mainly rice, oatmeal and brown bread.  

• He moved to a very poor area of the city: “a very undesirable portion of the city of Hull. Two rows of poor little cottages faced each other, and between them was a ditch where rubbish was thrown. The neighborhood was called "Drainside." When the tide rose high enough the rubbish was carried away. Unattractive as this was, Hudson Taylor selected one of these cottages as his dwelling-place. A room less than twelve feet square was his, while his landlady, Mrs. Finch, with her children, occupied the upstairs room and the kitchen.”

• He worked hard and ministered to people: “At the close of his day's work he would take his lonely walk to his comfortless room, and on Sundays he visited the sick and helped the poor. It was not the kind of life one would be apt to choose, but God's blessing was upon him, and that is more than all the world has to offer.”

• He did what he could to learn skills that would be helpful on the mission field and the language in preparation for China.

• Faith, the most important lesson he knew he must learn: “There was one lesson that young Mr. Taylor knew he must learn, if he wanted to be a successful missionary in China, and that was the lesson of faith. He knew there would be many times in that far-away country when he would have no one to depend upon but God, and he must know how to get his prayers through and receive an answer. He wanted to know how to "move man, through God, by prayer alone."”

Once in China, Mr Taylor set out to the work he was called to do:

• He used his learned skills to help others, ministering to their bodies and then ministering to their souls.  “As he ministered to the needs of their bodies, he told them of the cure for sin-sick souls. A school for boys and girls was started and Mr. Taylor was happy. There were difficulties too, but Taylor had fitted himself for hard things by the rugged life he had lived before leaving England.”
• He chose to adapt to their culture and dress.  “For some time he considered the question of adopting Chinese dress, and finally decided to do so, believing he could accomplish more for the Lord in that way. He had his head shaved, leaving a little hair which would grow into a Chinese cue [hair tied at the back of the head in a braid], and with baggy trousers, white calico socks, satin shoes, and to complete the costume, a loose silk gown with wide sleeves, he attracted less attention, and won the hearts of the natives as he could not do when in English dress.”

You may ask yourself, “Where did Mr. Taylor come up with his plan of action: what he should do and the faith to do it?”  I believe he read about the first missionary in the Word of God.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom: (The first missionary).
Paul chose to adapt to the cultures and customs of each people group he ministered to.  1 Cor. 9:19-23 “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.  When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.  When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.  When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.  I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”

Paul became all things to all people groups.  He did not try to walk in superiority or the attitude that his way or culture was better then theirs.  He adapted to their ways without sinning.  He did not use his freedoms in Christ to do what he wanted, but instead to become all things to all people in order that they may share Christ.

It is our job as missionaries to learn their culture and beliefs.  Take the time to find out as much as you can about the specific people group, culture and primary religious beliefs of those to whom you will be ministering.  Each culture has its own sense of what is acceptable and what is not; what is rude and what is not.  For instance, in Thailand, it is not proper to touch a person of opposite sex in public even if you are married.  Doing so would place the woman in the category of a prostitute and the man as someone who is associating with this type of person.  Then in China it is not proper to look someone directly into the eyes for a length of time.  Some eastern cultures believe if is an insult to touch their heads with your hands or point with your foot.  So you see, it is our work to learn and put into practice their culture’s dos and don’ts, not to try to change them or make them feel inferior or even possibly insult them.  It is their country and culture, not ours.

Respect and Adapt:
Hudson Taylor and the Apostle Paul respected and adapted to the new culture, choosing to become like one of the people they ministered to and adopted their dress, language and culture.  They chose to become one of them in order to share Christ with them without sinning.  Within every culture on the earth, there are things that are not pleasing to the the Lord and we need to stay sinless, keeping our testimony and lives in unity with the Word of God, without offending.

Go to these links for more information on:

Short Term Mission Trips or Short Term Volunteer Trips

Volunteer Abroad In South Africa This Winter

Imagine spending 4 weeks this winter serving the people of Africa, sharing the love of Christ, bringing hope to the destitute, and transforming your life forever.  Imagine an African summer that propels you into a deeper walk with God, gives you greater confidence in making Him known and begins friendships that will last a lifetime...




How long: 4 weeks
Where: Cape Town, South Africa                          Volunteer In Africa This Winter!!!!!!

Haiti Short Term Missions Trips Available

The Caribbean Islands of Haiti is waiting for YOU! Where there are many children and adults waiting to hear the gospel in several locations throughout Haiti. Will you come love them and share Christ?  Teams will fly to Port-Au-Prince and then travel to the project sites of their choice.  The teams will be working on projects, during the week, involving Agriculture Transformation, Sustainable Agriculture, Humanitarian, Water and Orphanage Projects, and VBS and/or classes for Youth and Adults.  This is your chance to make a difference in the lives of people around the world on this Haitian Missions Trip!

These Haiti missions trip teams will also have the privilege of evangelizing in the near by villages, as well as being an encouragement for the people of Haiti. Not only spiritually but socially. recreationally and in their leisure time.

There are several locations and a variety of work projects available including Torbeck, in Southwestern Haiti, where your project will be working on the sustainable agriculture projects, evangelism, outreach to the children and ministry in the church.

Or in Jean-Rebel, located in Northwestern Haiti, helping with the Haiti humanitarian programs, located there, outreach and teaching biblical principles.

We also have the possibility to put together a team for Port au Prince area as well.

Short Term Missions Trips to the Dominican Republic

Immerse yourself in the culture during your missions trip to the Dominican Republic, located in Provincia Elias Pina . We will take the opportunity to share our lives and testimonies while visiting several unique destinations throughout the area with the Dominican national youth and adults that we work with or come in contact with.

Dominican Republic is one of the safest countries in Latin America. The people are very friendly. But, like every city/country, there are neighborhoods that are very dangerous. This mission has been working here with the poor and children since 2002.  They are well known in these towns and will take you to meet most of the folks.  The missions trips to this location set us apart, because they are very adventurous. You also have the option of bathing in the river which is a favorite. The mission have their own cooks that will prepare our meals each day. Very tasty! The project is located in Provincia Elias Pina" a 4 hour 1/2 trip away from "SANTO DOMINGO, where you will be arriving (the airport).

The focus of the team will be biblical teaching, ministry and some work to help the orphanage, as well as outreaches to the orphans, widows and poor throughout the area and villages.   Your main project purpose will be varied, as well as, helping with outreaches to the orphans and poor on the streets, helping with ministry and several other opportunities. With some teaching, and ministry in the community, orphanage and the church, you will not only provide much need support, but greatly encourage the children and adults alike.  With time to see the local sites, experience the culture of this area, you will have the experiences of a lifetime.

To inquire about this Christian missions trip or group missions trips contact us at: www.youthquests.com/contact

Wars, Rumors of Wars and Disasters!

The Middle-East needs our prayers with unrest in almost every area.  Listed are some specific things and areas to pray for.   Pray for:

• That the he peace and hope that surpasses all understanding to fill the Christians in these areas.
• That the Lord will reveal Himself to the lost and dying.
• That provision and blessings will be manifested in the lives of the Christian people so that they may show the love of the Lord to their fellow neighbors.

Here is the news:

• Yemeni police open fire on protesters, killing 3.
• Syrian Security forces shot dead at least at least 100 protesters on Friday.  This is one the heaviest death tolls in a month of escalating demonstrations.  Forces have shot at the mourners today and even those coming out of Mosques.
• In Libya the fighting has not subsided, but the forces loyal to the present government have withdrawn from the port city now, leaving it to the rebels for the present.
• I have received many emails from Pakistan Christian leaders asking for our prayers as well with the violence and discrimination against the Christian minority.
• Then keep Nigerian people in your prayers as well.
• Japan's tsunami ravaged coast received its first foreign leader to tour this area.  Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard expressed shock and sorrow while visiting the evacuees at a shelter and seeing the devastation in the area.  The Japanese people are in desperate need of Hope.
• Haitian pastors are still asking for your continued prayers and support in their efforts to help the people.

As you pray about these things, would you pray as well about what the Lord would have you to do.  Contact us at Youth Quests for ways to help in these areas.

Nigerian Riots - Pray!

After the Nigerian incumbent president, who is a Christian, won the election the Muslim opposition started rioting.  Burned corpses with machete wounds lay in roads and smoke rose above this city where rioting broke out again this Tuesday.  The Muslims were angered by the announcement of the Christian incumbent winning the election.
Please remember the Christian Nigerian people who are in danger.  Pray for their protection and that they will be so blessed that the people around them will be amazed and ask them "What is the reason of the hope that is in you?" and  "What must I do to be saved?"

Chinese Missions Trip Opportunity

We have a short term missions trip planned for China this coming summer and would love to have you join us.  There are several opportunities to help, teach, volunteer, serve and share.  Please contact us for further information and where you may fit in.  China Mission Trips
Please visit our website for other Christian mission trip opportunities.

Christmas News Letter: Haiti 2010 Teams - The Start of the Torbeck, Haiti and Orphanage Projects

We want to share with you our vision for a small rural village in southwestern Haiti.  This remote area north of Torbeck, about ten miles away from Les Cayes, has a church that has been taking care of twenty-six orphans.  The orphans attend the services and are growing spiritually. The church has a strong desire to be able to assist these orphans, an many others physically as well as educationally. Their desire to help the other orphans in the area is limited by their finances.

In the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Haiti, there was a great need for immediate assistance for the local people to purchase food and minor medical supplies.  With your help, we successfully sent funds at least twice to the local pastors for food supplies to help in the time of need for them and their congregation.   James 1:27  What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world. 


The overall vision we have at Youth Quests International is to provide enough help, assistance, support and education to help this community help themselves in the following ways:

• assist the church and pastors
• help provide self-sustaining agricultural projects 
• provide a safe and clean drinking water source
• start building the first phase of the orphanage project 
• then move on to an educational center for school classes  
• vocational training  
• an educational center for the local villagers

In the information that follows, we will share with you the achievements and successes we have had this year in cooperation with your help, assistance and support.  After our initial preliminary trip, there were two teams that went to the village near Torbeck this year.  


 In preparation for the teams that would arrive, I and four other men flew to Haiti and spent between 3 to 5 days with the people.  It was our desire to assess the immediate needs of the local people and the minimal requirements and safety issues for the teams. Due to this visit, needed changes were made to the original plans that would better meet the immediate needs as well as fulfill requirements for the overall vision of the orphanage.


Prior to the first team’s arrival many building materials and tools were purchased in Haiti by a pastor with funds that were forwarded ahead for this purpose.  A generator was bought to use in the home where the teams will be staying, needs in the church, showing films for outreaches and the building projects. A laptop was provided for better communication and a camera to record progress on the project and with the orphans. 


Team One

Project # 1: Major work on a home for future teams included cleaning tons of cement and debris from upstairs. Wiring lights in the house and cooking area provided longer hours for ministry. A well was dug by hand near this home and lined with cement for washing, bathing and laundry.  Because the home didn’t have a safe way for individuals to get to the second floor where larger teams would need the extra sleeping quarters, we built some cement stairs to the upper level of the home.

Project #2: Tin was bought for roofing the half of one of our host pastor’s home that did not have a roof.  David and Sheila were living with and helping orphans in this home.

Project #3: Ministry and evangelism opportunities took place through Vacation Bible school, children’s ministry and evening services. 


Team Two
Project #1: The Jesus Film in Creole was shown in the evenings during special services. Tracts in Creole were distributed in churches and given to people as we walked around the village and local areas. Ministry was continued to the children.

Project # 2: The agriculture project was started and funds were provided to continue working on this poultry business project.  We are very excited that this is nearly completed because it will help support the orphanage, pastors and provide some food for them as well.  We will share with you the things that you may participate in for the success of this project later in this letter.


Both teams were given the opportunity to minister in other churches and in open air meetings in a couple of villages.  Many Haitian people were touched and ministered to through us with your help.


OpportunitiesNow with the holiday season fast approaching, we wanted to share with you the opportunity to share in the success and vision of these projects in Haiti by prayer,  physically going yourself or supporting these projects or someone who is able to go.  We will list the areas you may feel led to participate in and share the success of these projects.

• Because of the tremendous rise in the cost of items and building materials in the aftermath of the earthquake and the desire to have the business start operations, you may help get the poultry business started by helping with the following items:

• Between buying the 500 chicks, feed, antibiotics, feeders and the wire needed to complete the building there is a balance of about $2,400.00 left to purchase these items and have this valuable resource completed and in operation.
• Drilling a deep water well and equipment for a potable water supply for the church and future orphanage (total $2200.00) *this would help prevent cholera outbreaks.
• Repairs and enhancing the church facilities
• The first phase of building an orphanage: 
• Raising funds to start building the initial phase of the orphanage, (Enough rooms for 40 children, a kitchen, laundry and bathing facilities and house-parent’s quarters. ($50,000.00)

To make a contribution to this project or others during this holiday season, giving thanks for what we have and sharing a gift to those less fortunate please go to Haitian Contributions or contact Youth Quests for more information, prayer and opportunities.  To mail us: 13835 N Tatum Blvd #146, Phoenix, AZ.  85032

Mat 25:34-40  Then the King will say to the people on his right, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father! Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world.  I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?  When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?'  The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!'

What Are The Initial Steps I Should Take For A Missions Trip?

Initial Steps and Preparations For Your Missions Trip

I wanted to provide you with the Initial Steps for you to get started on the process of preparing for your mission’s trip.
The process is as follows:

1. Please download proper application.
1. Download the appropriate YQI application,for you as an individual or group, for all the trips except the Jamaica trip.  We will provided you with the Jamaica application at your request.   For domestic missions trip we will provide some different instruction once you contact us.
2. Please fill out the individual or group application and include a recent picture.
3. You may pay for your individual or group registration fees online at this location.
1. If you are interested in signing up or to get more information on your specific area of interest please follow the links below.  To pay for your registration fee online or download your specific application go to the following locations.  On the left hand side is the payment button for the registration fee.  If you are interested in another team Contact Us with your request. Go To Mission Trips or Volunteer Trips Abroad
4. Please Email the application and picture to us at info@youthquests.com or mail it to Youth Quests, 13835 N. Tatum Blvd. #146, Phoenix, AZ.  85032
5. If you haven’t done so already, as soon as your are able to, please send a digital photo of yourself to this us by email.  Please make the file name of the picture your name.  We will use this for a support letter for you
1. Please download the YQI policies.
6. As soon as we receive your registration fee we will be providing you with more information and instructions for the particular team of your choice.
7. Now please take time to read about Preparing For Youth Mission Trip and Expenses.
8. In enough time prior to your teams departure start and complete your Missions’ Bible Study and Training.
9. Other training and preparation materials will be posted on your private teams pages.

Go to the Mission Trip News and our Facebook Misson’s Page.

God Bless and we look forward to meeting you soon,
Youth Quests International

A Florida Pastor States He Would Publicly Burn The Quran - Is that a Christian Act?

Today was the day this pastor was to burn the Quran.  After many news reports on the web, TV and in print regarding this intent the following news report came out on Yahoo News:  "NEW YORK – A Florida pastor says his church will "not today, not ever" burn a Quran, even if a mosque is built near ground zero.
Pastor ***** ***** had threatened to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks over plans to build an Islamic center near where terrorists brought down the World Trade Center nine years ago.
He flew to New York and appeared on NBC's "Today" show. He says that his Gainesville, Fla., church's goal was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical."
He tells NBC that "we have definitely accomplished that mission." He says no meeting is planned with the imam leading the center but he hopes one will take place.
A "Burn a Koran Day" banner outside his church has been taken down." 
(Copied from: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/quran_burning)


I have been very concerned over this news regarding these statements and actions.  I have been concerned for our missionaries and indigenous pastor who are laboring in harms way and the needless risk that has been placed upon them.  I know I have been praying that this would not happen, but I wanted your opinions on what you think is right?  What do you think is Christian behavior?  And I also wanted to ask you to pray for us as a nation, the Christian missionaries or even people taking short term mission trips, which are diligently working to share the Love of Christ to a lost and dying world.


Before you answer lets look a few scripture from the Word of God in light of a Christian.  The word Christian means to be like Christ.  (Wikipedia states: The Greek word Χριστιανός (christianos) -meaning "follower of Christ")
(Heb 12:14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Gal 5:19-26 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Mat. 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
John 3:16-17  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Mar 12:30  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 
Mar 12:31  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 
1Jn 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us. 
1Jn 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Jesus condemned religious intolerance.  When He and His disciples entered a Samaritan village, and the Samaritans were less than hospitable, James and John told Jesus they wanted to call down fire from heaven on the whole place (see Luke 9:54).  Jesus flatly rebuked them, saying "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them." (v.55-56, NASB).


God is Love!  What is love?  What is the opposite of love?  Many people would say hatred, but it's really selfishness.  Hatred comes from the root of selfishness.  
Now I ask you these questions:
Was this act out of love or selfishness?
Do you think this mans actions and words promote peace, love and joy?
Do you think this mans actions and words will draw the lost to Christ or drive them away?
Do you think these actions and words promote peace or discord?
Do you think these actions and words endanger unnecessarily the lives of our missionaries on the mission fields?
This pastor was saying, just a day or two previously even though much of the churches congregation leaving the church, that he was going to go on with this and burn the Quran no matter what and today stating that "his church will "not today, not ever" burn a Quran, even if a mosque is built near ground zero"… and says that his Gainesville, Fla., church's goal was "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical."  I ask you what is it when someone states one thing, then says that he was not going to do it?
Is this the behavior of someone who is to be Christ-like?


What does the book of wisdom, Proverbs, say about someone who stirs up strife and contention?


Let’s pray that there will some confession of wrong and asking for forgiveness instead saying that he never intended to do this act.


Let’s pray that the people of the world who are lost will see the love of Christ in us who really are Christians and know that everyone calling themselves a Christian may not be Christians.


To conclude let us take these scriptures to heart and live them: 1Jn 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.