Costa Rican Rescue Home Mission - Missionary Opening

Costa Rican Rescue Home Mission - Missionary Opening

NEEDED!

A heart for the hurting and those in need of intervention and/or assistance in their next step in life!

Palmas de Mamre is affiliated with a new project, a hostel rescue mission located in Northern Costa Rica. We need a director for this ministry specifically aimed at women and children escaping from life threatening situations in need of intervention and shelter.  It is not a shelter for problem adolescents, or rehabilitation from drugs and/or alcohol.

There is a vital need for someone, preferably a well-grounded couple, who can counsel, teach Bible Studies, and help the refugees get training in skills/vocational work experience. The goal being helping them make a living that is relevant to their location, availability of resources and avenues to be utilized.  Of course, these missionaries would need to have at least a good understanding of Spanish.

The project is ready now that the physical structures have been completed. This is a nice home, for the area, with a separate wood stove kitchen outside, tree house, and a separate home for the director/administrator."

If you are interested, please contact Ana Moshenek at palmasmission@gmail.com   Ana is often without Internet access for a week or two at a time, so please be patient waiting for response. Or you may contact John at john@youthquests.com

Missionary - Teacher - Administrator - Opening

Palmas de Mamre has been working for about a year with a village down the San Juan de Norte River doing some medical outreach and holding almost weekly children's programs and adult services.  The people are very receptive to the gospel and several have made commitments to the Lord.

The river forms the Costa Rican/Nicaraguan border; and the village is located on the Costa Rican side.  It is quite isolated and therefore has no public school.  

A couple years ago there was a little school across the river on the Nicaraguan side, but it no longer exists. While the school was open, the children paddled across and attended school for maybe half a year, getting some basic education. They are very astute and attentive to the lessons we bring, and are wanting their own school and more Bible studies.  

WE NEED A TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THIS PROJECT.  For several reasons a married couple would work the best for this mission and project.  We are not requiring a certified teacher, but an individual with the desire and ability to teach basic reading, writing, math and Bible studies. As soon as we have the right teacher committed, we can work out the details of setting up the school and teacher housing.

Among the donors for the school, we have been blessed with a well-known artist in New Mexico who sells her paintings and gives most of the profits to one of three charities, including this school!  

Among the donors for the school, we have been blessed with a well-known artist in New Mexico who sells her paintings and gives most of the profits to one of three charities, including this school!  One of her paintings is shown above.  Art For Charity

If you are interested, please contact Ana Moshenek at palmasmission@gmail.com   Ana is often without Internet access for a week or two at a time, so please be patient waiting for response. Or you may contact John at john@youthquests.com

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 Haiti - Christian Overseas Volunteers Wanted!

Volunteer Abroad In Haiti Programs Available Now!

Popular Projects Available:

• Community & Orphan Care
• Family & Group
• Medical Work
• Sustainable Agricultural Projects
• Short Term & Corporate
• Sports/Play Evangelism
• Teaching & Education
• Evangelistic Outreach
• VBS / Ministry
• Bible Study Groups
• Humanitarian Projects
• Potable Water Projects

There is little more rewarding, life-changing and challenging than Christian volunteering in Haiti. Coming alongside and working together with local ministers, communities, schools and churches, our volunteer projects in Haiti offer various incredible opportunities for ministry involvement.

Our Haitian Volunteer Projects work with existing, church-based initiatives, ensuring that all ministry and community involvement is ongoing and sustainable. YQI Volunteer Projects are suited to individuals or groups wishing to volunteer on a slightly longer basis (2 – 12 weeks or longer). We offer a ‘hand-up’, not a ‘hand-out’ approach to serving the needs of surrounding communities, to ensure that our programs develop maturity and freedom, not dependency. All volunteers are ‘guided’ through the volunteer experience by committed, on-the-ground with our ministry partners.

Christian Volunteer Projects:

These 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, Jean-Rebel in Northwestern Haiti and possibly around the Port au Prince area.  The trips can be the length that the groups want, but it is more productive to have at least 2 weeks and then we can schedule 2 or 3 days for recreation and sightseeing.

Northwest Haiti Ministry, Teaching, Community Volunteer Projects

Envision yourself spending your time serving the people of Haiti, sharing the love of Christ, working in a humanitarian food project, teaching Bible classes, bringing hope to the local Haitian children and adults alike, and transforming your life forever...  You Can!

How long: 2 - 12 weeks or longer upon approval

Where: near Jean-Rabel, Haiti  Map

Southwest Haiti Ministry, Teaching and Community Volunteer Projects

Picture yourself serving the people in romote village in Southwestern Haiti, sharing the love of Christ, possibly working in agriculture, minstry, evangelism, bringing hope to the local Haitian children and adults alike, and transforming your life forever...  Details NOW!

How long: 2 - 12 weeks or longer upon approval

Where: Village near Torbeck and Les Cayes, Haiti  Map

http://www.youthquests.com/mission-trips/caribbean/haiti/

Volunteer Abroad In Peru - Christian Overseas Volunteers Wanted!

Overseas In Peru!

Popular Christian Projects Available:

• Community Outreach Projects
• Family & Group
• Medical Missions
• Photography
• Short Term & Corporate
• Evangelism
• Ministry
• Teaching & Education

There is little more rewarding and life-changing than Christian volunteering in Peru. Coming alongside and working together with local communities, schools and churches, our volunteer projects in Peru offer various incredible opportunities for ministry involvement.

Our Peruvian Volunteer Projects work with existing, church-based initiatives, ensuring that all ministry and community involvement is ongoing and sustainable. YQI Volunteer Projects are suited to individuals or groups wishing to volunteer on a slightly longer basis (2 – 12 weeks or longer). We offer a ‘hand-up’, not a ‘hand-out’ approach to serving the needs of surrounding communities, to ensure that our programs develop maturity and freedom, not dependency. All volunteers are ‘guided’ through the volunteer experience by committed, on-the-ground with our ministry partner staff.


Piura Peru School and Ministry, Teaching and Community Volunteer Project

Imagine spending your time serving the people of Peru, sharing the love of Christ, teaching in a local Christian School, bringing hope to the local Peruvian children and adults alike, and transforming your life forever. You will be given a greater confidence in making Him known and begins friendships that will last a lifetime...
How long: 2 - 12 weeks or longer upon approval
Where: Piura, Peru
Details

Piura Peru Medical Missions Volunteer Project

Ministry: Medical Missions (team limited to 14)
We will minister in and around the city of Piura.  Doctors & nurses needed for general medicine for adults and children, pre-natal care for women.
How long: 2 Weeks (April 11th through 25th 2012 or dates open for other years)
Where: Piura, Peru
Details

Piura Peru Ministry, Teaching, Evangelism and Community Outreach Project

Ministry: OPEN (team limited of 14)
Imagine spending your time serving the people of Peru, sharing the love of Christ, teaching evangelism, community outreach and bringing hope to the local Peruvian children and adults alike...
How long: 1 - 2 weeks (May 9th through 23rd 2012 or dates open for other years)
Where: Piura, Peru
Details

Piura Peru Construction Team Project

Ministry: Construction team (team limited of 14)
Helping with current projects at Betesda Church;
laying brick, tying steel, electrical work and local ministry opportunities.
How long: 2 weeks (June 13th through 27th 2012  or dates open for other years)
Where: Piura, Peru
Details

Piura Peru Community Outreach Project

Ministry: Community Outreach (team limited to 14)
Helping around the community and beyond - projects to reach out to families around Betesda Church.  Great opportunity to put your talents to work.
How long: 1 - 2 weeks (Sept 20th - Oct 4th 2012  or dates open for other years)
Where: Piura, Peru
Details

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!!!!!!

Kenya Orphanage, Teaching and Community Project Volunteers

Here is your chance to Volunteer Abroad in Kenya.
Situated on the equator of Africa’s east coast, Kenya offers beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife and an ethnic diversity that has produced a vibrant culture. Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is the country’s principal economic, administrative, and cultural centre and is one of the largest and fastest growing cities in Africa.

Just 30km north of bustling Nairobi, amidst the beautiful tea plantations of the Kenyan highlands, lies Limuru, a community operating at a much slower pace of life than the nearby capital. You will be spending your time as a volunteer in both Nairobi and Limuru, which will give you a diverse experience of life in Kenya.

Kenya’s population is hugely affected by the struggles of poverty, unemployment and HIV/AIDS. There are currently over 1.5 million people in Kenya living with HIV/AIDS, with a staggering 1.2 million additional orphans due to virus. There are various places with countless possibilities to impact the lives of those that are affected by this myriad of problems, such as the Nairobi slums, surrounding orphanages, schools and clinics.  For more information go to: Volunteer In Africa Details

school-children-kenya

school-children-kenya, a photo by Youth Quests on Flickr.

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.

Peru Short Term Missions Trips For You or Your Group in 2012

Come with us to Peru, South America in 2012.  Peru ranks amongst the world's amazing centers of historic civilization. Their continues fascinate travelers and archaeologists alike. Peru can be found in the west central section of South America and is particularly a nation of geographical and cultural contrast. Peru is the 19th largest nation on the planet and is bordered north by Ecuador, to the south by Chile and Bolivia, towards the east by Columbia and Brazil and also to the west with the Pacific Ocean. Peru is a unique country as a result of the climatic, natural and cultural difference of its regions, which consist of coast, sierra and jungle.

Peru is populated by over 23 million people, largely descendents of Spanish settlers as well as native Inca and pre-Inca civilizations. Currently there are three national languages: Spanish, and the native Quechua and Aymara, reflecting the native Indian and Spanish origins which cultivate modern Peruvian society.

Your main project purpose is to be a blessing and bringing hope through your work on any of the four possible missions trips to Peru, evangelism, ministry and rallies among the local people and youth of the community.  Throughout your stay in any one of these four trips you will have the opportunity to be a blessing to many by the work project you will be completing, as well as, to many children that you will come in contact with at our hosts training schools and churches in Peru. You may also have the privilege of evangelizing in the nearby villages, bringing hope to the lost as well as being an encouragement for many others.  There will be countless opportunities for ministry and spiritual mentoring in your leisure times and social activities.

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

For more information or to sign up for one of these for possible teams or to another location please contact us at: www.youthquests.com/contact

Short Term Missions Trips to the Dominican Republic

Immerse yourself in the culture during your 10 days or longer  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

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

Pattaya, Thailand - Ministry and Outreach Missions Team

October 29th - Nov 6th. 2011
For this missions trip there is the opportunity for you to join a small team for 7 days. We will be concentrating on the city of Pattaya as this is where God has led this mission’s ministry to establish a Rescue Home for little girls rescued from child trafficking.  This city is in such desperate need of the love of Christ!

Thailand is a country of breathtaking natural beauty and menacing darkness. Innumerable young girls are sold into prostitution each year, while practically 5 million more children have been forced into labor. Oppressive occult customs and practices, propagating crime syndicates, and expanding drug networks have caused many of Thailand's 62 million people to lose hope.  Evangelism is a major focus of this trip to Pattaya, and consequently, there are various opportunities to reach people with the love of God through outreach such as street-witnessing, working with girls who have been victimized by the sex-industry, slum ministry, just to name a few.

Outreach:

• Slum ministry - Our team will be joining a local ministry that ministers in the slum areas in the city. These children are desperate for a hug, a smile, the love of God. This is a very high risk area for trafficking of children. You will join us in reaching out and connecting with these hurting children and families.
• Bar ministry outreach- Pattaya is the number one destination in Thailand for trafficking of women and girls. In our bar outreaches, our team will enter into the bars on the walking streets and sit down and minister to the prostitutes in the bars. This opens the doors for the girls to get out of trafficking and transitions them into a Christian ministry that we have partnered with in Pattaya. 
• Children's Drop-in Center - We have partnered with a local children's center that operates right in the center of the area known for pedophiles and child trafficking. This center operates as a night-time drop in center for the children of the bar girls and street children. Our teams connect with this center and help provide a safe haven for the kids! It is also under some construction right now, so we may be able to offer a little elbow grease! 

This is your chance to make a difference in the lives of the people and children in Thailand.  Join this Missions Trip to Thailand today!   For information regarding this Thailand missions trip or other missions opportunities please contact us.

Missionary Attitude, Evangelism and Conduct

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)
Mr. Taylor heard his call from the Lord to go to China at a young age.  Mr Taylor decided to learn what he could about China and it's 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 is better then theirs.  He adapted to their ways, without sinning.  He did not use his freedoms in Christ to do what he wanted, but to become all things to all people in order that the may share Christ.

It's 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 you will be ministering to.  Each culture has it’s own since 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’s our work to learn and put into practice their culture’s dos and don’ts, not to try to change them or have feel inferior or possibly insult them.  It is their county and culture, not ours.

Respect and Adapt:
Hudson Taylor and the Apostle Paul respected and adapted to their culture, choosing to become one of the people groups they ministered to by adapting their dress, language and culture.  They chose to become as one of them 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.