In
July of 2008 our Youth Group took a Life-changing, Soul-stretching,
Heart-wrenching 10-day Short-Term Mission Trip to Portland,
Oregon. The REASON we chose Portland was because of the 100’s
if not 1,000’s of Runaway - Homeless Youths that fill
the streets of the downtown area, especially at night. God
gave us a heart to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to as
many young people as we could who are caught up in a world
of Methamphetamine; Heroin; Alcohol; Cocaine; Prostitution
and many other similar vices.
Our Mission was to introduce them to Jesus Christ by showing
them compassion through sincere love for who they are; by
purchasing meals for them while we sat and talked with them
about Jesus Christ; by giving away tents to sleep in; sleeping
bags to keep warm; and sometimes we just spent time with them
because no one else really wanted to talk with them –
in other words we treated them with respect because after
all, Jesus said if we, “do it to the least of these."
While we were in Portland we took part in an event they hold
every Friday Night under the Burnside Bridge called “Night
Strike.” At Night Strike hundreds of teens and homeless
people can come and have their feet washed; faces shaved;
hair cut; find clothing; and even find a home cooked meal,
all serviced by Christians who volunteer their time to serve
these people. Night Strike was one of the most memorable times
for our youth. They absolutely enjoyed it and talk about it
even to this day.
We also made ourselves available to a local shelter that held
a very well organized Canned Food-Fundraiser. We served in
whatever capacity they wanted us to serve in and we also got
to watch “Building 429” minster in music and song
at this event. Our teens really displayed a servant’s
heart that day with no complaints in 100 degree plus sunshine.
There was so much more that took place on this trip-enough
to write a small book. God really opened our eyes to the depravity
of the world in which we live and made us even more compassionate
for all of those we left behind. We actually felt guilty leaving
the runaways behind knowing that we would return to homes
filled with loving families and cupboards filled with food.
Our teens enjoyed last year’s Mission Trip so much that
we are making plans to return this summer once again to Portland
and now even go further in our witness for the Lord up to
Seattle, Washington where the same scenario with runaways
and homeless teens is taking place.
Please pray for us as we prepare once again, to take the Good
News of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Your prayers
are greatly appreciated and very much needed.
