From Woodburn to Wilmore to the World
Check out the latest from our On the GO newsletter by Michelle Gash about her mission trip with Woodburn Missionary Church…
Over the weekend, I had the privilege to host a youth group from Woodburn Missionary Church in Indiana! Nine energetic youth and two superb adult leaders traveled nearly 5 hours to Wilmore, KY to participate in a local “international” mission trip with GO.
During their time in Kentucky they had the opportunity to serve with a local organization called City for the Nations (C4N). They assisted with C4N's VBS outreach for refugees, learned about Unreached People Groups, and participated in a prayer walk in an area where international students live on UK's campus. The group also worked alongside AdventureServe to build steps for the home of a family in need and served the homeless community in Lexington through a ministry called Dining with Dignity.
The group enjoyed an international dinner on their last night together.
On the final night, the group experienced a taste of the Middle East. Our friend Hiba cooked a delicious Arabic meal and shared stories about her culture, her experience growing up Muslim, and her testimony to faith in Jesus. At the end of the night, the group learned how the fastest growing church in the world today, led primarily by women, is happening through Disciple Making Movements in the country of Iran through a movie by FAI Studios called Sheep Among Wolves Volume II.
Every morning, our devotionals were spent using the DBS (Discovery Bible Study) method that asks the questions what does this teach us about God, others, and how I will respond to what I've learned (specific action toward obedience or “I will” statements). At the end of the day, we debriefed by sharing our Favorite Things and how we followed through with our “I will” statements. It was a powerful time together learning to be obedient to God's Word. Check out what some of the youth had to say about their experience during the weekend:
“To put it short, this weekend was eye-opening. My heart mourns for the Middle East, but I cry out Maranatha alongside them in joy knowing every tongue of every tribe will one day praise His name." -Hunter
“The whole weekend, I was so focused on one thought running through my mind: ‘Love others as I have loved you.' I wanted to be an example of God's love to every person I saw last weekend. Our group talked about our ‘I will’ statements a lot during devotionals, and I figured out mine. I don't want to be an example of God's love only when I'm surrounded by people from my church. I want to show strangers in my own town that God is here for them and working in amazing ways. So ‘I will’ continue to smile at strangers and listen to life stories. ‘I will’ show God's love." -Nevaeh
“I truly believe that God touched the hearts of our students and spoke to them through our daily DBS devotion times. Over and over again, God reminded us that we can experience peace because He promises to be near to us. Also, it was so cool to watch God open up their eyes to the Disciple Making Movements happening all around the world! I think that, for the first time, they really felt this invitation - like they could have a part and a role in spreading the gospel to those who have never heard it. And, not just that they should have a part in it, but that they are commanded to have a part in it! I'm so excited to see how God continues to grow the seeds and the passions that were planted during this trip!” - Breanna Burkle, Youth Pastor, Woodburn Missionary Church
We praise God for how He is at work in the hearts of these young people. Please pray for them as they are back home and sharing what they learned with family and friends around them. Pray that the seeds planted during this trip will continue to grow and that they will bear much fruit!
If you are interested in bringing a team to Wilmore for a stateside mission experience with a strong international flavor, we’d love to have you. Contact us here.
Maranatha!