You want to do What?!!

Every year for the past 4 years, I have taken the sixth graders on a trip to end their time in children's ministry. A fun trip to hang out and enjoy each other one more time before they move on to youth ministry.
This year things have changed! When I approached the sixth graders with the options for their trip, they said they didn't want to go on just any trip. I looked at them dumbfounded and asked, "What kind of trip would you like to go on?". They answered,"We want you to take us on a mission trip."
As a minister, this is the answer that you wait all of your life to hear. After carefully explaining to my young friends the hardships that they would encounter on a mission trip, I asked once again if they wanted to go. The answer was still yes. It is still hard to put into words how proud I am of these kids. They completely understand that they are giving up hanging out on a vacation to go and serve in the name of Christ.
Many people look at the younger generations, shake their heads and say, "they are the most hopeless, selfish group of people the world has ever known." While that may be true about some children, it is not the truth about the majority. They have hearts of gold and many dream of changing the world. The kids here at Grace are no exception. They constantly astound me with their Biblical knowledge and passion for living Godly lives. But more importantly, they understand the value of others. I believe that they have the unique gift of seeing others through God's eyes. I pray that they never lose that ability and this is only the first step in a life long commitment to serving Christ.