By Stacia Guarisco

I’m that mom. You know, the one who doesn’t want her kids inundated with society’s “all about me” philosophy. I’m the one who desires servant hearts in each of her children. I want my children to be grateful and humble following the words of 1 Samuel 12:24 “But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” Not only that, but I’m the mom who wants empathy to flow forth; evident in her children’s actions. I want my children to see others in need and have a true empathetic desire to serve. Yes, this can be accomplished through the little things, like assisting the older woman with her groceries. It’s difficult even then to remove your child from the “all about me” culture. That’s why I’m the mom who wants her kids to experience a mission trip. I want them to experience true need and true service.

The average overseas mission trip, though can cost thousands of dollars and between the Cross Country meets, Football games, Youth Group Retreats, etc. the time it takes to raise this money for the mission, is not feasible for our family. Also, though excellent and certainly fulfilling of the great commission, this type of mission doesn’t seem to exhibit a need in my children’s everyday lives. After the trip kids often return home remembering the need elsewhere but unable to recognize need in their own community fostering a false philosophy of service. As Doug Bannister writes in Christianity Today, “Some well-meaning Christians have a theology of mission that seeks to alleviate the spiritual and physical suffering of people far away, but pays little attention to needs here at home.”

I’m the mom who wants her kids to have an eye for need in those around them regardless of who they are. Sitting in church on Sunday God showed me an affordable mission trip in my own back yard; Victory Lane Camp. At Victory Lane Camp my children can serve families of children with disabilities. My children will be trained in service; equipped with skills to continue serving beyond the camp. My kids will experience a humbling as those around them overcome obstacles they have never known. I’m the mom who wants her kids to grow at Victory Lane Camp.

Interested in learning more about a Backyard Mission Trip? Click Here