Recently I read an article stating that students who participate in service to people that they do not know, are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. I was fascinated by this article because of the work that we do with Ambassadors (high school students ages 14-18) We have known for years the impact that going on missions can have on the faith and life of a high school student. The article, which can be found here, focuses on serving others. Teenagers have a natural tendency to serve their family and friends, however the article points out the benefits of serving strangers.
“Although serving family and friends can have positive benefits — resulting in stronger relationships — it is the service to a stranger that has noticeable positive outcomes. Some of those outcomes include teens being less likely to participate in delinquent behaviors or show aggression.”
We have dedicated our lives to helping students see the importance of serving others. Having an others first mentality and following Jesus’ example of being a servant leader. There is something that takes place when you serve a stranger. When students step outside of their comfort zones. The service has a cost to them. When you serve others you begin to see the value in others. Many of the behaviors that students, and adults for that matter, engage in that are aggressive or unkind it is because we are devaluing others. When we help students engage in activity where they serve others we are demonstrating the others, even others that don’t look like us, have value.
The work that we do engaging students in missions and discipling them to have a servant’s heart is something that can have an impact on their lives and the communities they live in. Our heart for students is that missions/service might become a lifestyle. We don’t want students to take a mission trip and then check that item off their list. Our hope is that each student will become a lifelong servant leader. The article makes a great statement about how parents really affect this service lifestyle.
“Families can create that family identity of serving,” Dr. Padilla-Walker said. “If we can involve our children from a young age they learn how to help other people. Parents need to make it a part of your identity, and parental example is the strongest example for a child.”
Connie and I are grateful for our parents who modeled for us an identity of serving. We love what we do and are thankful that God has entrusted us with the work of raising up servant leaders. Thank all of you for your support and prayers.
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