Is 14 too young to go on an international mission trip?

Question

Hey! I was wondering what you guys thought of a 14 year old going on an international mission trip to Peru.

The trip would be through Brio Missions; and i would go on it next summer. You can find out about the trip here: www.briomag.com/missions

I am very very passionate about mission work and serving others. I have been on 10 mission trips out of state and think that I am ready to go international.

So what do you think? Is 14 too young?

O' and I would be going with a 16 year girl from my church that i am really good friends with and I trust.

Answer 1

Only if you go with very trustworthy adults... then it could be a great experience for you to see what other countries are like. We westerners are spoiled and often have no clue what life is like for most people on this planet.

It would also be important for you to be able to form your own opinion of how a mission trip works and if you feel it really was helpful to people in Peru, or if it was manipulative.

Answer 2

I think that it is great that you want to go out of the country, especially with what Peru is dealing with right now.

Don't listen to some of the things people say in your answers (the bitter and dissillusioned ones that is). There are too many people who want nothing to do with Christianity except to be a pest to those who are truly passionate about their relationship with Christ and seeking wisdom. Don't let the garbage that spews from their mouths (that are open far too much) taint your outlook.

It is amazing to get outside your own culture and give of yourself to those in need. 14 is not too young to hit the missions field. You must be careful to give the proper preparation to go as the enemy will put significantly more pressure on you than an in country trip. It is no small deal going over seas for the gospel and the enemy takes notice. You must be very well spiritually prepared before during and after!

I also recommend going with a parent, or someone you trust. If you go with a separate organization, it can still be good, but chances are, you won't know anybody you are going with until you go on the trip. On the one hand, you will meet new people. But trust me, it is very important to have people you trust around you!

Talk to your parents, your pastor and the people you trust to give you sound spiritual advice and see what they think. Have them pray about it. God will show you whether it's time to go or not.

If it is not time for you to go just yet, don't worry about it. Keep your passion for getting on the field. God will bring you there when it is His time.

Answer 3

I have been on 3 mission trips to Haiti. There was a young gal of 14 who went with us. Her father went too. She is a very grounded gal who doesn't seem like 14 (she is 16 now and will be going again w/ us this year). I think it depends on the 14 year old and how they think and act. You need to talk to your leader and parents and get their input. If you have a passion for it and are willing to go through the rough times (and there are lots of rough times when you go internationally) with a mature attitude and are close to God then you probably won't have any problem. I applaud you for going on these trips. God bless you for blessing others.

Answer 4

Commit your trip to the God and pray to Him to bless the mission. At your age, my humble advice would be to have someone responsible who is a close relative or very close friend go along. It’s not that you cannot take care of yourself; the world is not the way you may find it to be in the US!

This should be an eye opening experience for you, and if you have read this post you may remember my words once you return.

May the Lord Jesus be with you and watch over you,
Andrew

Answer 5

First of all, I used to subscribe to Breakaway Magazine, which is the male version of Brio. I have all faith in Focus on the Family and their ability to spread the Gospel. With the knowledge of their security for everyone on the team, and what you say your passion is, and seeing your previous experience, I think you're GREATLY qualified. I've been to the Czech Republic three times, and the last time I went, we brought a 16 yr old. My church takes Middle Schoolers to Mexico every year.

If your parents have already given you permission, don't hesitate any longer.

Answer 6

I think it is a great age to learn about other cultures first hand. If you are doing something useful, like helping a community by doing projects, then that's even better. However...

I myself was part of a church when i was a young teenager and went on a mission trip to Russia when I was 15. It was eye-opening. We went there, however, not to help rebuild or provide assistance, but to spread the propaganda of our church. These were people that barely had enough money to live, and we were telling them that now that they have heard the word of jesus, they either accept him or go to hell... That was one of many experiences that eventually led me to where I am today - atheism.

Answer 7

It is good that you want to do good works but in my opinion, 14 and even 16 is much too young to leave the country alone, without parents. I would urge you to wait until you are at least 18, 21 to be safe. Then go with a larger group, not just two teenage girls.
there are dangers out there that you can 't even imagine yet.

Answer 8

I do not think that 14 is to young for international missions. It just the right age to minister to all the people locally first to get ready for the trip.

Answer 9

I held down a full time job and went to school at 13 but it was a different world.
Not saying you aren't up to it but I wonder more about the support structure than your friend who is young herself and for her too.
Missionary trips can be hard and at times dangerous. Medical help is often inadequate and transportation limited.
If this is all it should be God Bless You and keep you safe and thanks for caring.

Answer 10

that's great that you are so passionate about doing gods work. i think that as long as there are really trustworthy and mature chaperones with you then you will be fine. it can be dangerous to go to other countries when your a young girl, but if you are with a group of older people, and you have gods protection, then by all means, go, have fun, spread the good news. you will definitely be rewarded for your work when you get to heaven, not to mention how good you will feel knowing that you have helped other people , who was lost before you entered their lives. god bless you, i will pray that he keeps you safe.