Article
Mission Report: Youth Blueprint Team
by Eden Miller
On this mission trip, we went to San Antonio to work with Blueprint Ministries. Blueprint Ministries is an organization that works with homeowners who desperately need home repairs but can’t afford them. Their mission is to restore homes and restore hope by giving people accessible, dry, and safe places to live. This year, I served with SJD youth Faith, Carson, Grace, Wesley, Maksym, Joey, Matthew, Will, Lilah, Staples, Keira, and Abigayle. I was accompanied by youth leaders Ellie Kight, Collier Humphreys, Sutton Lowe, and Tony Brizuela. I already knew the youth attending with me because they all go to midweek, and I was excited to have the chance to deepen my relationships.
One of the most magical things about being on mission is seeing all the ways God moves through people. The way that stood out most to me was the work ethic of my team. Our roofing project was a lot bigger than we initially realized. Compared to the other group, we were less experienced and had fewer materials. We also had a long stretch where we had to redo at least two hours’ worth of work after realizing we had made a mistake, which is a big deal when it’s super hot, and we’re getting tired. However, I could see God in the way that everyone persevered through these hardships. My team was slow to anger and quick to encourage; everyone looked out for and supported each other. We literally lifted each other up so we could all finish the task at hand. I also saw God in the way that we connected with the other churches. We worshiped and played together, making new friendships and strengthening the ones we had. I could clearly see and feel God, because when you are among such a Christ-filled community, you get immediately washed over with a sense of belonging, and you know you are home.
Missions have taught me what being a servant of the Lord truly looks like. Seeing the love, care, and faith from everyone involved in the mission communities is a life-changing experience.
It is hard to choose a specific memory that stands out as a highlight, as I have so many good ones. The high school girls and I found this abandoned room filled with mirrors that we used as a hideout, and we had many deep (theological) discussions in there. I also really loved spending time with the middle schoolers on our team. Especially on the bus ride back, I could tell that the future of the youth group is in good hands because they are all so fun and spirited. My favorite highlight was when Faith Crockett got Elizabeth Wade (who was serving as a Blueprint summer staff) to play “Church Clap” before worship one night, and everyone from all the churches who knew it raced to the front, and we all danced together.
My faith life would be different if I hadn’t participated in mission teams. Missions have taught me what being a servant of the Lord truly looks like. Seeing the love, care, and faith from everyone involved in the mission communities is a life-changing experience. It gives me such a tangible feeling to take back with me and is a reminder to embody the Lord in all aspects of my life. Being on mission is the closest I have come to seeing the Lord in person, and it is almost impossible to doubt when you can see someone’s miracle happening in real time. My faith life would also be extremely different because I would not be as close with my Christian community and sisters in Christ. These friendships that have been built on mission are some of the strongest in my life and are one of my most prized possessions. Being on a mission really opens your eyes to the power of Christ as well as shows you what it is like to truly be immersed in his path and in the faith.