Katie's Mission Testimony

I asked a few of our youth and leaders to write about what short term missions has meant to them. This was written by Katie Kavanaugh.  Katie is the adult music leader a CCSM Sunday night, she sings in the praise band at Church of the Cross (Bluffton, SC).  Katie plans to graduate from USCB at the end of the 2010 fall semester.  God has called her to pursue a full time youth ministry position after graduation.   

 My name is Katie Kavanaugh and I am a CCSM youth leader. I have been on numerous mission trips, most of them being within the US. I have a special love for Mission Trips because that is where I first experienced Jesus and became a Christian. I was a freshmen in High School when I took my first mission trip, to Atlanta, GA. I believe it is important for us to travel outside of the country to truly understand poverty and suffering outside the comfort of our own homes. However, that trip helped me realize how much is needed in our own country, and in that instance, just a few hours away. We had the experience of working in a place that prepared meals for AIDs patients, served in homes for the mentally handicapped, as well as packaged medical supplies to go off to different countries. It wasn't until my first mission trip that I really understood service, or the message that was delivered through our service. It is now seven years later and I feel the same way as I do my first mission trip (with a little better understanding of the sovereignty of God). While the purpose and center of the mission trip is to serve and spread the gospel, there is also a service to the students who go on the trip. For instance, on most mission trips that we have taken we have a foot washing service. While the ritual is not often practiced in our society today, the symbolism holds such a spiritual meaning and humbles each and every one of us. Jesus says in John 13:14-15, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set the example that you should do as I have done for you.” After a week of serving others, it is a great reminder that Jesus set the example and we are to follow in His footsteps. I am excited for this years mission trip to Jacksonville and for the students at Christ Church to follow in Jesus' footsteps.

-Katie Kavanaugh