Why do we Do missions?
All throughout the New Testament, we see the pattern of believers receiving the gospel and then proclaiming it to others. Each gospel concludes with some version of Jesus commanding his disciples to go forth and preach the gospel to the world (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:46-47; Jn. 20:21).
We all have that same calling on our lives today. As we are called to love God and to love others, one of the primary ways we do that is by pointing others toward the hope of the gospel— the good news that our glorious God has graciously saved us through Jesus Christ.
We all have that same calling on our lives today. As we are called to love God and to love others, one of the primary ways we do that is by pointing others toward the hope of the gospel— the good news that our glorious God has graciously saved us through Jesus Christ.
HOw do we do missions?
The complicated events around the world cause so many of us to be consumed with an inward focus. We’re thinking about our job security, our financial stability, our disrupted family rhythms, our shifting plans, and so many other ways that our lives have been impacted. Before long, we’re consumed with an inward focus that runs counter to that missional lifestyle we’re called to live.
When we engage in missions, we overcome that inward focus as we demonstrate to our students that the mission trumps the circumstances. As we see in the life of Paul, even when we ourselves might be hurting, we still look to love and serve others with Christlike humility (Phil. 2:3-4). Planning a mission trip requires sacrifice as we give up our time, our finances, our vacation days, and much more as we seek to love others. Putting that mission trip on the calendar is a tangible way of teaching your students that even when the world around us stops and reconfigures, the mission of God continues on for Christ-followers.
When we engage in missions, we overcome that inward focus as we demonstrate to our students that the mission trumps the circumstances. As we see in the life of Paul, even when we ourselves might be hurting, we still look to love and serve others with Christlike humility (Phil. 2:3-4). Planning a mission trip requires sacrifice as we give up our time, our finances, our vacation days, and much more as we seek to love others. Putting that mission trip on the calendar is a tangible way of teaching your students that even when the world around us stops and reconfigures, the mission of God continues on for Christ-followers.
What Should Missions look like for students?
We partner with an organization called LeaderTreks for our Pawley’s Island Mission Trip. LeaderTreks stands out from other mission-oriented organizations. One of the biggest differences is that we will be the only youth group at this site. LeaderTreks will provide a certified, trained staff member to focus solely on us and the work we are doing. Our students will really get to get to know this ministry visionary, giving them a new view of how they can live for Jesus Christ.
LeaderTreks weaves leadership and discipleship together. The staff member allows the students to make real decisions and experience the results of those decisions. Every activity on the trip is viewed as an opportunity for leadership skills to be developed. It is also a great place to grow spiritual disciplines that lead to deeper discipleship. Each day there is a 45-minute morning devotion time and every night during Team Time, we will process everything that God is teaching us.
LeaderTreks weaves leadership and discipleship together. The staff member allows the students to make real decisions and experience the results of those decisions. Every activity on the trip is viewed as an opportunity for leadership skills to be developed. It is also a great place to grow spiritual disciplines that lead to deeper discipleship. Each day there is a 45-minute morning devotion time and every night during Team Time, we will process everything that God is teaching us.
This years Trip
MIssion trip 2026
June 28- July 4
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying at a local church in Pawley’s Island. There will be separate areas for guys and girls. Each participant should plan on bringing a blow-up mattress, sleeping bag or blanket and a pillow, and any other items needed for sleeping. We will have showers and separate bathrooms too.
We will be staying at a local church in Pawley’s Island. There will be separate areas for guys and girls. Each participant should plan on bringing a blow-up mattress, sleeping bag or blanket and a pillow, and any other items needed for sleeping. We will have showers and separate bathrooms too.
$740
What’s included in the cost?
The cost of the trip is estimated at $740. This includes transportation, project fees, housing fees, all meals during the project, all meals for travel, and everything for training. The only expense you will have on the trip is anything you want for souvenirs or snacks along the way!
The cost of the trip is estimated at $740. This includes transportation, project fees, housing fees, all meals during the project, all meals for travel, and everything for training. The only expense you will have on the trip is anything you want for souvenirs or snacks along the way!
What will we being doing
This island off the coast of South Carolina is something special. The LeaderTreks base camp is located 5 minutes from the water’s edge. Yet in the middle of this vacation paradise is a broken community. For many years, racial division has been ignored as the community has enjoyed a growing and expanding economy. Unfortunately, there only seems to be one community benefiting from all the growth: the affluent white community. As Pawley’s continues to grow and expand, so does the division between the white and African-American communities. We will do a variety of work projects including carpentry work, painting, trash removal, and landscaping.
Our time of pre-planned outreach will be with a local church. This time will be used to conduct ministry with children and youth with a VBS style or sports camp feel. In 2-3 hours each day (Tuesday to Thursday), we will be able to assist the local church in ministry to their local community. We will be one of 4-6 teams in the Pawley’s Island area this summer. Our team will work with an individual church to provide ministry to local area children. Students are given full ownership of that portion of the trip. Before the trip ever starts, students from our team will plan and organize the outreach program. Adult leaders and the LeaderTreks staff will support and encourage students in planning, but students will have complete ownership and will lead it. Each night, the team will evaluate the day and make necessary adjustments to navigate obstacles, and clearly share the love of Christ. This gives significant leadership development opportunities as students work together towards excellence.
Additionally, there will be an adventure day on Friday. This will be spent doing a pre-planned and approved activity as a group such as beach outing, adventure activity, or water-based activity.
Our time of pre-planned outreach will be with a local church. This time will be used to conduct ministry with children and youth with a VBS style or sports camp feel. In 2-3 hours each day (Tuesday to Thursday), we will be able to assist the local church in ministry to their local community. We will be one of 4-6 teams in the Pawley’s Island area this summer. Our team will work with an individual church to provide ministry to local area children. Students are given full ownership of that portion of the trip. Before the trip ever starts, students from our team will plan and organize the outreach program. Adult leaders and the LeaderTreks staff will support and encourage students in planning, but students will have complete ownership and will lead it. Each night, the team will evaluate the day and make necessary adjustments to navigate obstacles, and clearly share the love of Christ. This gives significant leadership development opportunities as students work together towards excellence.
Additionally, there will be an adventure day on Friday. This will be spent doing a pre-planned and approved activity as a group such as beach outing, adventure activity, or water-based activity.
Ready to Join the Team?
At Emmanuel Church, we believe that God honors commitment. Commitment is essential for leadership—it requires time, prayer, and a heart to serve, learn, and grow. As a mission team member, your responsibilities begin the moment your application is accepted.
If accepted, I commit to the following:
FAITHFULNESS
I will remain faithful in my involvement at Emmanuel Church, in my personal walk with God, in my studies, and in my relationships. I understand that my life and actions reflect Christ and should demonstrate integrity and credibility to those I serve.
MEETINGS
I will attend all required team meetings. I understand that repeated absences from meetings, youth group, or church may result in losing my place on the mission trip team, though I will still be responsible for any financial commitments made.
TIME
I will invest the necessary time and energy to prepare for the trip, support my team, and pray for the ministry.
ACCOUNTABILITY
I will be accountable to Pastor Harry, adult leaders, and my teammates. I will also help hold others accountable to their commitments.
I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in losing the opportunity to participate in the mission trip and any associated privileges.
If accepted, I commit to the following:
FAITHFULNESS
I will remain faithful in my involvement at Emmanuel Church, in my personal walk with God, in my studies, and in my relationships. I understand that my life and actions reflect Christ and should demonstrate integrity and credibility to those I serve.
MEETINGS
I will attend all required team meetings. I understand that repeated absences from meetings, youth group, or church may result in losing my place on the mission trip team, though I will still be responsible for any financial commitments made.
TIME
I will invest the necessary time and energy to prepare for the trip, support my team, and pray for the ministry.
ACCOUNTABILITY
I will be accountable to Pastor Harry, adult leaders, and my teammates. I will also help hold others accountable to their commitments.
I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in losing the opportunity to participate in the mission trip and any associated privileges.