Missions Monitor

You are Never too Young.

David Scott Fields II, Senior Writer • February 1, 2016

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example to those who believe.”
1 Timothy 4:12 NASB.

When you think of the term missionary, what images does that evoke in your mind? Perhaps, like me, you are reminded of the great heroes of the faith – men and women who were willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord, even their own lives. However, have you ever paused for a moment to consider the impact a child – even a very young one – can have on the kingdom of God? I have been a Christian school teacher for the last twelve years, and in that time it has been my privilege to know many young people who have taken part in Christian missions in one form or another. This fall, I was blessed to make the acquaintance of quite possibly the youngest missionary I have ever met – a 7^th grade student by the name of Caleb Southard.

For most middle school students, the 7^th grade is a time to figure things out, both about themselves and life in general, but for Caleb there was one thing he had figured out long before his 7^th grade year began – who his Lord and Savior would be. However, Caleb is not just another Christian kid. He is a missionary in his own right, having served faithfully alongside his family and church during multiple mission trips to The Dominican Republic, a nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Though The DR has one of the strongest economies in Latin America, government corruption and high unemployment rates have plagued the nation, driving many into lives of abject poverty and even despair. Fortunately, poverty and despair have no power to overcome the good news of Jesus Christ, no matter what the culture or cause.

Many people have taken their passion for Christ to The Dominican Republic over the years, but for the Southards their annual trip with First Presbyterian Church of Jupiter has become something of a family tradition. With Mr. Southard typically leading their church group, at one point or another every member of Caleb’s immediate family has participated, and Caleb himself has been on multiple trips since he was very young. The purpose of every trip is always clear – to pour out the love of Christ to the communities of The DR in tangible ways, including the building of homes, basketball courts, and even schools. Naturally, when you leave your own culture and comfort zone for the sake of Christ, things start to change inside of you, so I had to ask, “What is it like serving Christ in a foreign country with your family?” To this Caleb replied, “It’s fun just to see the other sides of my dad, mom, brother and sister as they serve other people for God.” I imagine any such experience would draw a family together, and I believe Caleb is truly blessed to be part of a family that makes a regular habit of it.

As every Christian knows, the difference between a simple community service trip and a mission trip is the emphasis on sharing the saving work of Christ. I asked Caleb how sharing Christ worked on his trips to The Dominican Republic, and he explained, “Anytime people asked why we were doing all this work, we would say, ‘We love God and we want to share the love He has for us with the people of the Dominican Republic.’” This love was expressed constantly through the building of relationships with the people of The DR. Caleb recalled a widow and her children for whom they were able to build a whole house. When people get a roof put over their heads in the name of Christ that is sure to get them thinking about what He has to say. Relationships with the local children were also built by playing with them, giving swimming lessons, and even teaching them how to play lacrosse – a totally new sport to The Dominican Republic. The team even organized a lacrosse tournament with the locals, and in the end the joy they saw on the people’s faces was reward enough for Caleb and his team.

Caleb’s most recent trip to The Dominican Republic was in the summer of 2015, but that trip most certainly will not be the last. When I asked why he was so committed to going back year after year, Caleb responded by saying, “It impacts my life and draws me closer to God. It also makes me want to bring my friends and teammates on lacrosse with me.” And with that in mind I closed by asking, “What would you say to other middle school students about going on missions?” Caleb’s answer was to the point – “It will change your life and change your perspectives on other people and life.” I am personally thrilled about the work I know Christ will accomplish through Caleb and other young people like him. They are truly fulfilling Christ’s command through Paul to “…be an example to those who believe.”

This Post is Sponsored by: