Mckayla, Carrie Lynn, and Robin, 3 out of our 37 Summer Missionaries, having fun at Mission Arlington

Summer Missionaries are easy to love, and easy to receive at Mission Arlington®. They come spiritually prepared, a little scared, but full of faith and eager to give their lives in God’s service here. They arrive in late May, and though some stay for shorter periods of time, many of them stay through the entire summer, leaving in early August. Many are heading home now. By the end of this Summer, 37 students from five states and multiple Texas cities will have worked with us this Summer.

Paige, from Alabama, loving a young child in Jesus’ name.

These energetic young people work hard, arrive early, stay late and give themselves fully to the Lord’s work, seven days a week. They are full of life and energy. They love the Lord, and they want to make a difference with their lives. Those of us who are here year-round work side by side with them, encouraged by their hard work, sacrifices, and faith. We laugh, cry, pray, and “do life together” for a few months.

These young lives come to mean much to us professionally, because they are such great help in both extending and deepening the ministry here.  They fill in the gaps and provide much needed support to Bible study leaders who often don’t have the help they need. On the other hand, and perhaps just as important, these admirable young people also come to mean a great deal to us personally.  We love working side-by-side with them, of course, but we also grow to love who they are. These “summer missionaries” truly become a part of our family.

So, while it is so easy to see them coming our way, it sure isn’t easy to watch them go home.  As we move closer to August, many of them are ending their tour with us, and headed back home. That’s as it should be. They have school to finish, and families to hug, and work to be done back home. We hug them, and smile through the tears as they walk out our doors.  They’ve become a part of our family, and for us, it won’t be the same. What’s beautiful is knowing that they often feel the same way.

Some of these students call “Mission Arlington® their second home, or “other family,” and that feels good. Many of them will be back at different times to check in, or to help again for a little while.  Some, as many have done in the past, will hear God’s call, and come back to serve here with us full time. But most will go on to live talented, faithful, and effective Christian lives where ever God sends them.  They are equipped and ready.

We will continue to pray for them as they go and look for their return. We will listen for news of their effective service wherever they go, and forever consider ourselves blessed, because they were here.

To God be the glory!