Local Teen Mission Trip combines the energy of teenagers with a homeland mission trip

to make a difference in the community and in the lives of young people. Photo supplied by Komar King.

Forty service-minded teenagers and chaperones from western Washington volunteered for this year's Local Teen Mission Trip in July to Friday Harbor in Washington's San Juan Islands.
 

"The United States, like any country in the world, is a mission field," says Byron Dulan, Washington Conference outreach ministries director. "The Local Teen Mission Trip is offered as an opportunity to illustrate to young people that they can serve God anywhere."
 

The teen missionaries spent a long weekend upgrading and improving the San Juan Community Garden on the property of Friday Harbor Church, spreading God's Word through literature evangelism and serving the community through service projects such as landscaping, gardening, building, painting, performing music and ministering to children.
 

"It's a great experience working on a mission field that is sometimes overlooked — right on our own turf," says Komar King, a teenage participant.
 

The Local Teen Mission Trip is in its third year, with teen volunteers previously serving in Chehalis and Burlington, Wash. The trip was co-sponsored this year by the Island Adventist Churches. Washington Adventist Community Services, who coordinates this mission trip, is exploring local church and community partnerships for future local teen mission trip venues.
 

"It was wonderful to serve God outside my comfort zone without having to go too far," says Timmy Kosaka, teen participant. "We have our own mission field right in our backyard."


Teen Reactions
"This was my first time on the San Juan Islands, first ferry ride, first whale watching experience and first time in a light house. And this was my first time on a mission trip." - Lynnette King
 

"I got to make new friends and I got to have a fun time even while working." - Ethan Preston

"It was a great environment to be in. Everyone was so friendly and fun to work with. I have come closer to God and the teens around me. It was the first and best mission trip I have ever been on. Thanks everyone who made it possible." - Rachel Lake

View mission trip photo galleries