Youth in Mission
An interview with Kevin Chiles
How many mission trips have you participated in through Maple Grove Lutheran Church?
I have been on two mission trips. The first was to San Francisco, last summer. This summer I went to the YouthWorks mission site at Fort Apache, Arizona with Maple Grove Lutheran Senior High youth, July 19-26 for whom we hosted the Kid’s Club. We were working at the White Mountain Apache tribe reservation, in east central Arizona.
Why did you decide to go on another youth mission trip?
I was curious about a chance to see and experience a different culture and place. Traveling to a Native American reservation was an opportunity to do that.
What else attracted you to going on another mission trip?
My experience on the previous mission trip was quite positive. I came away feeling I had accomplished something. It’s difficult to put into words. I had a strong feeling God was at work. I never really encountered anything like that before.
Can you describe the site, and how you served?
We stayed at an alternative school on the reservation; we commuted between the school and the Assembly of God church where we ate and hosted Kid’s Club. There was also home repair and painting projects.
Describe a favorite moment.
Playing outside in the rain with the Apache children we were hosting the Kids Club for. There was a big, afternoon thunderstorm. I was “dragged” outside by a bunch of mischievous, giggling little kids, to underneath where water was pouring off the roof of the church.
What was hard?
I was surprised by the poverty the town was stricken with, and the severe economic stress.
How did you serve Christ and your neighbor?
I got to know two little brothers: Emmett and Dustin. I felt like I made a positive impact in their lives. Later, I met their mom, and she was quite grateful for my help.
What would you say to youth at Maple Grove Lutheran Church who haven’t yet attended a mission trip?
I strongly recommend this experience. It’s a great opportunity for growth in faith and service, seeing new places and new faces, and meeting Christian youth from other parts of the country.