by Brandi Miller for the FCT

Most kids will spend their summer months hanging out with friends, participating in sports camps, working, or lying out by the pool.  Most kids will try to do as little as possible and just enjoy a much needed break from the stress of school and hectic schedules.  Darby Madden and Daniel Lindsey plan on using their summer months to make a difference in the lives of others around the world.

Madden, a sophomore at Red Bay High School, and Lindsey, a junior at Red Bay High School are each planning mission trips to foreign countries this summer.  Madden will be traveling to Saut d’Eva in Haiti, and Lindsey will be traveling to Tokyo Japan.  Madden and Lindsey will both be gone June 11^th through July 1^st.

“I am going on this mission trip to spread the gospel to those who have never gotten the chance to hear it,” said Madden.  “I hope to help build up the current churches that are already there.”

Lindsey echoes Madden’s statements about his trip to Japan.

“I want to visit with the Japanese believers and help do some outreach programs with the churches.”

Madden and Lindsey will begin training for their mission trip in Nashville June 11^th through the 17^th.  Then they will fly to their separate destinations and spend two weeks helping do work projects in churches as well as villages.

Going with Madden on her mission trip to Haiti will be a group of eight to ten teenagers from across the United States and her team leaders Jeremey and D’Andra Robinson.  Lindsey will be traveling with 8 to 10 teenagers from across the United States as well.  He will also be traveling with Courtney and Matthew Lindsey.

Madden and Lindsey both attend Freewill Baptist Church in Red Bay, Alabama.  It is through other students participating in the mission trips or E-Team in the past that Madden first heard and learned about the experience.  Lindsey’s family has a firsthand knowledge about the mission trips since both of his older sisters went to Cuba last year on E-Team missions.

E-Team is a life-changing, short-term summer missions experience for students who have just completed grades 10, 11, or 12.  The program provides a week of intensive training and two weeks of hands-on, cross-cultural experience where students learn from and serve with Free Will Baptist missionaries.  The experience wraps up with a time of debriefing and closing ceremonies.

This is an exciting opportunity for both Madden and Lindsey but traveling that far into the unknown without family for the first time can be slightly intimidating.

“I am nervous about traveling out to the country without my family, but I can’t wait to experience a different culture,” said Madden.  “I can’t wait to get to meet the people of Haiti and see their everyday life.  I’m scared about adapting and trying to fit in with their lifestyles, but I’m mostly just excited.”

“I am nervous about the 13 hour flight, but other than that I am excited,” said Lindsey.   “I can’t wait to meet the Japanese and get to worship with them. “

Both Madden and Lindsey say that in order to prepare they have formed prayer groups for their teams and had fundraisers.  Both teenagers ask for prayer as they prepare for their exciting journey and during their mission trip.

Various fundraisers to help with this amazing journey are also periodically taking place at Freewill Baptist Church.  Both teenagers express that prayers are coveted but any donations would be greatly appreciated.  Anyone who would like to send a donation can do so by mailing to Freewill Baptist Church 1303 Hwy. 24 East,  Red Bay, AL. 35582 or by calling the church office at 256-356-9220 and speaking with someone there who can assist you.

“I want to thank my church for all their financial support and prayers as well as my community,” said Madden.  Lindsey shares Madden’s sentiments. “I want to thank my church for their support of student missions,” said Lindsey.  “I also want to thank everyone who has supported me financially or through prayers.”

This is sure to be a summer that Madden nor Lindsey will ever forget.  The impact they will have on the lives of those they come into contact with can be everlasting.  And both teenagers will probably learn things that will be life impacting on them as well.