by TAMIE VERVOORN

ILLUSTRATIONS by ALAN FLINN

You’re right in the middle of your summer mission. Has it exceeded your wildest expectations—or confirmed your worst fears? You’ve made it through a lot but you still have some time to go. Will you make it through? Or are you wishing it would never end? * Take this quick and simple quiz to check your attitude and find out how you can finish the race strong. Or, if you’re doing great, look for ideas to help someone else cross the finish line in style. * Circle the answer that best describes how you feel about your experience. Be honest. You don’t have to show this to anyone else.

01 So far, I’ve been blown away by what God is doing in and through our team. I’m so excited about the rest of the trip.

A I agree totally. 

B Yeah, that’s close to how I feel most of the time.

C I can’t say I feel that way. I’m just kind of “here” right now.

D God? I think He dropped us off and left us here! The only part of the week I’m excited about is going home.

02 Not only is God doing great things with our team, He’s doing awesome things in me personally.

A Yes! My relationship with God has really grown in just a few days.

B It’s definitely a challenging time. I know I’ll go home changed.

C I have so many distracting thoughts. It’s hard to focus on God.

D See answer “d” to the first question.

03 When my team leaders or others ask me to do something, I usually feel ... 

A stoked! I’m having fun serving those around me.

B fine. I want to help however I can.

C okay, I guess. I do what I’m told, but my heart’s not totally in it.

D really bugged. What is this, the army?

04So far, we’ve made great progress. We’re at least halfway through the project and we’ve made a ton of new friends. I think we’ll finish in a few days.

A Yes, we are definitely moving at God-speed!

B We’re working hard, but it’s a big leap of faith to think it’ll get finished this week.

C No, we really haven’t done that much. I’m getting kind of bored.

D Yeah, right. Nothing has been accomplished and nothing will.

05After this trip I want to go home with ...

A a deeper relationship with Jesus, new friendships and confidence that the people here heard about God’s love through us.

B good photos, good memories, and good friends.

C I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it.

D a few cool souvenirs.

06Which phrase best describes your prayer times so far this week?

A I spend time alone with God each day and try to pray specifically for my leaders, teammates and the people around us.

B I pray with the group and try to get in a few minutes alone with God when we’re not busy working.

C Umm ... it’s been okay. I mean, I pray when everyone else does.

D Who can pray when it’s so hot and dirty and impossible to find personal space?

07Being in another culture (even if it’s in my own country) is ...

A fascinating! I love it.

B interesting. I was a little nervous at first, but I’m getting into it now.

C scary. I’m not sure if I like it.

D lame. I can’t believe how they talk and dress around here. 

08When I think about what I can do to build team unity and show Jesus’ love to the people around us, I ...

A really want to seek God and feel what He feels for my team and for these people.

B think I’m doing a pretty good job of it already.

C don’t worry about it too much. I mean, we’re only here for a week.

D haven’t thought about it at all.

09I came on this trip because ...

A I really felt God wanted me to do this, and I was excited for the opportunity to share His love with others.

B I thought it would be a good thing to do.

C my youth group planned it; the guy/girl I like was going, so I signed on.

D my parents made me.

10What grade would you give to your relationship with your team leaders (an “A” being the most positive and an “F” being the silent treatment)?

A     B     C     D     F

11And with your teammates?

A     B     C     D     F

Ranking Yourself

34-44: Missionary Heart! 
You came on this trip with determination and focus. You want to share Christ, serve the poor, and be used by God. Now’s the time to step up a level and lend a hand to a teammate who’s struggling. * Try to meditate on 1 Timothy 4:12 for the rest of the outreach: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

23-33: Steadfast
You’re a trooper. You do what you’re told and try to keep a positive attitude. Now think about how you can reach higher. Don’t just be content with being good; stir up the passion in your soul to do your best for God. * Chew on Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory ... for ever and ever! Amen.”

12-22: Warm Body
You left the comforts of home and embarked on this missionary journey. That’s great. Why just take up space on the bus now? If you want to enjoy the next few days and make an impact on someone’s life, ask God to give you a fresh vision and energy. * Check out 2 Timothy 1:6-7: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you ... For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

01-11: Hothead
Why so bitter? Obviously, God’s doing something, or there wouldn’t be such a battle going on inside you. Take some time to ask God what’s going on. He will help you get back on track. You can still turn this trip around and make it one of the best of your life. * Meditate on 2 Timothy 2:22-24: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace...out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments ... And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone.”

As you wrap up your summer mission, you’re probably dying to tell everyone at home all about the things you’ve seen and done. Don’t let that fire die out once you return home. An important part of your mission is to share your experiences with other Christians and challenge them to take the next step in their relationship with God. Wouldn’t it be amazing if your experience inspired others? As you get ready to go home, think about the people you want to share with. Whether it is your family, friends, youth group, or entire church, plan who you’ll talk to and then pray that God will use your experiences to encourage other Christians to join in the work He is doing in your hometown and around the world.