Seven youth missionaries descended upon Copper last week in all their glory, amid giggles, laughter and more energy than a truckload of Red Bull. These youth, coming from as far away as Alabama and as close as Bakersfield, have come to Copper to spend time with the youth in our community spreading the 'word of Christ' and leading by example.
The youth missionaries are hosted by the Copper Canyon Baptist Church and are housed by Pastor Sean and his wife Nicole. When asked how she manages not only her four children but the 7 additional 'children' Nicole smiled a brilliant smile and said, "I'm an use to cooking for six, so I just double it." She said her children look forward to this each year with great anticipation, "its like having 7 more brothers and sisters." Paster Sean is hoping that these yearly visits will strike a cord in his children and when they grow up that they will volunteer in a youth missionary program. One son said this year, "Maybe when I grow up and they (the youth missionaries) are still alive I will serve their house." This made Sean proud.
Left to right top: Miriam, Amanda, Lindsay, Rebecca
bottom: Alex, Ashley
not pictured: Patrick
Ashley-20- is from Arkansas. This is her third year as a missionary, serving in Nebraska and Texas before for 2 week intervals. This will be the first time she has served all summer. Majoring in emergency management, hoping to work for FEMA or the Red Cross, Ashley said, "This was not my summer, this was God's summer," explaining her call.
Miriam-24- is from Louisiana. She has been active in youth missionary for 7 years, beginning as a freshman in college. With a degree in general studies, Miriam is heading back to college to obtain a degree in psychology. Being a PK (code for Pastors kid) Miriam knew her whole life that she would be active in spreading the word. As a teen she volunteered in GA camps (growth & action camps) finally getting the opportunity to become involved in missions while in college.
Rebecca -17- is from Alabama. This is her first mission trip. She is a bit nervous being so far from home for such a long time, but feels as if she is among family. Mission work has "been on my heart a long time" and as she got older the calling became stronger. With her parents support she signed up with the NAMB )North American Mission Board) and was assigned to California. "This ia an adventure," she said with a shy smile.
Alex-16 -is from Bakersfield. Jokingly the other missionaries call her the 'kinder' because she is the youngest of the group. With enough energy to power the town, Alex said that God told her she needed to do a summer mission "he didn't give me another choice." After graduating high school, Alex is planning on a career that involves social work and christian psychology.
Amanda-18 is from Georgia. This is her second year at Copper and her fifth year doing mission work. Beginning in the 8th grade Amanda would participate in week long mission camps. Her major is English education, her goal is to teach English in a foreign country as a career missionary.
Lindsay-19 is from South Carolina. She is a biology major with a minor in psychology and kinesiology. Both parents are missionaries as well as Uncles and other relatives. In 8th grade Lindsay went to Thailand on a 2 week mission and in 12th grade she went to Guatemala on a one week mission.
Patrick-26 is from Missouri. Last year he spent 8 weeks working with the homeless in San Francisco, the last 6 weeks on his own. He has a Bachelors degree and is continuing his education in seminary in Louisville Kentucky. Patrick was not pictured due to the fact that on his third day here he broke his arm. Not just any break, one so bad it required surgery. He was finally released form the hospital three days after the break.
For more information about the missionaries schedules and/or duties, or maybe you would like to help off-set the cost of housing these youth, you may contact Pastor Sean at 209-785-9295.
By, Charity Maness
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