“A mission trip is a trip that people take to impact a specific community in a positive way,” said freshman Jaydon Unger.

Unger went on his first mission trip when he was just 12-years-old to Cleveland, Ohio with North Main Baptist Church.

Unger gives his time and effort into building houses, orchestrating sports camps, feeding the hungry, and keeping the community’s children occupied while he is there.

His youth group has traveled to many different places over the years, from run down nearby communities, to the villages of Nicaragua. Unger has been to Ohio, North Carolina, and Nicaragua. He plans to go back to Cleveland this summer.

“My favorite part of going on these trips is being able to help people while sharing the love of God with them,” Unger said.

He does not have one favorite trip because he said all of them have different circumstances that have made him grow as a person.

As a volunteer, he will participate in many different activities, such as teaching children how to play sports, laying foundation for houses, and painting schools. They are also there to have meaningful conversations with the individuals of that community. He wants to let them know that they care and are there for them emotionally and physically during their stay.

An average mission trip will last about one week and cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500. The church allows youth group members to volunteer at fundraising events so they can earn money toward their trips.

“The hardest part of going on a mission trip is being bold and overcoming the challenges you face during it,” Unger said. Although he misses his friends and family on mission trips, it is beneficial for him to be away from them. It motivates him to reach out and connect with strangers with different backgrounds and even different languages.

“The people that we are there to help are always very nice and welcoming when it comes to new people entering their community. They understand that we are here to do nothing but help their community grow in Christ and as a whole altogether,” Unger said.

Unger plans to keep going on mission trips throughout high school. He even has thought about working in mission work full-time one day, with the goal of spreading the Gospel throughout the world.