The Awe Star Difference: Part II

Last week, in part 1, you read about how our rite of passage process makes Awe Star unique. We are not only a mission-sending organization, but we work to take our students through a rite of passage that moves them from childhood through adulthood. On the field, we give them significant tasks that build adult skills and adult responsibilities into their lives. (For more on this topic, check out Walker Moore’s book Rite of Passage Parenting along with the Rite of Passage Parenting Workbook).
But of course, Awe Star is not just a student mission-sending organization. And the next “Awe Star difference” applies to everyone on our trips, from youngest to oldest, from newbie missionary to seasoned veteran. That difference is discipleship.
Yes, we know other missions organizations also provide for discipleship. But Awe Star’s multiple ways of getting the Word into our missionaries means the entire trip is a discipleship experience. We begin our mornings with discipleship in the form of our guided quiet times. During the day, we may also allow for times of teaching by our small group leaders (POPs and MOMs) or our team directors. And often, our country coordinators take time at a meal or in the evening to pour still more discipleship into our students. We cover certain teachings on every trip so that no matter where the missionary serves, he or she returns home with a solid foundation that equips them to live the lifestyle of a missionary long after they have left the field.
Awe Star has also become known for its ManUp and ReignOn groups for men and women, respectively. In an era where gender lines have become blurred and the general rule for sexuality is “anything goes,” Awe Star unpacks the concept of a biblical worldview and allows groups to tackle tough topics in a safe, protected environment.
Awe Star discipleship also occurs while the mission teams are in action. When you look at the Gospels, you rarely see Jesus alone. Instead, you see Him taking a small group (or sometimes a larger one) with him as He ministered. Instead of giving a point-by-point lesson in healing, for example, He showed His disciples how to pray for a desperate woman in a desperate situation. All sorts of hands-on discipleship takes place on an Awe Star mission trip as leaders walk out their faith while other students watch and, if appropriate, join in.  
So, celebrate the difference—and consider Awe Star for your next mission trip.
Could it be now? Could it be soon? 

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