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MY SON LEAVES TO AFRICA TODAY… for 7 months… yikes

January 22, 2011 By 13 Comments

My heart is filled with joy and loss as my 19 year old son leaves today to spend 7 months in Kenya, Africa. After experiencing one incredible semester at Azusa Pacific University (and loving every day of it), he’s following the whisper of Jesus calling him to do something radical. As I write this, a dozen of his APU buddies drove down to pray-him-goodbye (APU has been incredible for him!).

Surrounded by a community of friends, Cody raised all the needed support to fund this life-changing mission. He’ll be working with hundreds of orphan children who live on the streets, sniff glue (to stay warm and alleviate the hunger), and wander the streets looking for hope. So many ministry opportunities!

This is his 4th trip to Africa and continues to be drawn to those in need of help. He’s not alone, so many of his buddies bleed compassion. I continue to be amazed by this generation of teenagers. As research continues to promote the sad news that the church and youth ministry is failing, I’m thrilled to see so many real-life examples of kids sincerely following Jesus.

1. If you think about Cody…pray for his ministry.

2. If you would like to go to Africa with me on an “exploratory trip” (with the intention of taking some of your teenagers on a future trip) send me an email (info@dougfields.com) and I’ll compile a list of interested people. I’m not sure when I’ll be going, but I want to expose youth workers to this unbelievable setting and opportunity for serving (we’ve been taking teenagers there for years).

3. Africa is a big-step, but if you want an easier first-step to develop the leadership and hearts of your students, consider joining us this summer at our student leadership conference at APU…it’s going to be awesome!

4. If you’re a parent and/or youth worker, don’t lose hope, the church may be struggling to retain young people… but the bride of Christ will prevail.

5. If you think about me…pray for my loss. I am going to miss my son/best-buddy/friend so much.

Since I’m new to blogging and have a lot to learn…I’m thinking this may be too personal and not that helpful. Oh well, it’s me, my family, and big on my heart right now…

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  • http://suzier.blogspot.com/ Suzie

    We will be praying for him and those missing him at home for sure!

  • http://Www.larsrood.com Lars Rood

    Great post and Parenting- I’m more and more convinced that our role as youth pastors and parents is to free students and our kids to live their dreams and follow the LORD. Giving your son the freedom to do this will pay off huge for his faith in the short and long haul. We need to make sure teens understands that the “American Expectations” of how things are supposed to be is not the only way. Gap Years, semesters off, summer missions experiences. Those are desperately needed by all teens. Good post expressing that

    • http://www.dougfields.com Doug Fields

      Lars…I agree, but maybe even more important is helping parents understand the need for their kids to experience what you’ve described. I’ve been challenging kids that way for years, but when it’s your own kid who wants to do something different than what you had in mind…it’s just not as easy as I’ve made it sound over the years. Thanks for chiming in.

      • http://Www.larsrood.com Lars Rood

        I fully agree about parents. Discipling parents has always been a missing piece in youth ministry. We are placed in a unique position to do ministry to both parents and students.

  • 407Rob

    Encouraging post today; to me as a YP & to me as a dad. Praying for your family.

  • http://Lockerroomoflife.blogspot.com Phillip

    Praying for your son and your family. As a dad I can’t imagine the joy of raising my children in such a way that they would follow Christ or the agony of knowing that Christ was leading them away from me for His glory.

    • http://www.dougfields.com Doug Fields

      Phillip…there is great joy…GREAT JOY.

  • http://www.outsideallday.com Andy Brazelton

    I’m very proud of him. It’s kind overwhelming.

    • http://www.dougfields.com Doug Fields

      My son is who he is because of guys like you and a few others who have loved him since he was a little boy. One of the benefits of having dad as youth pastor is hanging around a bunch of cool teenagers (like you were) who saw him as something more than “Doug’s kid.” Thanks for loving my kids AB!

  • Vanessa

    Praying with you and for you. Your son is a great inspiration. Proud :)

  • http://erich.wordpress.com Duke

    I believe personal posts are valuable to your audience knowing more about who you are, what your passions are, where your heart is and share part of your story. Praying for your son and keep them coming.

  • stacie maslyn

    I meant to comment on this the other day when I read it but since I am here again now, I will comment now :)

    I am SO impressed Cody broke step with what is “expected” and instead stepped out in faith and followed God’s leading. Impressed too that you guys supported and honored that call and opened your hands (and hearts) and let him go.

    i WILL pray for you guys during this long stretch while he is away…

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