Youth Missions International

This organization has changed my life. My journey started with them 10 years ago and I am still involved with them today. My faith has deepened, my leadership skills have grown and I have seen God do amazing things!

My experience with YMI was life changing. I was skeptical at first, but the quality of the training content, the trainers and the students going on trips changed my mind. The organization truly cares about equipping students and serving missionaries.

I first was introduced to YMI when my son wanted to go on an international mission. Already familiar with short term mission, I agreed to let him go with YMI. I took this as an opportunity to study them and learn how they 'do mission'. I hosted a mission launch and a return debrief in my home. I experienced first hand the change and effect this experience had on my son and the entire team. I could clearly see what "Mission Differently" meant. Since, I have lead teams and trained teams for YMI. We have hosted a number of teams in our home. This is where I learned that what is done in preparation or given in support to YMI is felt around the world. Truly, what happens after the mission is more important that the mission itself. YMI helped shape me to see what relational evangelical peer to peer ministry really is. It's "Mission Differently". It changes lives. I am one who is changed.

YMI is an amazing organization! They are so dedicated to making sure that you get the best training before you go on your trip. I think the best thing about YMI is that they really want to make sure you are prepared before you go and also care about what you do after your trip.

The training is spectacular and will build you up for your trip and far beyond that. Make sure to stay on top of everything because they really are trying to help you be independent with responsibilities, but have an incredibly strong team to lean on. Everything that YMI does is bathed in prayer. Some of my best experiences were with this organziation

I learned so much from my trip with YMI! I have been on two other mission trips outside of YMI and neither were as meaningful. The days of training leading up to the trip made me feel much more prepared and able to effectively work in the mission field. Also, the great communication with getting all of the paperwork and fundraising in helped make my pre-trip experience all the more enjoyable. One thing that makes YMI stand out is the debriefing when you return. I have researched short term missions, and this is one thing that people agree increases the long-term impact on those who go. YMI would be my go-to mission organization!!

God called us(Rose and I) to be missionaries when I was an Awana Leader at Good News Baptist Church, and we hung up our clits and stopped playing soccer for a living to be the first Awana Missionaries in Brasil in September, 1992.
We served God in Awana until 2010, and after that God brought us into the YMI family (Youth Missions International) to serve Him and now we are YMI Missionaries in Brasil. We serve God through sports ministry, teaching English ministry, and receiving and sending young people on Mission Trips.
Juca Cerpe
YMI Missionary in Brasil

This past summer my son went on a YMI trip to South Korea. I can honestly say the YMI is a life changing organization. Over a year ago my son was struggling with so many things. He was lucky to do sports camp during the summer of 2013 & from there he made a life change. Then after his trip this past summer has made the choice to go into ministry full time. When he graduates high school he will attend a Christian college to work on a double degree for Biblical theology and education. His goal is to work for YMI and be stationed in South Korea so he too can make a difference, like YMI made a difference for him.
So thank YMI for everything you have done for my son and thousands of other kids.

I've had multiple friends go on mission trips through YMI, whether they were 3 weeks or 9 months. Every time a friend returned, I heard nothing but good things about YMI. After talking to my friends about YMI more, I knew that God was calling me to spend 9 months somewhere far away from home. This decision was not made easily, and there were many doubts that came along with it, but YMI answered every question I had and made it possible for me to be accepted into a ministry internship in Northern Ireland for 9 months. Before I left, they helped prepare me to move into a different culture so that I might hit the ground running once I arrived - and that's exactly what I did as I stepped off the plane. Thanks to YMI, and the grace of God, I've never felt so at peace with a decision like this, and am fully confident in YMI and know I would not have made it here today in Northern Ireland if it weren't for their support. I highly recommend YMI if you are considering going on a mission trip - they truly care about YOU, and have your best interest in mind - all the while glorifying God through their program.

Youth Missions International is an incredible organization. Their sole focus is training youth to go out into the world and spread the Gospel. They are dedicated to providing experiences that greatly impact the faith of those going on these trips. They take time also before you leave to make sure you are fully ready and well trained for where you are headed. Their goal is to see you grow in your faith. I have been on two trips through this program and have been greatly impacted in so many ways. They consistantly have kept in contact with me while going on my trips to see how I'm growing and where I may need extra encouragement. I would recomend anyone to go through YMI. Great organization.

I wanted to go on a missions trip with the teens in the Journey group (youth group). YMI has worked with me in answering my questions and helping solve all the issues that go with such an indevor! We are still in the process but Lord Willing we will be going in June! YMI is an incredible organization!!

This organization was and continues to be, one of the biggest impacts on my spiritual life. I would not be where I am today without it. Huge thank you to all involved.

They did a great job training/preparing a 65yr old man to take a group of high schooler's on a global mission trip and get them back safe. It was a life changing experience for those kids.

I personally know many of the young people and adults who go with them to many different countries. The youth have been challenged and changed by these trips. They are well prepared by a training camp. We are happy to help support some of these youth.

Through YMI I was given the opportunity to take a gap year trip overseas before I entered college. I looked all over for good gap year opportunities and YMI fit exactly what I was looking for. They helped me every step of the way; choosing a place to serve, raising money, pre trip training, support while I was on the field, and post trip briefing. My trip coordinator kept in touch with me the whole time and was always willing to help and support me. I would recommend YMI to everyone!

Youth Missions International has changed my life. My first training camp was in 2009. The preparation was intense and thorough getting my mind wrapped around the idea of a being in a foreign culture successfully and working as a Godly team for His glory. At the end of training we found out we were going to South Korea! Wow! The other leaders and youth on our team were top notch. Working with Awana clubs was very rewarding as children were memorizing Scripture and being trained to serve the Lord--and we got to be a part of that!
YMI staff are excellent trainers and encourages as we worked through the process of preparation. Required mission projects at home and fund raising were not overwhelming with their help. The training proved over and over our preparation was what we needed leading up to the trip and then finally in country. They know what they're doing.
Since then I've been blessed to be able to go on a trip each summer with YMI and it is the highlight of my year. Seeing God work around the world increases my enjoyment of God and His people. My love for internationals even in my own city is increased. My love for God has increased as I get a glimpse of His wonderful plan. I'm so thankful I got involved with YMI.

YMI prepared my team and I so well for the mission field! I have gone on other mission trips through other groups but never felt as prepared for the trip as I have with YMI. They also have so many great locations for various trips!

When I was in high school I was looking for a mission organization to serve with that didn't just lead people to the Lord and leave, but rather stick with the people that came to know the Lord through discipleship and make sure they had a church to grow in. I went through at least 16 or 17 mission organizations before I found Yotuh Missions International. I went to Zambia Africa after they not only trained me, but invested in me spiritually, and as a friend as well. Soon I hope to be more than just a student, and I would like to get more involved wiht this ministry on a long term basis and be a part of how God is using this ministry to Save lives and disciple the teens who are not only the church of tomorrow, but are the church of today. Thank you Youth Missons International

I've been on 1 missions trip with YMI, and I've also helped with sports camp, and it's great to see the impact they've made in not only my life, but in the lives of the people who've crossed paths with them. They are a great organization encouraging teens, like myself to go on trips to share the gospel! I'm excited to be going to Brazil this upcoming summer through them!

Over the past few years I have led 2 different types of mission trips with Youth Missions International. The first summer, I led a mission trip to Costa Rica with my youth group. YMI made all the connections we needed and made sure our team was trained and equipped for the work we were going to do. The second summer, my wife and I led a trip to Japan with students from around the country. Everyone we ministered with in Japan commented on how well trained our students were. On both trips I felt that we were well supported by the YMI team back home. Furthermore we came back from each trip encouraged about what God is doing around the world and excited about the role we were able to play. I would recomend YMI to any youth group that would like to take a mission trip but is not sure where to go or what to do. I would also recomend YMI to any individual who would like to serve God in another country!

I was connected with YMI in the summer of 2012. I got the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Brasil through them. YMI's mission trip was different then any other mission trip I'd been on before though. YMI wants (and makes it very clear) to see you have the best experience possible. They don't just want you to go out into the field unprepared; they help you every step of the way. I was also given the opportunity to be a sports ministry intern during the 2013 summer. So I got to work with YMI all summer and help run church camps at local churches. The way they impacted me most though is how relational they are. They don't treat you like you're just another person going on a mission trip. They treat you like family. They want you to feel at home. They want to see you enjoy and have the best mission experience possible. Most of all though, they want to see and help you build you're relationship with God. They are an organization that is centered around God. All in all, they helped me grow in my faith, be more confident in my faith and in my sharing of faith. They helped me better understand the true purpose of life; to live for the one true God.

I have been involved with YMI for the past three years running sport camps. I have had a great time teaching others about God and sports. Love to meet kids who haven't heard of God before because I get to share with them about the All Might, Powerful God. Can't wait to go overseas this year with YMI for a missions trip to Zambia!!

Back in 2009 I went on my first mission trip ever- to Cape Town South Africa. It was an absolutely amazing experience! During my time there I was able to work with both children and adults through AWANA based programs, as well as leadership roles in a 200+ student camp. Since YMI made sure to train the youth team so thoroughly, I felt like I was ready for anything! Even when a few curve balls were thrown at us during our time there, we were taught to be flexible and everything worked out great!

During the summer of 2012, I went on my second mission trip- this time to Costa Rica. This was different from my first trip because the team I was on consisted of my church youth group. I was grateful for this aspect of YMI because other organizations don't always have an option for church groups. However YMI was able to train and send all fifteen of the teams members of all ages down to Costa Rica where we were able to help the local missionary with several construction progjects.

Hey, so my husband and I have been involved with YMI for about 6 years now. We've been impressed with the impact YMI has had on the youth they work with. These teens come back with a changed world view, and better skills to serve in their local communities. We've also been pleased to see YMI working with nationals in the various countries they reach out to-- the contacts YMI makes and the ministries they assist with continue long after the Americans are gone. Good stuff! :)

I have led several trips through Youth Missions International and would highly recommend it as a great organization to help you plan your next church missions trip. Also, if you are an individual who would like to go on a missions trip, Youth Missions International would be the one for you. Their material says, "More than a missions trip." and that is so true. Their training is far superior to any other mission trip organizations that I know of. Participants get full exposure to missions while being adequately prepared to make the missions trip a success.

Youth Missions International has a way of reaching and developing young individuals in their Christian walk that furthers not only their own faith but the practical life work of furthering the Gospel of Christ. I volunteered for YMI several time in past years and have been blessed by the Christ centered teaching and encourage. Today, I support YMI monthly and I know that God entrusted money to me in order to invest in the operations of organizations like Youth Missions International.

Youth Missions International provides the best mission training of any organization out there. The entire process will change the life of every single person on your team. It is because of this organization that I am involved in full time missions today.

My husband and I had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with 8 teen students and 1 other adult leader, in July of this year. It was so great to have YMI as our sending agent. They did an awesome job of training us and our students. Our trainers went above the call to transport us serve us, lead us and prepare us for our trip. And the Students were top of the line young adults. If you have ever wanted to Travel and enjoy learning about people in their own culture, this is a great way to do it. Not as a tourist, but as a servant. You get the real people. Carla and Jeff Floyd

Last year, I went to Brasil for 2.5 weeks with YMI. This year, I will be going to Brasil for 5 weeks. Though, going does not make it a good program. The thing that makes it a solid non-profit is the organization. For being a small non-profit, they are very organized and communicate efficiently. Also, while planning the trip to Brasil, last year, I was on board with the trip about 4 months later than the optimal time to sign up. Even with that, they still worked with me, with love and patience, to be able to go to Brasil. As the time neared to leave, I was still $100 short. Yet, they had patience about that to. Of course, that money did get given to them. Still, through all of it, they had patience. John Stiffler, the college program director, communicates effectively and in a timely manner, which many non-profits do not do. It is clear that YMI cares about their mission enough to be organized, responsible, and everything that makes a non-profit amazing to work with! From a less personal level, it is also clear that they care about raising future leaders for the LORD. Although I am not involved, I have heard many good things about the intern program. I am a strong advocate for YMI and their mission!

I have been on 9 overseas mission trips, 3 of them being with Youth Missions International. I went to South Korea as a student leader, I spent an entire summer interning with YMI in which I went to Guatemala with a team, and then I returned to South Korea as a team leader. Having filled three completely different roles, I have been changed and poured into by my team leaders, and in turn, was able to pour into the lives of my peers in Guatemala - then as a team leader (S.Korea) into the lives of my team. It has been a life-changing and humbling experience as I have watched God, time after time, change lives and grow His children so that they can learn how to live their faith, and teach the people in their circles how to do the same. It has been confimed in me that the Lord wants me to ultimately be teaching English in the Dominican Republic as my life ministry, for which I am striving towards - and it is through these trips that He has not only revealed that to me...but He has also used them to change me, mold me, and prepare me for what He has ahead in His plan that I am priviledged to join in on. How exciting!

I have participated with this organization as a volunteer and at one time as a board member. I have been very impressed with the training that the organization provides, and the global impact that it has on youth. I cannot begin to say enough good about YMI!

I went to South Korea and Ukraine in high school with YMI, and I have been interning for the past two summers while in college. YMI serves to curb the problem of Short-Term Missions: lack of training. I was very well prepared for my two trips to engage the culture and effectively work together on a team to share the gospel, and I have been able to use that experience to help teach others as well. In the future I will work full-time with YMI to partner with churches, providing training and trip support for their missions goals.

I have worked as a volunteer with youth for 20 years, including five years with Youth Missions International. As a team leader for youth, I have watched them be challenged in their faith and increase in their desire to know God personally. This has caused them to understand at a deeper level how their faith permeates every aspect of their life and in turn, helped them to seek their place in Christian ministry, whether this be as a volunteer or full time ministry. In just five years, I have seen multiple youth become full-time missionaries while others have become interns and long-time volunteers in other countries. YMI is meeting it's goal of challenging youth to make an impact for Christ in the global communities they serve.

It was amazing spending two weeks supporting the churches in Korea. For that, I was able to understand to a greater degree what a powerful presence God has in this world. I learned a lot about myself, and was able to connect with others on a worldwide basis.

I have worked with youth for 9 years and am now the Director of youth ministry at the church I attend. I have been on a mission trip with my church family and our youth group. I have helped with a few of Youth Missions International (YMI) in state camps and ministries. I find YMI's tactics of preparing youth for missions, ministry and life to be effective and applicable all ages and nationalities. The teams that are sent out together, all face the same training and most to all of the team train together. When that team is sent out, they are prepared to face what is to come head on. What I see within the lives of youth that have been on one or more teams through YMI, is amazing! There more confidant in what hey believe and live it more then before being on the team(s). I Myself am on a team going to Peru in 2012 as one of the team leaders. As a leader I have gone through leadership training, child protection class AND team training with the team; all through YMI. To prep any age person for a life of loving God, loving others and living the life God has for us; I highly recommend looking into YMI and seeing how you can get involved. They have a team that is friendly and ready to work with people. *****

In sending teams of high school students, college students and churches out on short term trips to spread the gospel, YMI not only impacts those people the teams work with but the lives of the team members as well.

My son's life was changed forever by a YMI trip to Ukraine. He saw God using his team to hugely impact children and pastors. He was also given the opportunity by his trip leaders to really stretch himself and step into a team leadership role.

Seeing the effect of his actions, much prayer and God's grace, my son decided that he wanted to work in missions full time after graduating from college. He is well on his way to doing this.

YMI offers opportunities that change lives!

YMI is an organization that focuses on spreading the gospel through unique missions experiences, but also focuses on helping the youth that go on these trips to grow in their faith and their relationship with the Lord. I went to Guatemala two years ago through YMI and I loved it. I liked how not only were we focused on missions, but we were also focused on just spreading the love of the Lord and on growing in our own personal relationships with Christ.