Tell us what you have learned on Acteens Activator’s Trip

by Alyssa Hargrove

2011-2012 Acteens State Panelists

Last summer I had the opportunity to go to Naples, Italy on a mission trip, along with 59 other people from Tennessee, to share the gospel to the people there. That mission trip really opened my eyes to many different things and changed my heart forever.

Naples is a very large and packed city with four million people in the city. Only a small percentage is Christians, while most people are Catholic. Most of the people are Catholic because of their ancestors, not necessarily because they want to be. It’s just as if that’s the common thing to be there. The families there are so close that when one becomes a Christian they almost get disowned from their families. Unlike us, where most people would be excited for us. This really opened my eyes because I’m very close to my family. I would be sad to think my own family would disown me for making the best decision of my life.

When in Italy my only fear was the language barrier. I knew very little Italian. I almost felt weak. How can God use me to witness to these people? God really did prove me wrong! Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we understood one another in some way! And even if we never understood each other, I know the Italians saw Jesus’ love through us.

I learned that God can use me! I just have to be willing to let Him use me.