Through the years...
I will remember the works of the LORD. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago!
—Psalm 77:11 NET
Teen Missions was founded in 1970 by a group of men and women who were passionate about getting youth involved in missions. The founder Robert M. Bland, spent many years as a Youth For Christ director in Chillicothe, Ohio and a recruitment director for the Christian Service Corps. The years he spent in ministry made him aware of several things that birthed the idea of Teen Missions:- There were many young people who wanted to serve the Lord in missions, but lacked training, experience and the required skills.
- A young girl once said that everyone had explained to her, “Come back when you have finished college and then you can get involved in the Lord’s work.” She stated, “I want to do something for the Lord now, not five years from now.”
- In many mission conferences, there were no teenagers present at all. They evidently felt that missions were for older people. Mr. Bland felt there was an obvious need to get teenagers involved since they are the next generation of missionaries and leaders.
The innovative idea of involving teenagers in missions continued to develop and the first Teen Missions team embarked on a trip to Mexico in 1971. What happened next, well, that's the story of a God whose work is BIGGER & GREATER than anyone could hope or dream...
The 1970s
The 1970s were a time an incredible growth in the North American program. Teen Missions moved from Ohio to Cocoa, Florida and ran the office from a one-car garage. Later, over 250 acres were purchased in Merritt Island, Florida where the Lord's Boot Camp was developed as a training ground for teams preparing to serve around the globe.Links to photo galleries on our Facebook page:
1971 1972 1973-74 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979-84
The 1980s
The 1980s marked the beginning of training for national teens where Boot Camps were established overseas in the Philippines, India, Brazil, Honduras, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The North American program continued to grow and the Preteen program for kids 10-13 yrs old began.Links to photo galleries on our Facebook page:
1979-84
The 1990s
The 1990s saw the founding of the Florida Free Bible Missionary & Work Training Center, making discipleship and training possible for those called to full-time ministry without accumulating debt. Bible Schools were then also established at Teen Missions' bases overseas. Today 26 schools are training 700+ students in 18 countries. Boot Camps ran in numerous new countries including Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Liberia, and Russia...
The 2000s
The 2000s brought a time of innovation in placing Bible School graduates in 'front-line' ministry in previously unreached, remote locations beyond our national bases. Orphan Rescue Units, placed in Sub-Saharan Africa began material and spiritual care for thousands of orphans and other 'at risk' children. Proclamation of the gospel, practical mercy ministry and advocacy converge to provide a path where children can thrive as God intended and not just survive.
The 2010s
The 2010s marked the growth of an evangelistic thrust into many remote, unreached villages using the old 'circuit rider' model 1st made famous by early Bible preachers like Charles Wesley. Trading horses for motorcycles, bikes, and boats, Teen Missions interns and staff now push two-by-two into new circuits holding weekly Bible Studies for adults & Sunday Schools for children. Today, there are nearly 300 Sunday Schools in pioneer areas reaching 14,000 people with the gospel each week.
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