ur four-year-old son rode his bike in front of our heavily wooded campsite. After a few minutes, Eric pulled up beside his dad. Are we going to have to cut down trees before we build the church? My husband looked puzzled as he glanced over to see if I knew what Eric meant. I shrugged before realizing he had never been on a camping trip that didnt include building a church.

Our family is an on mission familythough not what most people expect. Weve never been to language school. Instead of a furlough, we use our vacation time to work and our longest assignment has been two weeks. You see, our mission trips are short-term and family oriented.

We are continuing a tradition that began when my husband was four years old. His family spent their vacations assisting pioneer churches with construction projects. Because of those trips, he chose a career in architecture and has helped a number of churches with building plans as well as actual construction.

Our children expect to go on a mission trip each year. I suppose they shouldthey both went on one before their first birthday. For 14 years we have used our vacations to go on mission to Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, Alaska, Louisiana, Mexico and other parts of Texas.

We are often asked why we take our children. Our answers may surprise you. Our on mission vacations are an extension of our goals as a family.

Reinforce what children learn at church. Mission Friends, Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors teach that all Christians are missionaries. Our children have many opportunities to experience this truth.

Learn and see more of the United States. Now that our children are older, they research the areas where we will travel. They discover historical and interesting places to visit. We plan our trips to include sites they suggest.

We have been many places we might have missed had we not been a family on mission.

Grow spiritually. Praying for a trip teaches them to rely on God. We pray for preparation, for safety in travel and while on the project, for people we will meet, for opportunities to share Christ, for our leaders and others going on the trip. When a need arises, its easier for our family to be flexible with the understanding that God is in control.

Form new friendships. At church, we may not get to know someone from a different age group. During our on mission trips, kids, adults and seniors work side-by-side, forming a special God-given bond.

Strengthen family units. You have heard the expression: the family that prays together, stays together. We believe a family should also serve together.

In Alaska we arranged for a boat tour into Prince William Sound. Eric posted himself as the lookout for whales. A few hours out, two humpbacks were spotted. They frolicked for several minutes before disappearing with a wave of their tails. As we made our way back to the cabin, a little hand slipped into mine. I looked down into the big gray eyes of my six-year-old son. Mom, God is so good.

I only prayed for one whale, and He gave me two. I am glad we were able to share that moment of realizing Gods goodness.

When people learn how we spend our vacations, they usually ask what children do on such trips. Every trip is different, but its possible to find age appropriate jobs for each child. Talk to your childrenthey will have great ideas. Here are a few jobs they can perform that have worked for us.

Working in Vacation Bible School. Our children have been blessed to have wonderful teachers at church. Its fun to watch them demonstrate what they have observed. When JoyAnna was five, she decided she was old enough to help teach VBS. A little uncertain as to how she would manage, I kept a close eye on her. A smaller girl was crying; I started forward, but JoyAnna moved behind her and sat down. She pulled the child into her lap to console her. In a few minutes, they were coloring and the tears were gone. When you see your little one share Jesus love with another child, it makes the trip worthwhile.

Sharing a talent. Some children may be comfortable performing a special music selection. Others may create drama presentations including scenery, costumes, music and dialogue. These are often openings to allow others to present the gospel.

Pouring and deliveringwater. Hot and thirsty workers need refreshment. Using a muffin tin makes it easy for a child to carry several cups at once.

Serving meals and cleaning up. Even very small children can serve rolls and cookies. Picking up trash becomes a game when several children are involved. Give everyone a dust cloth and see how quickly everything shines.

Assisting an adult. On a construction site, children may help a grown-up with small jobs such as pulling wire, setting electrical boxes into walls and measuring and marking lumber for cutting.

Each on mission experience is another building block strengthening a life of service. I pray these foundations will continue to be built upon as our children grow. Each year they are capable of handling a different level of ministry because of what has come before. Its exciting to see children become more comfortable sharing their faith and anticipating the joy of being on mission.

Pamela Rowell lives in Longview, Texas