Students Assemble for Volunteer Student Missions Training

By ANGELA RICE
BMA Global Short-Term Missions Director

Students and leaders prepared for the 2026 VSM season

​This summer, more than 80 students are stepping out in faith to serve around the world through Volunteer Student Missions. Each one carries the hope of the gospel to different places and people who need to hear the name of Jesus.
 
Recently, these students gathered at Cold Springs Camp for a time of training, preparation and encouragement. It was more than just learning logistics, it was a time of spiritual growth, surrender and calling. As they sat around tables, listening and learning, seeds were being planted that could shape the rest of their lives.
 
Training sessions covered essential areas like security, logistics, team dynamics and evangelism—all vital for serving effectively alongside missionaries on the field. Preparing for what God has called them to do is not just important, it is part of their obedience. Every lesson, every conversation and every moment was equipping these students to go with confidence and purpose.
 
We were also honored to have our missions host from Costa Rica, Luis Ortega, and his family join us for the weekend. They poured into our students, teaching mission strategies and helping them think deeply about how to share the gospel in different cultural contexts. Each team spent intentional time studying the culture they will be serving in, prayerfully developing the best ways to minister with love, respect and effectiveness.
 
Throughout the weekend, students spent time in prayer, planning, training and team building-growing not only in knowledge, but in unity and dependence on the Lord. It was a powerful reminder that God is already at work, preparing hearts both in those who are going and those who will receive them.
 
During the weekend, Dr. John David Smith shared a compelling message on the importance of missions, challenging students to look beyond this summer and consider a lifetime of service. His words stirred hearts and opened eyes to what God might be calling them into long-term. We are praying that among those seated at the tables, God is raising up lifelong missionaries, men and women who will boldly say “yes” to His call.
 
I am so thankful that God gives our young people these opportunities to serve alongside our BMA missionaries. He is shaping their hearts, strengthening their faith and using them in ways that will have eternal impact. We are also incredibly grateful for the faithful leaders who have dedicated their time to pour into these students—guiding them, encouraging them and walking with them as they prepare to go.
 
Would you join us in prayer?
 
Pray for these students and leaders as they prepare to go; that they would walk in boldness, humility and deep dependence on the Lord. Pray for the people they will encounter, that hearts would be ready to receive the gospel. And pray that God would continue to call and send workers into His harvest, perhaps even from this very group.
Let’s go VSM!

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