Why are the Americans Different?

American teenagers come with certain stereotypes thanks to Hollywood. So when our groups of Royal Servants roll into town and start engaging with the local youth, it quickly becomes apparent that there is something different about our groups than what the locals have come to think or expect.

Very often, we get asked, “Why is your group of Americans so different?” They don’t cuss, they aren’t rowdy and causing problems, they are respectful, they pick up after themselves, they are helpful…etc.

This very simple, often wordless testimony speaks volumes and opens the door to gospel conversations.

Because the answer to why we are so different is simple yet life-changing.

Jesus.

Being loved by Jesus and saved by Jesus transforms lives. Because of what Jesus did on the cross and because the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, we can be patient and kind, be joyful amidst difficulties, persevere during difficult seasons, and love others to the point of dying to self as we put others first.

Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t make sense to the world, but it’s exactly what the world is desperately searching for.

The Ireland & Scotland team has already had this question asked of us this summer, and we hope that the seeds we are planting in the name of Jesus here in Scotland, and those we planted across Northern Ireland, will sprout, grow, and change lives for generations.

Watching a group of American teenagers pulling weeds at a women’s shelter or kicking around a football with kids at a park sparks people’s curiosity because why would a group of Americans on a holiday do such things?

Because this is no holiday. We are on a mission to share Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and we leave the results up to God.

God has been moving in the lives and hearts of our team this summer, and it’s been so encouraging to hear their stories of feeling the prompting of the Holy Spirit, listening, praying, seeing immediate answers, and stepping outside their comfort zones to initiate gospel conversations.

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