SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Teen-agers in Assembly of God (A/G) congregations gave more than $12.5 million to missions last year and are gearing up for another record year.
Speed the Light, the missions fund of the A/G's National Youth Department, finances world evangelism projects, according to the A/G News Service. Sunday, Oct. 20, has been dedicated "Speed the Light Day." Teens are encouraged to heed the theme, "Without Excuse," and give sacrificially.
Last year, Phillip Gocke, who attends Calvary Assembly of God in Louisville, Ky., said he sensed God telling him to give $1,500 to Speed the Light.
"We raised it by working with our dad, cutting grass," Gocke, 18, said. His twin brother, Stephen, raised $1,000 last year for the missions offering.
Speed the Light has contributed $136.4 million toward missions since its inception in 1944. That makes it one of the denomination's most effective missions programs, said David Raley, the project's national director.
"Teens enjoy being a part of something significant, and they're seeing they can make a difference in the world," Raley said.
