A group of local teens will be making a trip overseas to spread the message of Jesus Christ this summer.
According to Long County High School teacher Paul Austin, several students will join a group of teens from Wayne County on a mission trip June 15-22 to the Dominican Republic.
Austin said it will be his third mission trip to the area and the second time that teens from Long County also have attended. This year, Harley Dawson, Kaylyn McEwin, Samantha Garcia, Courtney McNeal, Sydnie Garcia, Cameryn Wingate and Logan Hyde will be join him and three other adult chaperones on the trip.  Adults who are going are Christy Wingate, Kristie Garcia and Matt Garcia.  
“The girls will be playing softball with other girls from down there, and they will be putting on a cheerleading camp, too … but it won’t just be playing games. The girls also will be talking to them about the message of Jesus and salvation,” Austin said.
He said that after the girls return, Cameryn Wingate will join a group of boys June 22-29 who will be playing baseball with other teens in the area.
“We want to get the message of God’s love out to as many as we can down there, and by using sports, we can find some common ground and then spread the message,” Austin said.
He said that even though the trip is organized through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, it still has to be paid for by those who are participating. He said the cost is $995 per person, plus the cost of plane tickets. The teens’ airfare has been provided through donations, but they still need help with other fees.  
“It’s a lot of money, and the kids need as much help as they can with the cost,” Austin said.
The group has begun fundraisers, and more are planned before the trip. Austin added that sponsors are welcome.
“Man, anyone who can help, we sure would appreciate it,” he said. “The kids are doing their part, and we just hope that some others want to help them financially.”
For more information or to contribute, email Austin at maustin@long.k12.ga.us or go to www.scoreintl.org/donate/donate-to-a-travler/.