Ask 15-year-old Kailee Barfield why being involved in missions is important and she’ll readily answer.

“As Christians, we are here for a mission, a purpose, and that is to proclaim Christ’s name to those who do not know,” Kailee stated. “I usually go into a mission trip or project hoping to bless someone and show them Christ, but little do I know that God is also going to work on my heart and help me grow closer to him through that experience.”

Based on her strong commitment to missions and Acteens, and exemplary leadership and involvement in her school, community, and church, WMU has selected Kailee of Fort Mill, to be a 2008 National Acteens Panelist.

Acteens is the WMU missions organization for teenage girls in grades 7-12.

Kailee, a member of First Baptist Church, Fort Mill, was highly recommended by her pastor and church leaders, who said they have witnessed the impact she has made through her commitment to missions.

“Wherever she is, Kailee is always willing to serve,” said Lisa Salerno, who was Kailee’s team leader on a mission trip to Jamaica last summer. While there, Kailee helped lead a week-long Vacation Bible School for children ages 3 to 18. “Kailee prepared and shared age-appropriate Bible stories, taught and led them in music with interpretive movement, and assisted with the opening and closing ceremonies,” shared Salerno. “Her love for God, humble spirit, and servant heart were ever present.”

The day after she returned home from Jamaica, she packed again and headed to a mission field closer to home – St. George – to lead a sports camp and VBS.

“Leadership is her gift,” said Kailee’s algebra teacher, Susan Habbick. “She is an exemplary role model for all who come in contact with her. She has had the lead role in many plays and has a gorgeous voice, which she uses for God’s glory.”

As a South Carolina state Acteens panelist, Kailee often speaks throughout the state about the value of Acteens and missions involvement. Over the past 12 months, she has been involved in several outreach projects with Acteens, including visiting nursing homes and children’s homes on a monthly basis, visiting shut-ins, sending gift boxes to soldiers, and prayerwalking. She also heads up local efforts for Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Last year she raised money, collected items, and assembled 147 shoeboxes for children all over the world, in addition to volunteering in the Samaritan’s Purse processing center in Charlotte, N.C.

“Recognizing outstanding Acteens is one way we help foster young, emerging leaders for the future as missions advocates and leaders of WMU,” said Wanda Lee, executive director-treasurer of national WMU. “The Acteens panelists are always a shining example of the high quality of Christian youth in our churches today.”

Suzanne Reece, ministry consultant for national WMU’s student resource team, agreed.

“One look at the 2008 National Acteens Panelists will encourage all of us that teenage girls are serious about their relationship with God, and they are committed to being involved in his work in the world,” observed Reece. “These students are not the kind to wait for someone to tell them what mission project is next; they are the ones who actively seek ways to minister to others and then bring their friends and fellow Acteens along.?These young women are leading the way for Acteens and missions involvement.”

Along with the other 2008 National Acteens Panelists, Kailee will serve from Feb. 1 to Dec. 31 and will receive a $1,000 Jessica Powell Loftis Scholarship for Acteens from the WMU Foundation.