Few things can help us grow like getting out of our comfort zones. And few things possess the power to get us out of our comfort zones like traveling.

Colin Peifer and Ethan Peifer, 17 and 16, respectively, are preparing to embark on a mission of mercy, hope and service. But it is also a mission of exploration and understanding and personal growth.

Colin and Ethan will be accompanying their father, Jared Peifer, on a 10-day human service trip to Taiwan from Saturday, March 18, to Tuesday, March 28. The journey will be made in association with the nonprofit organization Youth With A Mission, Caribbean Partners Inc., whose stated purpose is "To know God and to make Him known."

The former Lititz-area teenagers, who now reside in Montana, have been on family mission trips before. But this one will be Colin and Ethan's first in their late teens.

"We don't get paid for any of this, and they (Colin and Ethan) are investing some of their own money to serve other people," said Jared, a native of Lancaster. "They also have these skills they've learned to serve other people. Being in a Third World country changes your perspective on things. When you invest your own time and invest your own money, you remember it more."

While in Taiwan, at least part of the Peifers' work will include providing background support for leadership training. But there will also be down time, which will allow them to explore the country, as well as their emerging personalities.

"We get to serve people," said Jared. "We get to make an impact on other people's lives. They get to see a part of the world they've never seen before, experience different foods and cultures. It's using their God-given strengths. It's difficult, there's hard stuff about it, but you also enjoy it."

Jared said that Colin has shown an interest in construction, while Ethan has displayed a growing love for photography.

"I think Colin's enjoyment and passions revolve around the outdoors," said Jared. "He loves to work with his hands and to work hard. Ethan loves the photography aspect. I'm not sure he'll pursue it professionally or as a hobby."

"Trips like this instill a global perspective they'll never lose," continued Jared. "No matter what profession they pursue, I think it'll involve travel, and I think they'll look for opportunities to serve people."

Colin and Ethan have two younger brothers, Roman, 13, and Jackson, 11. Intentionally or not, Jared and wife Audra are raising a missionary family, partly because that's how Jared was raised.

"God has given us so much," said Jared. "We love coming back to America. These trips make you realize the things we have in America. We're happy it gives them perspective. At some point you realize it's not just about you. What they're picking up on is that it's an opportunity to go somewhere else and get out of your comfort zone. To have them choose that makes us smile."

For more information about Youth With A Mission, go to http://www.ywam.org.