I'm unsure if it just really wasn't clear when "I said that there was no coercing involved or not. In truth this was more providing an opportunity, possibly encouraging to, but not really "sending".
Ugly, I didn't mention preaching but referred to "outreach". I realize I wasn't clear on this; I would like to clarify this. The "work" they were taking part in was acting out love in Christ's name. Helping those who needed help. I'm not sure if this will change anything in your response, but wanted to make sure this was clear.
Can you clarify what lead you to believe that I(or he) was trying to justify anything by saying "God protects"? This seems to be judging the character, intentions and mind of the pastor. I'm not sure how you or I could do this. It was my understanding that he did this to spread God's love to those without hope. It wasn't because of the danger, it was in spite of it.
Also, I'm not sure that I understand this "wisdom" as God leads. If this pastor, if these HS children(nearly legally adults anyways), were following Gods will. If they prayed in earnest and followed God's direction (acted out their christianity), then what is unwise? Rather, to me, it seems foolish and unwise to resist God's will.
Did you have specific verses in mind with respect to God's use, or lack of use, of children to share his love to the world? In the OT, we see David and Goliath. NT wise, my mind instantly jumps to Matthew, Mark, and Luke, where Jesus gets indignant about the ones pushing children away. I certainly don't think either of these are real clear on the subject, but to me they seem to demonstrate an idea that God recognizes the usefulness and value of children. Are there others that you are aware of?