Nothing is more exciting than your first mission trip. And if you are going on your first mission trip to Asia and want to pack smart, look great, and serve with confidence, here are my tips.
I have been to Asia several times and on all types of mission trips. One thing that became part of my life was the lifelong friends I’ve made along the way. I believe you will also make some incredible connections as well and these travel must have’s for Asia will help you be prepared.
Mission trips are more than traveling for fun or experiencing an adventure. You’re going to share God’s love to the world. In doing that, you make friends who become part of your life.
It can be one of the most life-transforming trips you ever take and a memory that might change how you see the world.
But what do you take? Here are five things you need to take with you if traveling to Asia.
Please note that each trip is different, and you will usually get some good information from your church or the organization you are traveling with.
Here are my must-haves for mission trip to Asia.
Gifts for those you meet.
Something small and specific to where you live. I am from Texas, so I usually take something typical from here: a Texas Ranger hat for men, cool bracelets for women, and some nice cards as thank-yous. Sometimes, I also take candy or chocolates.
You can also check out this post on how to take a great host gift.
The next and a must for mission trip to Asia is,
Slide on shoes
In Asia, people take their shoes off at the door and leave them there. So, if you are planning on taking your stinky Sparies, don’t.
Take clean shoes that are easy to get on and off.
If you go hiking, you will need comfortable hiking shoes, but take quick-dry socks. If you are in a high-humidity area or during the rainy season, it can be quite wet and take time to dry.
My preference is flip-flops.
The next item for your mission adventure is a,
Travel Bible
You’re on a mission trip, and depending on where you go, your phone might not work or have service, so take a small Bible. It can make a big difference, and you might need it if the Wi-Fi is out or down.
You might also need to read scripture for the team or devotional time.
Conservative Clothes
I have been on many mission trips and led many, and one thing that really makes a bad impression is inappropriate clothing and a lot of jewelry.
Once, I had to tell several girls they could not wear their short shorts to a place where we were serving. The leaders already went over a dress code with the team. They let them know we would be working with predominantly Muslim Refugees. In the culture and setting, this was inappropriate attire.
In Asia, people dress conservatively. If your shorts are not to the knee, leave them home for your 4th of July party.
You might have watched some amazing K-dramas with the girls wearing short skirts, but that is usually not the case in church communities or ministry settings. They dress very conservatively.
So cover your chest and wear skirts and shorts to the knee or below. It can make a big difference when you are sharing God’s love.
You don’t want your first impression to stop you from sharing Christ’s love.
Small and delicate jewelry
Little to no jewelry
If you are going to an orphanage in Asia or places where they have little make sure you are thinking about the jewelry you are wearing. On one trip I was on someone went out and got a 4 carat fake diamond ring and wedding band and said it’s okay because it’s not real.
Just tone down the jewelry. In Asia, they love tribal jewelry, and it means something to those who wear it, so if you have pieces that mean something to you, wear them.
Cotton clothing
If you are traveling during the summer in Asia, make sure you wear mostly cotton clothes. Honestly the breathability of cotton can make a big difference in comfort and it generally dries faster.
Write out your Testimony
I imagine you are going on a mission trip to share Christ love and one way to do that is to share how you came to believe in Jesus. Even if you are going on a construction project mission trip you could still get the opportunity to share how you accepted Jesus. So take some time and write it out and take it with you on your trip.
This will also help with the translation. On many mission trips you will have a translator and if you are able to go over the material with them before it can help a lot.
You can also check out this post on how to share your testimony on a mission trip.
Recap of things you need to take,
- Gifts for those you meet.
- Slide on shoes
- Small Bible
- Small and delicate jewelry
- Conservative Clothes
- Cotton Clothing
- Write out your Testimony
I will leave you with this verse from Paul,
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
I Corinthians 9:20-23
Here are some helpful post that for Asia.
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