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How to pick the right mission trip is challenging sometimes. But it is also a way to embark on a new journey of faith as a Christian. As a Christian woman who loves to travel, embarking on a mission trip is one of my favorite things to do in the world.

I took my first mission trip over 20 years ago and have lived in over 10 countries, sharing the gospel as a missionary. Since moving back to the States 10 years ago, I have traveled on short-term missions with churches and organizations and led teams myself.

Since you are reading this, I imagine you are considering going on a mission trip.

As someone who lived in missions and received mission teams, I know that not all teams, groups, or churches are the same. Most of the teams we received when I was in long-term missions helped the community to become closer to Jesus.

The selfless and servant-hearted teams were some of the best people I have ever met.

On these 100’s of trips, I have learned so much, and I hope these tips help you pick the right Christian mission trip for you.

First things first on how to pick the right mission trip,

Start with prayer.

As a Christian woman, choosing a mission trip can change your life. So, the best place to start is with prayer. Spend time with God and pray for direction and wisdom on where to go and with who to go with.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Prayer points:

Ask for wisdom: James 1:5
Direction: Proverbs 3:5-6
Provision: Philippians 4:19

Make time to pray about the trip you should go on and with whom. Now if you are part of a church and you hear about a mission trip the Church is going on then start praying about that trip.

I remember hearing about a relief trip to Japan with my Church and felt called to go. When I applied, I didn’t have the full funds to go. Spending time in prayer, asking for direction and provision helped with in a few weeks the Church offered a scholarship to go.

The next step is how to pick the right mission trip,

Ask others to pray for you.

Seek guidance from trusted leaders, family, or friends.

When I was preparing to go on the mission trip to Japan, I asked my small group to pray for me as well.

The whole group felt like I should go, and it was a way to connect the group to the mission trip as well. They became my prayer team.

Another mission trip to Nepal.

I really wanted to go, but it was 14 days long and physically demanding. The pre-training was 3 months. I wanted to go so badly! But my trusted prayer team didn’t think the timing was right.

I didn’t go. The actual trip was a bit of a mess, and many had to return because they couldn’t handle it. It involved extreme missions, which I love, but it just wasn’t the trip for me.

So, getting guidance and direction from others when choosing a mission trip is very important.

An important part of how to pick the right mission trip is to,

Trust the organization or Church.

In choosing the right mission trip, you really need to trust those who are taking you.

To be very honest, I have been on some very sketchy mission trips with some organizations that I would now advise others to avoid.

Some trips were so sketchy I had to borrow money to get home because the leaders stole the funds we gave, asked for more funds from donors, and took those funds.

We basically got duped and ended up stranded in war-torn Eastern Europe, it was with a very well-known organization.But the leaders over the trip were dishonest. A former leader contacted me while I was on the trip and asked what was going on; I spilled the tea. They were asked to step down from their leadership positions.

When life is stranger than fiction. But God is good and used it for God’s glory.

So, if you feel something is off, don’t go. If you end up overseas and find out things are wrong, make sure people back home know and check in twice daily.

Avoiding a sketchy situation is the best.

Please ensure you trust the organization or Church you are going with anywhere.

Here are some organizations I have been with that I trust and been on trips with.

The others are mission trips with churches. If you are planning on going with your Church, it’s a wonderful way to choose a mission trip but make sure you trust the leaders that are taking the team. And if you think something is off then pray about if you should go on the trip.

The last thing I would like to share is

Listen to the Holy Spirit.

You might not be someone who believes in the Holy Spirit guiding you. Well that is okay. You can skip this part and take the practical advice from above.

In my experience with life in missions, the Holy Spirit guides our path.

Here is my personal story.

I was praying about going into long-term missions but was going to take a three month trip to make sure. There were several opportunities to choose a mission trip, all in Eastern Europe, but I was not sure where I should go.

My small group was praying for me, and I really felt like Romania was the right place to go. But I wanted confirmation as many do, I was praying, and so were my small group leaders.

One day, at a women’s church luncheon, we all attended. The speaker had a successful business. In the middle of her speech, she stopped and said I feel like God wants me to share something. Everyone looked at her like what in the world. (The Church didn’t believe in the Holy Spirit speaking to people.) She said,

“If God called you to go to Romania, you need to go!”

Well, I was on the plane a month later, fully funded. I ended up living for over 7 years in Romania, started numerous ministries, and helped plant a church.

If you hear about a trip and your heart feels like there is something stirring inside of you, pray and ask God to reveal more. Then, step out in faith.

Recap of how to pick the right mission trip.

Start with prayer.
Ask others to pray for wisdom.
Trust the organization or Church.
Listen to the Holy Spirit.

If this article has helped you, please share it on Pinterest and let us know in the comments about your experience in missions or if you are just starting out on your first.

You can also check out these related articles for more.

Am I called to missions? How to know guide

Top things you need to know before a mission trip

10 Effective Tips to Stay Mentally Strong After Mission Trips.

If you would like a free packing checklist click here.