I will never forget the first mission trip I went on, it was filled with first for me. I just turned 18 two months before I left for a long term mission trip to France. I was wide-eyed and hopeful. When I landed in Paris, some friends of my family picked me up. I young American girl going to the middle of no where in a small village in France to learn French and study the Bible. I fell in love with France and it will forever be my second home.
But have you ever felt a tug on your heart, a whisper urging you to use your talents and faith to serve beyond your own borders? Perhaps you’ve witnessed the incredible work of missionaries and felt a desire to join their efforts.
I remember the first time I felt called to missions. I was at a youth camp with “Assemblies of God” church in Texas. I heard a missionary share of how he was living overseas and sharing the love of Christ. I was just 14 years old and I felt compelled to be a missionary, that desire never left my heart and stayed with me until I was 18 when I moved to France to share Christ and start my journey in a missions organization called Youth With A Mission.
Whether you’ve dreamt of long-term dedication or a shorter-term experience, embarking on a mission trip can be a life-changing journey of service and growth, pain, happiness and love. In missions you can experience a life the disciples lived on earth and one that will change your life forever.
What is a mission trip?
Mission trips come in various forms, each offering opportunities to share God’s love and serve others in tangible ways. These trips can involve:
- Building projects: Constructing schools, clinics, or homes in communities in need.
- Medical and educational outreach: Providing healthcare services or educational resources to underprivileged communities.
- Evangelism and discipleship: Sharing the Gospel, leading Bible studies, and supporting local churches.
- Community development: Working alongside local communities to address their specific needs and empower them for a brighter future.
You can also get creative with your missions. I was blessed that I got to incorporate my love of arts and missions at the same time. I also did some more practical forms of mission work where I got certified to teach English as a Second Language, this was a great way to offer a service and get to know people and their culture as a lived in their country.
Long-term vs. Short-term Missions:
Long-term missions involve a deeper commitment, often lasting months or even years. This allows missionaries to build relationships, gain cultural understanding, and contribute to sustainable change within the community. It requires dedication, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to new circumstances and challenges.
Short-term missions, typically lasting a week or two or months, this offers a chance to experience firsthand the world’s diverse needs and witness the impact of mission work. They can be a great starting point for those seeking to explore their call to serve or discerning a potential long-term commitment.
Practical Tips for Your Mission Journey:
- Seek guidance: Pray, reflect, and seek guidance from spiritual leaders and experienced missionaries to understand your calling and choose the right opportunity for you. Pray for right connections.
- Research and connect: Research organizations offering mission trips aligned with your interests and values. Connect with them and learn about their specific needs and requirements. Pray for the right open doors.
- Prepare yourself: Research about the culture, learn basic language skills (if necessary), and get physically and mentally prepared for the specific challenges you might encounter. Watch shows from that country and observe what is different about their communication style, are they a culture that touches more (like in America-hugging) or are they more reserved with touching. I like to do the three “L’s” look, listen and learn whenever I go to a new country. Observing in airports, as you travel, look around and be observant.
- Raise support: Seek financial and prayer support from your church community, family, and friends. Think of fundraising ideas.
- Go with an open heart: Remember, mission trips are about serving and learning. Embrace the experience, be open to new perspectives, and be willing to adapt. And remember that food and hospitality in different culture is not the same. I refusal for more in one country might be an insult to your host. So make sure you are aware when you go.
Remember: Whether you embark on a long-term or short-term mission, your willingness to serve can make a lasting difference. As you step out in faith, you not only bless others but also embark on a profound personal journey of growth and transformation.
Additional Resources:
- MissionFinder International: https://missionfinder.org/how-it-works/
- International Mission Board (IMB): https://www.imb.org/
- Operation World: https://operationworld.org/
- Youth With A Mission http://www.ywam.org
May your journey of faith and service be filled with blessings and allow you to share God’s love with the world.