Top Ten Things I Learned BEFORE Going On A Mission Trip

At the moment of this writing, I was just days away from going to South Sudan for my first mission trip. I knew absolutely nothing of what it took to make this happen. I still have no idea what I’m doing which is why I have no choice but to give God glory for when things happen beyond my understanding. At any rate, I put together this list. I’m not saying these things are the only things you need to know, but rather they are things I learned either the hard way, or am thankful for God’s intervention in allowing me to discover these factors. After just one trip, I am no expert, but these are things I learned along the way. Here now are the top ten things I learned before going on a mission trip.

10. It’s expensive.

Our least important isn’t here by mistake. The price of a foreign mission trip should never be the reason you don’t go. If God has given you the desire to go, go. It’s as simple as that and this list is not meant to complicate things. However, I also want to be real with you and tell you what you may already know: it’s expensive. Your experience at the end of the day will be different mine, granted, but the bottom line price isn’t always the bottom line price. Macedonia Ministries is a well oiled machine. The price they gave me for the trip included airfare, lodging, and food. So the only thing I’d need additional money for would be for shopping. Every trip’s characteristics are different though. For my trip to South Sudan, vaccinations were not only recommended, they were required. A yellow fever shot ran upwards of $300 and insurance did not cover it. I’ll get into vaccinations more later on this list, but while many were covered by my insurance, some unfortunately weren’t. Some additional expenses were power banks to charge devices so I don’t have to rely on electricity everyday incase I don’t have access. Converters and reducers for electrical outlets. Wholesome food to eat like peanut butter, protein jerky, nuts, and dried fruits. Comfortable walking shoes I don’t mind ruining. Enough clothes for the entire trip because I can’t do laundry. Perhaps the best expense I made though was upgrading my seats on the flights. We will be flying from San Francisco to Amsterdam for ten hours and following a short layover, Amsterdam to Nairobi for eight hours. My leader highly recommended extra leg room and sense there was great wisdom in that advice. It’s important you collect roughly how much your trip will cost and set small goals. When I raised “x” amount of dollars, I celebrated because that amount paid for my flight there or it paid for my seat upgrade or paid for my lodging. Small goals make getting to the main goal much easier.

9. Seek Guidance

God didn’t just give you spiritual leaders in your life to preach to you every week. They’re there for counsel as well. I was in Lake Tahoe at a church retreat last summer when I spoke to Gary Weidenbach about this mission trip. He wasn’t quick to sign me up which I appreciated. I waited until we returned home to commit on going. I trusted Gary and knew he give me godly advice on understanding this burden God gave me. I was thankful that God brought us both up there so we could talk about this before I freaked out my family about going to South Sudan. Going forward on this exciting, but at times terrifying experience, you’re going to want a spiritual leader in your corner. I will warn you that Satan does not want you to go on this trip. He’s going to try and make you doubt yourself, this calling and the point of even going. He’ll do what it takes to keep you from discovering your potential and purpose. It’s best you get people who keep Christ first close by.

8. Talk to your family about it.

Now this one is different for everyone. If you’re living at home with Mom and Dad, you may have to actually get their permission to go. And from what I’m hearing from married friends, the rule still applies, be it permission from your spouse. In all seriousness, talk to your family. Tell them the desire you have, the calling God has given you. It’s important to me to have the support of my family, so maybe for you this priority is different. At first, as passionate I was about this trip, I hesitated to tell my family. I felt that my parents would try to talk me out of it. Mom is infamous for asking, “are you sure this really what God wants?” This question, when I’ve listened to it, has kept from doing things I was doing that were because I wanted to do them, and not necessarily things God wanted me to do. She’s taught me just because the something you’re wanting to do is a good thing, doesn’t mean it’s the good thing God wants you to do. My girlfriend and I over the course of the year that we’ve been together have developed a great teamwork attitude toward ministry. I know that if God has truly given me a burden, she’ll support it and vice-versa. Maybe He won’t give her the desire to go, like with the case of South Sudan, but the day I told her the Lord was leading me to go on this trip, her reply was, “anyway I can help, I will,” and she did just that. Your family may not go with you to wherever you’re going, but they’ll be the first to pray and support you. At Christmas this year, my extended family decided we wouldn’t do presents. When I arrived at my aunt and uncle’s, there was one gift on the table for me. My aunt decided it would be great if instead of buying presents, everyone gave the money they’d spend on gifts to help support my trip. Through all the money raised, my church and family are the greatest donors I was blessed with. Family is important and I’m thankful God allowed them to be part of this journey.

7. Get Vaccinated.

You may hate needles, believe me I get it, but you’ll hate catching something if you don’t get vaccinated. I was very blessed because Macedonia Missionary Service was great in assisting me with information regarding what vaccinations I need and/or were highly recommended. In the case of South Sudan, a yellow fever vaccination was required for entry and departure. In addition to yellow fever, Hepatitis A and B, meningitis, typhoid, and malaria vaccinations were highly recommended. I went ahead and received other basic vaccinations my insurance covered as well as the annual flu shot. I was blessed in that $300 worth of vaccinations were covered by my insurance, but many vaccinations that covered outbreaks outside of the United States were not covered and cost up to $250 for one shot. As tedious as this part of your journey may seem, it’s one of the most crucial. These diseases and outbreaks are very real so take them serious.

6. This is for Jesus, not for fun.

This sounds like a no brainer and may belong higher up on the list because this needs to be the first thing you really establish. When I first graduated seminary college, my best friend went on several mission trips and had established strong relationships with the people he traveled with as well the missionaries he served along side. His passion for these trips made going on one look like a lot of fun. One day I decided I’d take the plunge and try one of these mission trips out. I determined it was one he wasn’t going on, but it was one another close friend of mine was going on. The trip was unique in that they wanted musicians and were going to hold some sort of worship concert in Vanuatu where we’d be traveling. I went to the first initial meetings and suddenly this fun trip to Vanuatu turned into a lot of work. Fundraising (which I hated doing), paperwork, vaccinations, being away from the comforts of home, taking time off work, and flying internationally. Where’s the fun? Maybe I would’ve found fun along the way, but one thing was incredibly clear: God wasn’t in it. Make this trip all about Jesus, and the “fun” will come. Without Him, you may have fun, but you’ll miss out on the joy and the peace in doing what God wants you to do. If God is giving you a desire to go to a foreign land, be patient. Wait on him. The Vanuatu trip came and went back in 2012 or 13. Everyone that went’s lives were changed. I stayed where I grew in the local church I served in. Six or seven years later, God opened the door to go to South Sudan and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to see what He does through me.

5. It’s ok to seek $upport.

When I was a kid I hated trick-or-treating. I compared it to begging for food. Yeah, it sounds a little Young Sheldon-esk, and some may say I have a pride issue, but I have never liked asking for anything from anybody. When I was Youth Pastor in Ceres I learned right away I lacked serious creative skills for fundraising mostly because I hated asking people for money. If you’re like me you’re going to have to retrain your mind. Going on a mission trip is a huge opportunity and wonderful blessing! The great thing about God’s blessings is there’s plenty to go around. People want to be a part of that blessing! Do not rob them of that. Keep track of who’s helped you. It’ll amaze you how God brought all these random people together to make your trip possible. Don’t just plunge the pockets of your own church. Branch out to family, friends, neighbors, strangers – anything is possible with our God. I have been so incredibly thankful for the people who wanted to invest in God doing something through me in South Sudan. Keep track of how much you’ve raised. Things get harry right at end so it’s important you have your T’s crossed and your I’s dotted.

4. Ask a lot of questions.

Have I told you I have no idea what I’m doing? The only way I know anything is because I ask questions. Even with questions I’ve asked, I’ve learned now looking back, I should’ve asked more. Gary Weidenbach, who I’m privileged to be traveling with on this trip, as the MacTrips Director has been on more trips that anyone. Even Sarah Mauldin, who I’m also going to be traveling with, went on her first mission trip this last year. When a group text was created between the three of us, I took advantage of that and asked a lot of questions. When missionaries stopped by our church, I asked questions. I was blessed to be invited by numerous churches seeking to support me to come and bring a presentation about what God is doing in my life. While visiting these congregations, without fail at nearly every church was someone who had been on a mission trip so naturally I asked questions. About ten years ago, some close friends of mine even traveled to Africa so I asked questions. It is ok to admit you don’t know something. It’s not ok to pretend like you do when you have no idea what you’re doing. Be informed. Ignorance is no excuse for innocence. Know how to pack, what to pack, how to entertain yourself on flights, what the food is like where you’re going, the culture there, what the people do for fun, where the country stands with Christianity and the Bible. I’ll be the first to admit, even asking as many questions as I have, as much as I think I know, I’ll quickly realize I still know very little. Preparation for your mission trip is far greater than just raising money and packing suitcases. There is a knowledge and information preparation that will greatly benefit you as you invest in learning and understanding the ins and outs of mission trip travel and the location in which you’re traveling to. The journey on your mission trip doesn’t start when the wheels go up on the plane. Your journey begins the moment God gives you the burden to go; so enjoy each moment. Remember to ask questions when God places reliable sources.

3. Inspire others.

This is high on the list because you have to ask yourself a simple question I challenge Christians all the time to ask themselves when serving God: what’s the point? Perhaps everyone’s answer to that question may slightly vary on why they go on a mission trip. For me, God gave me the burden to do this, so I’m doing it. This has not been easy. Money has been tight, and just recently, my parents have been living in a hotel for a month because their house had a horrible leak that destroyed their master bathroom and living room floors as well as the shared wall and some pieces of furniture. Dad’s health has been up and down. This last week, my cousin Shannon, who is like a sister to me suffered a stroke which caused paralysis on her left side. Because Shannon is in her 40’s and she’s a fighter, we anticipate her to recover, but this situation has been so hard to see her struggle. My parent’s home and their capacityhealth, and Shannon’s recovery will be in my prayers daily. The beauty of talking to God is I can do that whatever corner of the world I’m in, but being close to family sometimes feels like you have more control of whatever it is they’re going through, even though in reality, you don’t. My family is in much better hands with God in control than me. It is important to me to stay the course. Shannon has been a huge support in getting me to South Sudan, and I can’t wait to tell her all about it when I get home. One thing I discovered right away is the amount of people inspired that I’d go on a mission trip, but what do I do with that inspiration? Gloat in the fact that I inspired someone? Give me a break. I learned a long time ago the hard way when you preach a good sermon and inspire people – I’m just a messenger. Always. Point. To. JESUS. He’s the purpose; He’s the point. It’s not about going on a mission trip. It’s about obedience to what God wants to do through you. Sometimes, just getting up in the morning and not biting someone’s head off is an act of God. Inspired people to hear His voice and when He says, “go,” pray they listen. Impress on people to go on a trip someday. Pray they consider God using them in this. Some people will think you’ve lost your mind going on a trip and that’s ok. Perhaps God has something else for them. Some people will inspire you by their generosity and support. Others, God will send your way are in need of inspiration, however. Sometimes we wait on a blessing, but God wants to use you to bless others. They may dismiss what you’re doing, but dont dismiss them; Christ sure didn’t.

2. Plead for prayers.

No money in the world could equate to the amount of people who have reached out to me just inform me they’re praying. It means everything. The messages, the calls, the face to face conversations. Anytime I was overwhelmed with doubt, God sent someone my way to encourage me, to remind me why I’m doing this. I am determined to give God glory through this for the amazing things He’s done for me. Asking for money should not be the first thing you seek from others. Not everyone can help you financially, but every child of God can pray for you. Pray for your safety, your spirt, your finances, the group you’re going with, the missionaries, the local people, your church, your family. Distant family is praying for me. People I’ve pastored are praying for me. People I don’t even know that well are praying for me. Prayer is HUGE. So plead, plead, plead, for prayers.

1. God is in control.

Yeah, you think this is such a Sunday School answer, but I’d bet good money you’ll forget this piece of advice more than any other on this list. I know that because I did. When the money didn’t come, God was in control. When my parents house turned to crap, God was in control. When I had people who had the audacity to tell me to stay home and tried filling my head with reasons why they felt I was going on this trip, God was in control. When Shannon had her stroke, God was in control. When I get on the plane, God will still be in control. If I just kept this at the forefront of my mind, the rest of these would fall into place on this list. God is in control. He wants you to go on this trip because He wants to do something amazing through you so don’t stop, don’t give up. God’s people in the Old Testament had to do some crazy stuff. Again, it’s not about where you’re going, it’s who you’re answering to. If He tells you to march around a city seven times, you march. You don’t kick rocks and go home because you know you’ll get robbed of the blessings. Remember through all this, to not do it for the benefits. God saved you. He redeemed you. Christ lives today making intercession for you. The benefits have already come. The blessing has already been given. Just do this for Him. Do this for the lives that need to hear the Gospel. Don’t do this for the blessing, do this in hopes of blessing others.

Thanks for reading my list. If you’re contemplating on venturing out on a mission trip of any kind, I pray you seriously consider it. This trip to Africa changed my life and I have no doubt God will change yours if you have the desire. Check out the film all about my trip in the link at the top of this article. Signing out for now. Talk to you again soon. Thanks for reading.