You might assume that jumping on a plane and heading to another country for a week is no big deal for a former missionary like me. However, I recently traveled with a group from my church to South Asia to help with a family conference for national pastors’ families, and it was a stretch for me in many ways. I felt nervous in the lead-up to the trip and totally out of my element during my time there. But it was so worth it.

Someone asked me how I experienced the difference between going on a short-term mission trip versus serving as a longer-term missionary. What a great question! As I thought about it and responded, I realized that there are so many ways that going on a mission trip felt drastically different—and even harder in some ways—than living overseas as a missionary. Naming those differences has helped me to process my recent trip.

Long-term service eases you in; trips throw you in

When my family moved to Peru to serve in church planting ministry with MTW, we spent years preparing for the transition. When we arrived in country, we eased into it, methodically learning about the language and culture before jumping into ministry. We still faced culture shock and long, tiring days, but when you plan for longevity in a foreign culture you take the time to intentionally set yourself up for sustainable life routines. We absolutely did not take on ministry tasks the first week, and we gave ourselves permission to do life slowly for months as we observed, learned, and gradually adjusted.

When you go on a short one-or two-week trip like the one I’ve just returned from, you give it everything you’ve got in an incredibly short window of time. You often find yourself ministering out of tiredness and cultural bewilderment because you only have a handful of days. Your body may never have the chance to adjust to the time change, food, climate, and ministry demands. Neither do your mind and emotions have much opportunity to process everything you’re experiencing. A certain measure of self-awareness, as well as honesty with your team leader, is important as you gauge your capacity each day of a trip.

Despite these difficult aspects I can assure you that going on a mission trip is totally worth it! As you serve out of weakness, the Lord works in and through you in His strength, sustaining and blessing your step of faith to join Him in His work.

My trip was hard. I didn’t know the language or culture I was traveling to. I really dislike air travel and struggled to sleep on planes. I had to trust the Lord to provide the words and clarity of mind in my teaching portions with the local national pastors’ wives. I made cultural mistakes. And because I was fitting this trip into a busy fall season of regular life activities, I didn’t have as much time to prepare for the trip as I would have liked.

Mission trips are worth the mental, physical, and financial cost

These challenges are all normal ways that believers count the cost every year to go on short mission trips. As someone who spent years serving long-term, I’m convinced more than ever that missions trips are worthwhile—for the participant and for the field.

After some reflection, I’d like to share why I believe mission trips are worth the cost, inconvenience, and struggle that they impose on us, and some of the benefits they bring to the kingdom.

Bolstering the global Church

Those serving on mission trips represent the global body of Christ to the local people as they demonstrate Christ’s love and build up the local church. This kind of incarnational presence can profoundly encourage and spur on local believers who may feel isolated or insignificant in their faith. Even simple or imperfect attempts to bridge language barriers can testify to the deep unity we all share in Christ. The light of the gospel and desire to care transcends language and culture—it’s a beautiful thing to behold!

Strengthening missionaries

When you travel on a mission trip, you bring fresh passion, encouragement, and resources paired with love. As missionaries like me can attest, a thoughtfully planned mission trip can supply a great boost in morale. There’s nothing like a smiling, curious, and compassionate friend from back home arriving to help, care, and spur you on in your ministry.

Meeting specific ministry needs

International mission trips can supply a short, targeted ministry focus that wouldn’t happen otherwise. From theological training to English camps, building projects, and community outreaches, a short-term mission team can meet specific ministry needs that local believers or long-term missionaries may not have the capacity to fulfill.

Growing spiritually yourself

When you go on a short mission trip, you grow spiritually and experience God in fresh ways. Mission trips can force you to lean heavily on God’s providence and guidance as you minister outside of your comfort zone, and as a result you get to witness how He demonstrates His faithfulness to you. It’s such a faith-building thing to see God provide for you in real time as you follow His lead beyond the borders of your own ability or control.

Inspiring your church missionally

Upon returning from a short mission trip, you get to play the very significant role of connecting your home church to God’s work around the world, mobilizing others to engage in global missions, and raising prayer for kingdom growth around the world!

I certainly wrestled before my recent mission trip, and I even questioned at times whether I should have committed to go on it. But I’m so thankful that I did. God’s plans are so much bigger and better than ours. I would encourage anyone who feels a nudge toward going on a mission trip to pursue it and watch to see how God works!

Join a short-term trip with MTW, or take a group from your church! Visit mtw.org/missiontrips to get started.

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