The first time I was given the opportunity to go on a mission trip, I immediately wanted to! I walked into it excited, but also not having any notions of what to expect. Now, I’m working toward going on my fifth mission trip! Today, I stand firm to the belief that every Christian should go on at least one mission trip during their lifetime. Why do I believe this? I’ll give you five explanatory reasons!
1. You meet many new friends.
Traveling in general has a way of bringing people closer together, but mission trips especially have this quality. Because you are required to work so close with people you don’t know, you find yourself becoming friends with someone you’d have never expected. You get the chance to meet people from your group and from the destination you travel to that share the same faith as you!
2. You realize how blessed you are!
Although this is not one of the most important parts of a mission trip, it definitely is a beneficial eye opener that comes along with traveling. Most people in different parts of the world are not nearly as fortunate as we are, living in the United States. Housing is cramped or non-existent, food is scarce, people have no source of income, people are persecuted for their beliefs, and many more endless circumstances. Although it is sad to see and think that people live like this, we have to remember that we get the opportunity to shine Jesus’ light and hope in these dark situations!
3. Personal Growth
Mission trips challenge your physical and spiritual boundaries. Don’t be afraid of a challenge! As you are stretched and pushed to your limits, you feel stronger and more confident. You grow closer to God as you begin to see your true potential come out under (positive) pressure. You will never be the same!
4. You’ll get a taste of a culture other than your own.
Many times we forget that our culture isn’t the only one on earth! Even if we don’t consciously think it, we often get very comfortable in our routines that we look over the fact that not everyone lives the way that we do. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”. Going on a mission trip not only allows you to see a new culture, it allows you to get involved. You get the great opportunity to interact with the people of that culture! It’s a very fascinating and eye-opening experience.
5. Jesus tells us to!
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells his disciples to, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. We are God’s modern-day disciples! We get the wonderful opportunity to share Christ’s love with people all over the world! What’s greater than that?
