Pastors Edge

Courtesy of Christian Single Magazine, June 2007

Prepare for Departure

Going on a mission trip? Read this first.

by Jonathan Merritt

Cold water rushed across my feet. I was sitting on a mattress in a musty hotel room in downtown Juiz de Fora, Brazil. My sore legs pounded from a day of street evangelism. Suddenly, my dead stare was broken by the cascade of water across the floor. Nobody told me that in some South American countries you can't flush toilet paper because the pipes are too small!

Can you ever be fully prepared for what you might encounter on an international mission trip? Probably not. But, to head off with no training or research sounds crazy to even the daring servant.

1.Prepare yourself

George Robinson, global leadership developer for e3 Partners, says that when returning mission participants are asked what they would have done differently to prepare, the most common answer is "Pray more."

As Robinson puts it, "If you forget socks, you can borrow some. If you forget money, you can borrow some. But you can't borrow spiritual preparedness. The last thing you want to do is carry the ‘kitchen sink' overseas, but then stand in panic at someone's door, realizing too late that you gave the least attention to the very thing you came to do the most."

Make time with prayer and scripture so you'll have something to give. Scott Kirby of Orphan Concern International says the key is letting God work through us. "Life experience is not the main qualification for mission work," he says. "Availability, obedience, love of God, love of others is."

2. Get googling

Spend some time researching the region and culture where you'll be a guest. What religious influences are prevalent? What is the recent history of the country? Are there practices you should avoid so you don't inadvertently offend someone? What are some safety precautions that you should keep in mind? Is the water potable, or should you bring your own?

3. Gain some perspective

A mission trip is more than an adventure in an interesting part of the world, it's a way to be involved in God's work in the lives of people around the globe. That said, remember you are part of a bigger picture. God will no doubt be at work where you are, but He will do the same after you leave. As a short-termer, you're there to help support the ongoing ministry of those living among a group of people.

Part of being supportive means being flexible. Things will absolutely not go just as you plan or expect, so roll with it. Most importantly, be yourself, but be respectful. You're not going abroad to help "these poor people"; you are going to be a humble servant.

4. Don't Get Lost in Translation

In fact, people do not speak English all over the world. When visiting non-English-speaking-countries, you will probably be assigned a translator. Practice speaking slowly so that the translator can understand you. Always speak to the person you intend to reach, not the translator. And most importantly, avoid using slang, clichés, or abstract symbolic words that will confuse anyone. If you are serious about trying to connect with people, try to learn at least a few basic words or phrases in the local language. Check out the Web site http://www.how-to-learn-any-language.com/ as a starting point.  

5. Pack ‘em up and move ‘em out

With luggage live by this motto: the smaller, the better. You never know where you'll have to lug your duds, so travel light. A good rule of thumb is to lay out anything you plan to take and then leave half of it (starting with jewelry and anything of value). Choose comfort over fashion and take versatile items you can layer and reuse. A carry-on with an extra outfit is also smart in case your luggage gets lost (it happens).

6. Don't forget the details

Growing up, my mother became infamous for her signature "double check" when we were traveling.  Yet as I look back on these annoying redundancies, I realize they made a positive difference. Going overseas requires more forethought than a weekend roadtrip. In addition to the immunization requirements and passport or visa deadlines, think through outlet adapters (if you'll have access to electricity), prescription medicine, extra contact lenses, and even foam earplugs (you never know what the environment is like or if you'll have a snoring roommate).

7. Take the journal; leave the copyrights.

Martha Vancise, author of Successful Mission Teams: a Guide for Volunteers, urges travelers to engage in "macro-journaling." From the time you get on the plane, start reducing your day to about ten short scenes that can be written as phrases in a few minutes each night. "Years later, you can read those and... a whole scene will replay in your mind," says Vancise.

8. Bring it home

Don't let a mission experience end when you hop off the return flight. Consider longer-term involvement with a particular group. David Livermore, author of Serving with Eyes Wide Open, encourages, "Let's persevere through the hard work of hanging in there with the same group of people rather than blowing in and out of a lot of different places."

Livermore also suggests that the goal isn't a mission trip but a missional lifestyle. "Don't go running overseas to do something you aren't already doing in your own neighborhood," he says. "If you want to fight for justice in the brothels of Cambodia, start by being an agent of justice in your home and at work. ... Short-term missions is just another opportunity for us to live out what we need to be living 24/7 wherever we are."

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Jonathan Merritt is Sr. Editor of Pastorsedge and a writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications including Christian Single, Charisma, Outreach and RELEVANT Leader magazines. He splits his time between Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC. Visit his blog at www.jonathanmerritt.blogspot.com

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