We go on mission trips wanting them to be effective both spiritually and practically. While there is no guaranteed formula to make a mission trip spiritually successful, physically safe, or emotionally beneficial, there are some practices we like to recommend from our 43 years of experience working with medical mission groups, clinics, and individuals.
Be Wholly Prepared
Humans are multifaceted beings, comprised of body, mind, emotions, and souls. Like legs on a table, these four aspects, when well-tended to, allow for wholistic health.
Mission trips are all about people: those going and those being ministered to, as well as the nationals who assist visiting teams. So, it naturally follows that such a person-based endeavor needs to be healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Physical/Practical Preparedness
Sometimes, practical preparedness is one of the easiest of the four aspects of preparation because the steps are very material. However, packing lists, visas, vaccinations, and all such practicalities can be the most involved and time-consuming part of any mission trip.
Learn from others as you prepare. We suggest sourcing a practical missions handbook, course, or mentorship from someone who has done numerous mission trips in multiple countries.
Mental Preparedness
Before your trip, attend all the team meetings. Some people are okay with going with the flow every step of the way, but other team members feel better if they can have an idea of what to expect. Be understanding with both types of people and focus on making conversation and preparation positive and helpful for everyone.
When you’re on mission, gather daily for a debriefing and a discussion about the day’s events and what to expect the next day. Be transparent with your questions and thoughts, encourage one another, and listen wholeheartedly to everyone on your team.
Emotional Preparedness
People experience very different emotions on mission trips. While there is no wrong emotion, the way we express them can be either beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Some of the best methods of processing your thoughts and feelings during a mission trip are journaling, debriefing with team members, and resting and recharging when possible.
Spiritual Preparedness
Ephesians 6:10-18 lays out how to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,” not only on mission but at all times. Putting on the armor of God is an essential practice every day, but especially before, during, and after your mission trip.
Other ways you can build yourself and others up spiritually for your outreach is through group prayer; organizing prayer partners (whether one friend covers you per day, or multiple people collectively pray for your mission); doing a group devotional with your team; memorizing Scripture; rehearsing your testimony in short, easy-to-translate sentences so that it’s ready to share; studying Scripture; listening to messages; and witnessing to unbelievers.
And finally, prepare for your mission trip to the best of your ability and then surrender your plans to God and trust Him with the outcome.
Written by Meagan Briggs, Communications Manager, Blessings International. Used by permission. Blessings International is a nonprofit wholesaler that provides pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and medical supplies specifically for mission trips, clinics, and charitable outreaches. Founded in 1981, their products regularly help millions of people in over 100 nations every year.
Resources from Blessings International:
- Blessings International has a free downloadable three-part video series that covers practical aspects of preparing, going, and returning. Find it here: www.blessing.org/resources/#stmt
- Suggested devotional plan: Mission Trip Checkup: Getting Ready. A six-day Bible App devotional series by Blessings International is a healthy dose of practical and spiritual considerations for your next mission trip. The first part in the “Mission Trip Checkup” series, it focuses on preparation and is applicable to experienced and first-time mission-goers alike.