Mission Trips

I am not sure how many mission trips I have been on over the years. I guess I should have kept count of the days, miles, places, and results. I started as a teen in youth ministry and haven't stopped so it has been several for sure.
My first mission trips were really choir tours. We traveled on the church bus which was always an adventure! Breakdowns were expected. I was taught early on to trust God while traveling. I eventually went on construction mission trips. I learned most of my carpentry skills (limited for sure) while working with men building churches. Then came the VBS/BackYard Bible Clubs. Very exciting work to see children light up upon hearing about Jesus.
My missions experience expanded into evangelism, door-to-door survey, and even Christian Martial Arts demos. I eventually grew into International Disaster Relief work and teaching Pastor's Conferences in many countries.
I have grown in and through mission involvement. From participating as a teenager across the US to leading a church group across East Africa! Missions has taken me many places and to many people groups. I NEVER tire of missions. It is one of the most exciting aspects of ministry for me alongside of pastoring.
I have also payed attention and observed many "mission trips" of various groups. I have concluded that often times trips are classified as "missions" when very little, if any, true mission work is done. Many wonderful group vacations are taken under the name of missions and defined as "planting seeds" through lifestyle smiles and handshakes. I have a much different view or definition of a true mission trip.
Mission trips should include a deep heart passion for a people group. A movement within your soul that will not let you not go. It is much beyond the occasional "I'll go if I can" or "It better be fun in a great location (beach) or I'm not going" attitude. A burden must be the motivator within the mission. Such a burden doesn't care about things such as accommodations, who else is going, whom you may room with, fashion statement, or if you can wear a bathing suit or not. It doesn't matter the food, the mode of travel, or even the weather. A heart for people to hear and respond to the gospel must be the foundation.
I also believe that intense preparation is a must. Resources cannot be wasted on the true mission field. Planning and time alone with God before going is nonnegotiable for real mission work. Just signing up at the last moment because it sounds like "fun" is not what missions is about.
Desired results that are measurable is also a must. It is why planning is done and communication for support promises. "How many people responded to the gospel?" is a great question. Other measurable results include the number of people trained, discipled, witnessed to, baptized, churches started, prayer groups started, and life change.
God called. True mission work is an act of obedience. Not all mission work is fun but it is rewarding. I have been on some mission trips that break your heart and "fun" would not be an adequate descriptive word. Other trips have been the most fun I have ever experienced. It comes to the point of a true calling from God or just a trip planned by man. I know that some trips can turn into missions but something radical must take place.
I believe we must be VERY careful in what we teach children and youth concerning mission trips. We must ensure that the difference is made between a youth trip and a mission trip. Truth is that not all are ready for a true mission trip and should not be forced to attend. The future of the gospel is depending on God-called servants with a heart for missions!

From My Heart,

Pastor BR