How to Go On A Mission Trip

Mission Trip Abroad

Many people feel the need to serve and volunteer to help out cities, regions, or other countries in need. One way to do this is to go on a mission trip. Some of the things one can do on a mission trip include construction, teach English, build churches, help out orphanages, disaster relief, or medical work.

Things You'll Need

• Desire to help others
• Teamwork
• Money
• Passport (if out of country)

Instructions

1. Look at upcoming trips at church. This is a great place to start. Once you know of an upcoming mission trip, contact the person in charge or organizing the trip.

2. 

   Look at websites. If you do not belong to a church or it is not option for you to go on the trip the church is offering, there are websites that you can search to find mission trips. One is e3 Mission. Another is Short Term Missions. (Both links in Resources).

3. Go to the meetings. Many times, the mission organizers will have meetings to discuss agendas, plans, and ideas for the upcoming mission trip. It is important to go, not only to get information, but to show you are really interested in going.

4. 

   Send letters to raise money and awareness. You can do this by writing a letter to friends and family to tell them about your trip. Many corporations put money aside for donations each year.

5. 

   Fund raise. You can sell things to raise money like T-shirts, car wash, candy bar sales, old cell phones, garage sales, baked goods, bracelets, and more. Look at other ideas on the website: Mission Trip Fundraising in Resources.

6. Study the culture. If the mission trip is not in your country, study the culture before you go to a foreign place. You don't need to know every little detail about the country, especially on short-term missions. But, you should have a basic understand of the language and customs. Always be respectful to the people in that country.

7. 

   Build cross-cultural relationships. Mission trips are important to not only help out places in need, but to build relationships with other countries, cities, and/or cultures of the world.

8. Stay positive, focused on your mission, and have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Put personal feelings aside about other members. Remember your purpose.

• Remember customs and courtesies while overseas.

• Always say thank you. It is especially nice if you use the native language.

• Respect your host and send thank you letters when you return.

• ALWAYS remember the reason you are on the mission trip and do not forget you are representing your country and your church or organization.

Resources

• Look here at e3 Mission to find mission trips
• Mission Trip Fundraising
• Finding Short Term Missions