Our Mission Leaders are our pride and joy! They have undergone extensive on-field training and certification, have lots of missions experience and wisdom and a heart for sharing the love of God. Your Mission Leader will be your spiritual shepherd to prepare you before, during and even after your trip! They will guide you on the mission field, build relationship with you and your team, while you reach the community where you will be serving. Your Mission Leader will be your point person coordinating day to day activities, serving as the liaison with the ministry partnerships and so much more. They are excited to meet you!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Thoughtful
Anything active - especially pickleball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and hiking at National Parks
Chicago IL, Milwaukee MN, Adirondack Mountains, Peru, Costa Rica
Since my first trip, God has ignited a passion and calling for missions on my life!
I went on my second mission trip to Chicago in high school and a few years later I was praying about my next long term missions experience. That same week, the project leader for my trip ended up being at my college. We both remembered each other and I ended up working for the same organization I went on my first trip with. This confirmed my call to missions!
Hagerstown, Maryland
Quirky
I love reading, exercising, playing guitar, and sign language.
South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Chicago IL, Hilton Head SC, Philadelphia PA, New Orleans, LA, Gainesville GA, Houston TX, Orlando FL, Dover DE, Jolo WV, Brooklyn NY, Detroit MI, Asheville NC, Mayfield KY and Haiti!
Serving challenges me and strengthens my love for Jesus. I felt the Holy Spirit for the first time on a short-term trip. Every trip, I learn something new about myself and God.
Early in my faith journey, I went on my first short term mission trip to the Lakota Sioux Rez in South Dakota, and God broke my heart into so many pieces. Some were joyful memories like working with the youth on a puppet skit, while others were painful like seeing the infected blisters on some of the kid’s faces. However, every pair of eyes that I looked into, I saw the hope of Jesus. I encountered God in such a dynamic, beautiful, and broken way. It’s a memory that I will always treasure and what fuels me as I lead short term mission trips. I’d love to see every person who goes on a short term trip encounter God in a life-changing way too!
Turlock, California
Genuine
Baseball, eating, cartography, jokes
Chicago IL, New Orleans LA, Hilton Head SC, Springfield MO, Santa Monica CA, Puerto Rico, Nepal, Eswatini, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Philippines, Thailand, Greece
The Lord has shown me that I hear His voice and He uses me in ways that I could not imagine before short term missions were a part of my life.
I went on my first short term mission trip the day I graduated from college. It was the first time I shared my faith on a regular basis, and I grew more in 8 weeks that I had in my entire walk with the Lord before that. It ignited a fire in me for missions that continues today!
Arlington, Texas
Faithful
I enjoy blogging, taking nature walks, collecting bibles, and meeting new friends!
I’ve served in Mexico, the Caribbean, Texas, Appalachia, Louisiana, Illinois, and Missouri.
My first short-term trip to Mexico changed the trajectory of my life. Missions pushed me out of my comfort and into an adventure with Jesus!
I’ve met some amazing young people on the trips that I’ve facilitated with AIM. One young man from Derby, Kansas on a mission trip at Encounter Cove in Roach, Missouri especially stood out. My first conversation with him involved him needing a pencil. He used it to twirl and told me it calmed his anxieties. He was a hard worker at the many laborious tasks that he was given. However, when he had the opportunity to work with young boys as a mentor and supervisor, he found his passion. He was transformed. He was in his element, and the boys loved him. He became bolder and stepped out of his comfort zone and instructed and prayed with the boys. I saw him blossom and grow and I never saw him twirling that pencil again. In fact, by the end of the trip he was talking about entering the ministry. I thought he would make a great teacher. A leader, had emerged, and I was so proud of him.
Durand, Illinois
Ambitious
Being outside, traveling, sports, kayaking, lifting weights, and reading
Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, Uganda, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica, Morocco, Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Chicago IL, New York City
I’ve learned more of my identity in Christ and to love and be loved.
My team and I were in a closed country where we could not share that we were missionaries. We bonded with a guy from our hostel who “was drawn to us.” We were eventually able to share why we were there and the love of Christ with him. Through our example and love for each other and him, he was able to hear the good news and make a commitment to Christ!
Atlanta, Georgia
Bubbly
Glitter, music, needle point, golf and dogs!
Mayfield KY, Detroit MI, Mexico, Philippines, Swaziland, Spain
It has shown me the hope and resiliency of the human spirit in our connection with God. God works different and wonderful experiences in all people!
When in Swaziland, I had the opportunity to meet a gentleman name George who lived on his own in a hut. We supplied him with matches, candles, blankets and food. He was so grateful to let us pray with him. He explained that with our aid, he had been getting healthier and gained much needed weight and nutrients. He even started going to church!
Raised in Puerto Rico. Moved to California as a teen, but now calls Georgia home.
Unique
Playing the piano and guitar, drawing, and taking pictures
All over Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, California, Texas, Pennsylvania
This is what God called me to do for the rest of my life. I am in it to win it!
During a recent trip to Puerto Rico, one team member, Alyssa, spoke with a woman in a cafeteria who was struggling with suicidal thoughts. Alyssa listened to her story, shared the hope she carries, and then she prayed for her. The woman, filled with emotion, ran out from behind the counter and hugged Alyssa.“I had given up. I was planning to kill myself. You’ve given me what I need to keep on living.” Another participant named Fonte shared the Gospel with an 18-year-old who said, “I am going to hell when I die.” Fonte said, “That doesn’t have to be your fate. There’s another path you could walk. Would you like to know more?” They continued talking and Fonte led the young man to Jesus! This team also visited the small town of La Perla, well known for its drugs and violence. God used a Muslim lady to introduce them to several people who lived there. The team spent the day talking with residents and sharing about God’s love. Hearing these kinds of stories encourages us as we seek to activate faith in the next generation of Christ followers and we hope it encourages you too.
Dandridge, Tennessee
Encouraging
Hiking, traveling, being near water (lakes, oceans, rivers), working out, writing and being outdoors
Kentucky, Tennessee, Greece, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, Czech Republic, Lithuania
I’ve gained an understanding of other cultures, myself and grown so much closer to God and His purpose for me. I found a love for serving others and doing so through a compassionate heart for Christ.
One of my youths on my very first mission trip that I led gave his life to Christ the last night of our trip! The presence of the Holy Spirit was so clear, moving, and palpable that night. I will never forget when he looked at me and said “Thank you for bringing me on the trip. Thank you for helping me in my journey of finding Christ.” It was just one of those nights and experiences that will forever stay with me!
Marion, Indiana
Joyful
I love spending time with youth at my church, coaching middle school girls basketball, and missions!
Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, South Carolina, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Haiti, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea
Through missions, I have had the opportunity to learn other cultures, see God’s love for all people. It’s been a blessing to be able to minister for His Kingdom.
–
Lancaster, Virginia
Strong
Working out, writing poetry and reading
Florida, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Panama, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa
It has opened my eyes to the beauties and realities of the world around me which developed an overwhelming desire to reach others for Christ on a daily basis
While in Costa Rica, God used me and 2 of my teammates to reach and minister to a school full of elementary school teachers who did not know Christ. He also used us to pray and battle in spiritual warfare on their behalf in the same moment.
I'm from Rome, NY - right in the center of the state.
Thinker
My hobbies include crafting, reading, walking, and cooking.
Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, New York City, Fort Apache, San Carlos Apache, Zuni, Navajo, Choctaw, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky.
I now ask myself if I’m doing things that bring God glory in my everyday life!
A participant asked if it was ok if she brought her sewing machine to the mission trip. I shared that it was a disaster relief trip, and we were instructed to bring work clothes and gloves, but if God was leading her to bring the sewing machine, she should bring it. God led us to a family that needed help clearing their land in order for FEMA to help them rebuild. As we worked with them, we learned the grandmother had put her wedding plans on hold when the tornado hit and they were all left homeless. She was currently trying to work out the details, but couldn’t find a wedding dress. The participant was a clothing designer. She took measurements, took grandma shopping, and before the trip concluded the wedding dress was made. She had heard God, and it came to pass and brought good fruit. Perfect fit, and grandma said it felt like she was putting on love.
Hendersonville, NC
Loyal
Hiking, Traveling
Costa Rica, Dominican, Nicaragua, Honduras, New Orleans LA, Tennessee, New Mexico
I love seeing change in people when they experience God. It always amazes me how even in such a short time that this continually occurs.
In Uganda seeing God move with people praying for others and the local people asking for prayer and going back to their homes to bring their parents and children back to be prayed for.
Kalkaska, Michigan
Intentional
Hiking, reading, technology
Hilton Head SC, Gainesville GA
God has opened my eyes to the needs around me, and showed me that I’m a part of His plan to meet some of those needs and glorify Him in the process.
As a father, it was inspiring to see how God used young kids on our trip, not only to open doors on the field, but also to grow us together as a community. I’m still in regular contact with the other families from that trip!
Renton, Washington
Adventurous
Snowboarding, hiking, biking, backpacking
Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Colombia, South Africa, Kenya, Virginia, Wyoming, Chicago IL, Wisconsin
It’s opened the door to pursue a 2 way relationship with the Lord. It’s also helped me understand that nothing I can do makes me worthy of love, it is simply being who I am.
I used to have a lot of food intolerances. Someone inspired me about our God given authority over things in this world. People who had received healing prayed over me and within 24 hours I was able to eat any of my intolerances without any consequences, and praise God because we ate at a bakery for 2 months straight!
Tickfaw, Louisiana
Driven
Playing drums, old cars
Nebraska, New Mexico, Louisiana
I saw unbelievable poverty in the United States on an American Indian Reservation. It made me see how blessed I am
While on mission helping others in Albuquerque, NM.
We arrived and went straight to work on the field passing out blankets and socks until just before dinner time.
One of the families from the church told me and another man on the trip that we were having dinner with them at their home. We were excited, they also planned to take several of us to a Taos celebration with Drums the next day. After dinner which was amazing! They all cleaned up and said we will see you in the morning and left us their home for the night. It was the most humbling act of loving kindness and trust! I thought I went on mission to bless their community but it was I who was blessed! God showed me a level of trust from a christian family I’m not sure I was mature in my faith enough to duplicate. They taught me through example that God does truly own it all. Since that time I’ve been trying trust God’s people more with everything.
Marysville, Ohio
Helper
Fishing, motorcycle riding and running.
Peru, Cambodia, and Hilton Head SC
There’s no better place to be than in the center of God’s will.
–
Pennsylvania
Non-conformity
Reading, hiking
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Asheville NC
I never really considered having an active christian life that involved doing something, other than going to church. After my first mission trip, I started to think my life should be more. I saw that I could be active in doing God’s work.
The week before a mission trip to Haiti, I started praying for someone’s life to be changed. I had been before and felt that nothing had really happened. I wanted someone’s life to be affected. So after the week of praying for this, I went to Haiti. The groups broke up into different teams and went into the area around the mission compound. The team I went with met a woman who we decided to pray for. As it turned out we discovered she was demon possessed. She reacted very violently at first, but after praying with her she was free!
Tickfaw, Louisiana
Filled
I love practicing and learning how to hear from the Lord, women's ministry, reading and sharing His Love with others.
Several cities in Louisiana and a couple cities in Haiti.
My life changed after my first trip in 2012. I started a ministry in Haiti, and the Lord has strengthened my faith and called me to do things I never imagined I’d be able to do! It’s amazing and I love every minute of it!
On a mission trip to New Orleans, we were in a local park doing an activity we call the treasure hunt. After giving the team instructions, we each prayed and then met up to talk about what the Lord was saying before we dispersed to go pray over people. As I was heading back to meet up with the team, I noticed a girl from our team praying over someone. When she rejoined us, she said that as she was praying, God immediately spoke to her and told her to pray with the man sitting at the picnic table. Nervous, but wanting to be obedient, she approached the older gentleman. They had a great conversation, and then she prayed with him. This bolstered her faith in a powerful way, and the rest of the afternoon, she was literally running across to the park to pray over people! Many other team members saw several things come to pass that God brought to our attention during our prayer time. It was such a blessing to see our team spend time asking the Lord for direction and then receiving an answer directly from Him!
Colorado
Encouraging
Walking, reading, bee keeping and hiking
San Diego CA, Eleuthera Bahamas, Hilton Head SC, Brethren In Christ mission NM
I see the world in a whole different way. I’ve learned so much about different cultures. I also love meeting the local and long term missionaries who are serving that community.
When one Bohemian helped a high school girl garden. He was very proficient with a machete.
When one high school boy accepted Jesus as his savior.
Praying and watching God answer our prayers in a very real and faith building way.
Born in north Texas - grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast. Currently living in Colorado
Steady
Sharing Jesus in Cuba, landscaping my backyard, and drinking coffee with other veterans. I love snorkeling warm water reefs, cowboying and mountaineering!
Georgia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Louisiana, West Virginia, Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, Kenya, Belize, and over a dozen American Indian reservations.
I’ve learned that loving God and loving people are the most important things we can do, and that trusting God and obeying Him are essential to life.
My second year as a project leader I showed up on site to the Ft. Berthold Reservation to serve for the week. I discovered our ministry partner had moved our location to a very small village about which we knew nothing! Our main contact introduced my wife and I to the local leader, and went home. Time after time, as we tried to prepare for a team of 45, exactly the right person would show up to help. In that way, our lodging, cooks, and ministry activities were supplied in good order and with great calmness. It felt like God had not only known about the change in advance, He had a complete, perfect plan for meeting our needs, as well as the spiritual needs of the local Hidatsa population. So obvious as it unfolded – we were in awe of His direction, provision and great love. The mission was a remarkable success to everyone! Some of those local Hidatsa people are still our friends 27 years later!
Cincinnati, Ohio
Thoughtful
Brunch, long walks with God, movies, watercolor painting, and traveling!
Mayfield, KY, Chicago IL, Manchester NH, Bismarck ND, New Orleans LA, New Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal, Albania, Serbia, Romania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda
Missions has introduced me to Jesus’ heart, to love the person in front of me and to listen to their story.
A favorite story to share is from my first international mission trip to Nepal. We were hosting a ‘summer camp’ for young Nepali and Indian girls that had been safely rescued and rehabilitated from sex trafficking. The goal was FUN! We focused on games, activities and anything we could replicate that was taken from their childhood. It was an exciting week with so many laughs, tears and everything in between. One evening in particular was so powerful; I pray I remember it forever. We were all worshiping together in one room – 30 Americans, 30 Nepali girls, 30 Indian girls. We were all singing ‘Good Good Father’ by Chris Tomlin. We sang most of it in English – the chorus we sang in Bengali – a common language throughout India. I remember looking around the room seeing every young girl worshiping with their full heart and spirit. They were pouring out praise to God in a way I hadn’t witnessed before. The atmosphere in the room changed and I was sensing God revealing to me what heaven will be like. All of us pouring out our heart to Him who deserves it all. No more brokenness, hurt or wounding from our past. I wept as Revelation 21:4 unveiled before my eyes. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” That moment gave me hope that surpasses any hope I’d had before that night. And a joy of what’s to come.. Worshiping our God FOREVER!
I was born in El Salvador, now I live in Damascus, Maryland.
Passionate
Serving/ministry, camping, kayaking, hiking, working with tools, cooking & baking!
Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, DC, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Peru, and Colombia.
I’ve learned to hold my plans with my hands wide open and that the most important thing in ministry
is relationships!
One of my most cherished stories of the mission field happened in Puerto Rico a couple years ago. We were a big group and we were divided into 4 groups. 3 of the groups did construction and 1 did prayer walks. We started by walking the street in prayer and intercession asking the Lord to provide us with a divine appointment. After praying for a couple minutes one of the participants asked if we could pick up trash and clean up the street while we prayed. Suddenly a woman came out of her home and she asked us what we were doing? We talked to her for a couple minutes and asked her if we could pray for her? Her eyes welled up and she became a little guarded. But we continued to encourage her to pray with us. She began to cry and shared that she was about to commit suicide when she heard noises outside. She told us that she came outside to check what was going on and we were there. She shared that she had moved back to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria to help her mom, but that she had recently passed and she found herself hopeless and unable to cope with all the loss. We circled around her, prayed for her and loved on her. Eventually we continued with our clean up and prayer walk. When we came back around a couple hours later she was blasting worship music and cleaning her home. We checked and loved her everyday while we were there. And to this day I continue to follow up with her. It was so humbling to realize that God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people who are willing to say yes! And that HE would use us to bring hope as HE saved and started transforming someone’s life.
Greenville, South Carolina
Disciple
Being outdoors, fishing, hiking, photography, and eating good food.
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Philippines, Costa Rica, Rural Mississippi, Hilton Head SC, Fort Myers FL
I now try to see the world from God’s perspective. I’m doing something that matters!
Baptizing 11 new believers in Cuba! We went into the ocean in Trinidad Cuba and I got the privilege of performing the baptisms of the Cuban believers!
Asheville, North Carolina
Joyful
Reading, making coffee, meeting new people, hiking
Boston MA, Mayfield KY, Asheville NC, and I’ve done the World Race!
Realizing that everyday of life our good Lord has given us breath is ministry
An ATL story – While driving a van in Manchester NH full of Gen Z, we were praying and worshiping – allowing the Lord to lead us. One young boy said he thinks we need to go to a barber shop. He ended up getting a haircut and the team prayed over the woman who cut his hair. She was in tears! She was a single mom with 4 kids who had been struggling.
I am from Ohio.
Passionate
I love spending time with my family, sports, being outdoors and cooking
India, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Bolivia, just to name a few..
Short term missions has opened up my world view and given me a passion to reach people for all cultures with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s given me a desire to help people be on mission with Jesus in the area of short term missions.
I was in Cuba preaching in a house church. There was about 30 people there. In the middle of my message, as I was speaking on the hope in Jesus Christ and how He died for us, a gentleman stood up and said “I need that.” I was able to be used by God to lead him to Christ.
Damascus, Maryland.
Caring
Being outdoors, fishing, photography, and eating good food.
Haiti and Chicago IL
If we are to be Christ-like we must serve with a humble heart and the right motives
–
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Thoughtful
Crafting and pickleball!
Eswatini, Maui Hawaii, Harlem NY
Opened my eyes to the world and God’s calling on my life; showing me how I can use my spiritual gifts to serve others and share God’s words
In Eswatini, no one in my group stepped up to do a devotion with the women in the village. It was my very first trip. I stepped up to volunteer. I had one short evening to prepare after dinner. God revealed to me to speak on purpose. We laughed, we cried and we hugged each other knowing we had a purpose!
Rome, NY
Dependable
Crafts, metal detecting, woodwork, and buying to sell on eBay.
Africa, Mexico, Fort Apache, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, Michigan, Zuni, New Mexico, and Georgia.
The Lord has developed my heart and gifts to further His Kingdom.
–
Nashua, New Hampshire
Passionate
Going to the gym, exploring new places, traveling, spending time with family and friends, meeting new people, and dancing!
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, India, Nepal, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Romania, Portugal, Spain, Dominican Republic, Manchester NH
My life has significantly changed because of short term missions. Not only has my faith in God and relationship with Jesus grown, my eyes have been opened to all the different ways I can serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. I realized I am driven by building relationships and loving people and missions is such a special way to do just that!
On the mission field, I learned and practiced how to be interruptible. One day I was at a coffee shop in Ecuador completing paperwork and a lady sat next to me. I felt led to talk with her and next thing you know, she was going through a hard season, seeking for answers. I was able to share about Jesus and we ended up becoming friends!
Lillington, North Carolina
Friendly
Writing, singing, hiking
Burkina Faso, Honduras, Jordan, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Louisiana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Jesus broke down walls I didn’t realize that I had regarding race and culture. He taught me the ultimate reliance on talking to and listening to the Holy Spirit!
On my first trip to Honduras I learned the importance of being prepared as much as possible – spiritually, logically, plan in place etc – but yielding to His leadership required me to be totally engaged and on board with His leading, and to quiet my own voice. I thought He was leading me to literally take a Honduran child home with me due to her horrible living conditions. It was extremely emotional for me. God was not telling me to do that – He was however leading me to a deeper prayer life to pray not only for that child and her family, but also for the nations.
Monterey, California
Passionate
Exercise
Mexico, Colombia, India, New Orleans LA, Mayfield KY, Nashville TN
I have been inspired to live life with passion for leading mission trips!
On one of my mission trips, I witnessed many young kids give up their adventure day to attend the Pastor’s service. They ended up having hands laid on them for prayer and witnessed many miracles!
Wisconsin - Milwaukee area
Forgiven
Duck, goose and pheasant hunting. Training bird dogs. Refinishing antiques.
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, North Dakota, Florida, Washington DC, Wisconsin
I learned to hear God speak. It was a major deal for me!
God used me to lead two people that were deaf and mute to himself without sign language or any speaking on my part. Psalm 46:10 spoke to me. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I was silent and showed them scripture to read in Spanish. Jeremiah 33:3. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I called out. He answered and I saw a mighty work that day!
Joplin, Missouri
Adventurous
Playing musical instruments and watching sports!
Romania, Albania, Kosovo, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan & India
It has pushed me to be more open about my faith. People want to hear how the Lord keeps His promises!
My team and I had just arrived in Kyrgyzstan and a leader of an organization we partnered with wanted to talk to a young man about the meaning of life. After we talked to this young man, he gave his life to the Lord! It was the first salvation I’ve been a part of.
Chicago, Illinois
Joker
Hiking, basketball, softball and just playing games and having fun!
Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Illinois, Florida, New York, South Carolina, Colorado, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Arizona, Kentucky.
My soul has been saved!
I’m passionate about prayer and have started gathering friends to go door to door praying for people.
I was driving a Jeep that broke down during one of my mission trips. I prayed for help. Two mormon guys showed up after we prayed. They fixed the problem. We turned around to thank the guys one more time and they disappeared into thin air! (That’s my short angel story)
Port Angeles, Washington
Fun
Kayaking, woodworking, hiking and painting
Alaska, Ecuador, Mexico, South Korea, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico
My last short term trip to Puerto Rico has re-awakened my interest in short-term missions, and has helped me to realize my calling to full-time ministry.
On my first mission trip to Ecuador when I was 13 years old, one of the things we took with us was Polaroid cameras. We had been told that many people there had never seen a picture of themselves, and that it was a fun thing to do.
I never expected the response that we got to such a seemingly simple thing. When you are able to give a mother, a photograph of her with her children, that simple photograph instantly becomes one of her prized possessions. In many situations, that simple act of kindness, opened the door to share about Jesus..
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Passionate
Music, board games and camping in the Rockies with my family
Venezuela, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Norway, Italy, Honduras, Peru, New York City, New Mexico
Short term missions has opened my eyes to the world around me. My world expanded from my hometown family and friends to a vibrant place full of cultures and people that God loves and that I get the privilege to share this love with.
On a trip to Mexico I had the privilege of helping to build a very modest house for a family of 6. When we arrived, the daughter of the family was wearing a shirt that said ‘God answers prayer.’ She spoke only english so I had the translator tell her what her shirt said. She looked at me and then at the team that was there to build her family a home and tears of joy streamed down her face. What a joy to be an answer to prayer!
Nashville, Tennessee
Friendly
Photography, traveling, reading
Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic
Short term missions have allowed me to see my everyday life at home from a mission mindset. It has also led me to a career in short term missions!
In South Africa I was brought into a school because of my teaching qualifications. In one short month I was able to build lasting relationships with those people that I still talk to 7+ years later. It made me realize firsthand that just because a mission trip may be short, you can still pour into people long after you leave. God’s cool!
Ponchatoula, Louisiana
Peaceful
Walking, reading the Bible and being creative
Haiti, Nicaragua, Canada, New York City, Chattanooga TN, New Orleans TN
The Lord has changed my whole perspective on life and given me a life with purpose furthering His kingdom. My life is not about what I want by what God wants for me. Proverbs 16:3
When the Lord tells you to “go”, you listen to Him and go! I will never forget one of the first short term trips I went on to Toronto, Canada. Our team did a soccer camp and a VBS. I will never forget how the Holy Spirit spoke through each of the team as we shared the Gospel to the kids. I could see God working in their hearts. By the end of the week, one of the boys accepted Jesus as his Savior! I remember the joy and peace in his eyes. I know in my heart that was all God and all the glory will always go to Him. If we are willing, He will send us and use us to further His kingdom. My life is now no longer about what I want, but what God wants for me.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Madison, Maine
Yellow :)
Running, whitewater rafting, writing, jigsaw puzzles, exploring God’s creation!
Jamaica, Haiti, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Rwanda, Romania, Greece, New York City, Indiana
I trust God’s leading in my life
On my first international mission trip to Jamaica, I was in awe of the host’s passion and devotion to their work. They had given up the ‘American Dream’ to live on mission and that’s when I became inspired to do the same.
One time, my friend gave her pants to a stranger in need and they fit, so she wore a sweatshirt as pants and was able to share the gospel!
Hendersonville, NC
Loving
Hiking, working out, running, & Travel Travel Travel!
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, New Orleans LA, Tennessee, New Mexico
I have learned that I love being around people and loving on them. I love to encourage others to trust the Father and to listen to His voice.
–
Auburn, Alabama
Driven
Reading, biking, exercising, puzzles, cooking and baking
New Orleans LA, Arizona and Brazil
It’s made me more mission minded in my everyday life. In doing short term missions, I’ve recognized
that kingdom-mindedness isn’t just for mission trips, life can be lived missionally everywhere.
The first short term mission trip I went on was when I was in middle school. There was a foot washing ceremony where parents and leaders washed the feet of the kids, and my dad washed my feet. It was one of the most beautiful experience and pictures of the love of God the Father. It was a life changing moment for me.
Pennsylvania
Warm-hearted
Worship (keyboard, piano and ukulele), and singing!
Japan, Haiti, Dominican Republic, North Carolina
After my mission trip, I wanted to learn the foundations of missions. I was enrolled in a missional ministry online program. I am very grateful to learn deeply about missions.
I experienced God’s strong presence when I shared God’s love with children in an orphanage in Haiti. I realized that I am a person who can share the gospel more boldly. I can’t refuse my calling for missions!
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Adaptable
Reading, cross-stitch, traveling and hiking
South Dakota, Kansas City, Kentucky, Vermont, Minnesota, Ontario, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Ghana, South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria
Short term missions are how I first started really understanding how the Lord speaks and how He can use us all in different ways when we allow Him to
When I was leading a group in Vermont, our service site fell through. We had a last minute request from a home that I was not able to check out beforehand which would normally lead me to say no. However, I felt the Lord say to go. It turned out, it was the home of a single mom who had kids that had special needs and she had a history of trauma and also gave back to the community in so many ways. The team was able to then spend the week cleaning her yard, building relationship and be a tangible answer to prayer. It showed me and everyone the power of saying yes and really trusting the Lord.
Autryville, North Carolina
Blessed
Serving God, Family, Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alaska, Colorado, Cuba
My life has changed through God introducing me to some of the greatest people who have become family. And through the amazing places He has taken me. I’m blessed!
While I was in Tennessee we were doing an ‘ATL’ (Ask The Lord) exercise one afternoon. God guided me and 2 others using specific visions to a location. One of the girls we met ended up receiving healing of a heart defect. God is good!
Tickfaw, Louisiana
Creative
Hunting, fishing, construction and fixing things (sometimes)
Kentucky, multiple cities in Louisiana and Haiti
I am more driven to help when I see people in need
After a long week serving in Haiti, I told a Haitian youth I would pray for him. After explaining why, he responded with wanting to pray for me! He felt I needed prayer over the darkness in and through Haiti where we were serving. It was a blessing to me.
Tennessee
Creative
Art, music, playing outside with my kids, hiking and journaling
Hilton Head SC, New Mexico, Asheville NC, Mayfield KY, Georgia, Guatemala, Albania
God redeemed, healed and restored my heart in Guatemala
I applied for New Mexico Beauty for Ashes trip. The ministry was a mystery to me until God brought me there. Through that trip He revealed secrets and painful parts of my past that needed to be in the light for me to heal. He delivered me and started me in women’s ministry to share my testimony with other hurting women.