7 Tips For Being A Short Term Missionary

Racers Jay and Jenn Dannelley, of the January 2013 M Squad, were on a team that hosted two World Race Exposure girls for a month of their Race. These girls joined with the Dannelley’s team to see what life on the Race is like. In honor of them, Jay and Jenn wrote this list of tips for being a short-term missionary. Since we’ve sent out over 100,000 missionaries, we wanted to share them with you.

1. Pack, then leave half of it home.

You don’t need as much as you think you do. Even if you do end up forgetting something, you’re just giving God the chance to show up for you. Plus, contrary to what some may think, other countries do have stores. Crazy, right?

2. Be prepared to share your story.

If you’re on a mission trip, then your motive was probably to tell others about Jesus and what he’s done in your life. So get ready to do it. It doesn’t have to be long. Just be open, honest, and real. Each time you share it, it’ll bring you more healing, more confidence, and more encouragement.

3. Be prepared to preach.

Depending on the focus of your mission trip, you may or may not have the chance to give a sermon. But if you do get the chance, jump on it. It’s a huge privilege to tell the body of Christ more about their Savior. Don’t be scared! Be willing to move past your comfort zone and see how God shows up.

4. Don’t complain about where you live.

You won’t have pillow top mattresses like you do at home, but you’ll often find that your hosts give up the best spaces so you can stay there. If they had something better to offer, they’d give it to you. You are their guest and they will treat you well. Don’t complain. Say thank you and treat them well. You’ll be back in your own bed soon enough!

5. Eat the food.

Of course the food is different, but it can be delicious! You aren’t in America anymore. The world would be pretty boring if every country ate the same foods. God created many incredible cultures — embrace them. Plus, if you really need some comfort food, we can guarantee you’ll find Coke in places so remote the gospel hasn’t even reached there yet (until you came along, of course).

6. Be present.

Leave your troubles at home. Learn to love the skies you’re under. You’re with a group that you probably will never be with again, so dive into community. You’ll be home soon enough. Dig in to your experience and see all that God has for you!

7. Get ready to be blessed.

If you talk to any short-term missionary, they’ll most likely say they went to bless other people but were blessed themselves more than they ever expected. 

If you want to go on a mission trip, sign up today. It will change your life!

Photo via MK Hill