November 04, 2010 | Short Term Missions

How to Prepare for Next Summer’s Mission Trip Now

How to Prepare for Next Summer’s Mission Trip

Five Steps for Getting Ready Now for Your Next Mission Trip

We know that it’s only November, but there is a lot you can be doing to prepare for next summer’s mission trip now. To get the most out of the week or two that you’ll spend overseas (or overland) next year, here’s what you can be doing between now and then to get ready:

1. Pray. It may be a “given”, but it doesn’t hurt to remind you to be praying about every aspect of your next mission trip. Now is a great time to start praying about where God would send you and what you can be doing to prepare now (including who you should bring on your trip, if you’re a group leader).

2. Research. If you haven’t decided where you’re going next summer or with what missions organization, now is a great time to do some research. Find out about different needs in the world and what God is doing in the nations through news sites such as Mission Networks News or Missions Catalyst (in addition to your typical news sites you may read).

In addition to that, find a good resource like ShortTermMissions.com that’ll help you find out about various missions organizations and trips (if you’re a twenty-something, consider the Right Now Campaign.) Don’t forget to check out the list of articles on the AIM blog and our mission trip list for upcoming opportunities.

3. Plan. November is a great month to start making plans (or even finalize them) about next summer. Once you’ve prayed and done some research, it’s time decide on the right mission trip for you. Even if you haven’t completely decided on where you will go, chances are that you can begin preparing now.

Start drafting a support letter, let people know that you’ll be going on a trip (see if they’re interested in supporting you), plan some fundraisers, find a packing list, learn more about the country or area that you’re going to, etc. The week before the mission trip will be here sooner than you think. It’s time to start planning now.

4. Stay informed. After you decide, don’t disconnect from the organization. Continue to research where you will go and what you will do. Stay in touch with the organization or church that is sending you. Subscribe to their newsletter or blog or anything to help you continue to prepare.

5. Pray some more. We harp on this a lot, I know. But prayer is important. Continue to pray for the trip, the participants, the people to whom you will minister, and for God to use you.

If you haven’t already, you can subscribe to this blog and to our newsletters. That’s a good way to prepare, too.