Missions anyone?

[2Timothy2]

Who here has been on a short-term missions trip or been actively involved in missions? And, if you haven't, would you be willing to comment on why not?
I've heard some people talk about how this could be a great way for singles to serve the Lord. So, anybody?


I haven't. Either I've never heard of one in time to join, or I couldn't afford to miss that much work. Kind of sorry excuses, huh?

 

[Sketcher]

I haven't because the motivation hasn't been right. I would go on a missions trip to see the world, not to love other people. I have heard speaker after speaker who has done missions say that is a recipe for disaster.

Right now, my attitude is "whatever." I'm praying that if God would have me go, then that I would obey Him and that He would provide for me. If not, that God would provide for me anyway. I don't know what my next step is after graduation, but it's coming up. But whatever that next step is, I want to take the right one.

 

[Eagle_Wings]

I've never been on a missions trip, mainly because the ones I have heard of have been too expensive, along with the fact that I have never felt led to go. I am pretty adament about staying out of the spotlight and prefer to be a behind the scenes type of person, yet I would hope that I am sensitive enough to the Lord that I would hear Him should He ever call me to the mission field!

 

[unimportantbuthisnameis]

I haven't yet because of the cost, but I'm hoping to go before graduating seminary

 

[Singing Bush]

Hmm... well what would you define as a short-term mission trip?

 

[BeautyForAshes]

I've never been on a mission trip although I wish I would have, back when I was younger and had the time (summer breaks, etc.).

Now, I see my local city as my "mission field" so hopefully I am making a difference here.

 

[wolfiswill]

I have been on several missions trips. I went to a college that really emphasised missions. In the furture I would like to work with youth overseas. You can learn so much through a missions trip, but I agree your heart has to be in the right place.

 

[latteda]

I went on a couple of short-term missions trips when I was in high school, and both of them were life-changing experiences. They really changed my priorities and view of life for the better.

Right now I'm dying to go to Ireland for a missions trip. But so far God has not provided the way. Hopefully soon, though.

 

[Fatolia]

I'm trying to raise money to go to Zimbabwe and South Africa to shoot a docu about a tribe over there that has been decimated by AIDS. (Please pray for my preparation!) Their culture believes that the best cure for a disease in a man is to sleep with a virgin. It's time to craft a powerful show about this. I'm counting on this experience to significantly alter my perspective of things.

 

[StephanieD]

I've been on a week trip to Mexico, but I went on a 3-week mission trip to Cairo, Egypt in 2001. It was absolutely amazing. My team was split into groups and we all worked in different places. Myself and 2 others taught English to children in a "garbage village". That's where people recycle garbage to earn money. I can't fully express how great it was to see people praising God in a Muslim country where they face persecution for their faith. It really made me see how easy we have it in America and how much we take advantage of our freedom to worship openly. I could go on, but I'll stop there. I would recommend a mission trip to anyone who has the opportunity. It'll change your life.

 

[wildthing]

Yeah I did short term down in Panama. It was great! Really learn about trusting God in all things... If you get a chance, go it will change your view on alot of things.

 

[boilerblues]

Last February I went for two weeks to Guinea to drill water wells in a village there. This was my first mission trip and it was a big blessing. I don't think it was a life changing experience (God had that waiting for me at home), but it certainly expanded my horizons.

You can find info about my trip on my personal web page http://www.boilerblues.com/guinea/guinea.html
All our pictures, a brief (only 10 pages) summary of the trip, a short video, and updates since we were there.

I was always questioning of my motives to go and I could probably still question a lot of my motives for going. But I listened for God's call and responded, and He has blessed me for going and I know He has made my involvement in that a blessing to others.

 

[mbotz72]

I've been on two mission trips (to Mexico and an Indian Reservation) and they both truly changed and shaped my life. The last two summers, I worked for a program that led youth mission trips. This was amazing, because not only do you get to do mission work for a whole summer serving alongside the youth, but you get to see their lives change. You get to see them become broken and grow in their faith, or even accept Jesus. Sometimes the toughest guys, or the richest kids from the suberbs come, some that have never had to work, get dirty, go into a homeless shelter, be scared of crime, some that have never even had to clean a toilet or help in the kitchen, some who don't want to be there.... and then the last night when we do a foot-washing service, you see them break into tears and really get why they were serving all week as Jesus' hands and feet. Ahhh... It is amazing and rewarding work!

 

[sweetlambofgod]

i havnt but would like to

 

[aimejl]

I teach at a Christian school in Mcdaniels Kentucky. I have not gone to another country yet but would like to one day.

 

[wildthing]

All I can tell you if you get a chance don't pass it up. It rocks! Even if it is in your home state or country. It is the best way to spend a summer vaction or holiday.

 

[Wheezy]

I took five students back to Pennsylvania so they could train youth pastors and other students in Youth Evangelism Explosion! But I don't think that counts . . . !

As for overseas missions, I haven't done any. But we're considering the possibility of going to Fiji (or is it Fuji - whichever one isn't part of Japan) this summer to run a Youth EE clinic!

 

[hollytwist]

I would love to, I just haven't had the opportunity arise.

 

[Iggster]

Never have....Depends where the Lord needs me. What you guys do is admirable. But I'm concerned about the spiritual battle that's going on at home.

I feel led by the Lord to stay here and work with teens through martial arts. I worry about our younger generations because of the garbage of information they are bombarded with. They're continually being fed to have a nice car, nice house, lots of money, so on...But what worries me most are those that can't handle the pressure and failures, and are contemplating or have committed suicide.

I guess what I'm saying is," For some of us, the battle front is in our back yard." It concerns me that kids in Maryland are allowed to thank friends and family during Thanksgiving. Yet, they are not allowed to thank God. Or in California, any pregnant minor can have an abortion without the parents knowing about it from school teachers or the principals.

Am I the only in this boat? Cuz it's awfully silent right now....

 

[2Timothy2]

Never have....Depends where the Lord needs me. What you guys do is admirable. But I'm concerned about the spiritual battle that's going on at home.

I feel led by the Lord to stay here and work with teens through martial arts. I worry about our younger generations because of the garbage of information they are bombarded with. They're continually being fed to have a nice car, nice house, lots of money, so on...But what worries me most are those that can't handle the pressure and failures, and are contemplating or have committed suicide.

I guess what I'm saying is," For some of us, the battle front is in our back yard." It concerns me that kids in Maryland are allowed to thank friends and family during Thanksgiving. Yet, they are not allowed to thank God. Or in California, any pregnant minor can have an abortion without the parents knowing about it from school teachers or the principals.

Am I the only in this boat? Cuz it's awfully silent right now....

I don't think that qualifies as a short term missions trip. More of a full time ministry. Sounds like God has called you into a special function, keep at it for His glory.

And, thanks for sharing that. I wish there were more like you out there. (and in here)