Thursday, June 9, 2016

WHY MISSION TRIPS ARE IMPORTANT?



Whether you are a church group that wishes to serve, a group of university students interested in learning, high school students who enjoy exploring another country, a team of professionals that want to help, or simply a gathering of like-minded people, we can coordinate your trip so that you can relax and enjoy your unique experiences in Cuba.  Here are some reasons why mission trips are important:

Get a better understanding of other countries and universal needs. 
You will realize that other countries and cultures are different. That other people have different ways of looking at life and doing things. Your thinking will expand to consider other ways of doing things, which you never have before. You find out that people, though they may look different, are the same all over the world. They have the same feelings, hopes, and desires -- they are human just like you. You will have become more compassionate about helping others.

Do What Jesus Did. 
Jesus Himself spent time with the poor, healing the sick, cleansing lepers, and bringing hope to the hopeless. A mission trip will change your perspective.  Most people will have a more thankful attitude, and less desire to complain about their life, after a mission trip. Most of us have felt sorry for ourselves over insignificant things. We are more apt to realize this after seeing what people in other places face.

Encounter God's heart. 
Our God is big and He cares about the nations. He is a global God. When you travel to a foreign land, you will sense God's amazing compassion for other cultures. You will know Him as Lord of the harvest. On a mission trip, our eyes are opened to seeing God in ways we never have before.  We regain focus, and our distractions are left behind us, leaving us open and vulnerable to the love of God.

Challenge Comfort Zones. 
Every now and then you need to step out of your comfort zone and allow God to stretch you. Recognize that the way we do ministry in the United States is not the only way!

Build Relationships. 
When you minister alongside Christians in another country, you find that the Holy Spirit bonds us together. God gives us this strong bond so we will link arms and work for a common purpose across racial and cultural lines.

Be Obedient to Christ’s Plan. 
Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Someone has to GO. There is no way around it. To share the gospel with the whole world, we must be willing to pack our bags sometimes and leave our comfort. Doing God's work, and seeing results, is like starting a fire. It is natural for it to continue and grow larger. Once you get a taste of it, you will want more.

Be Empowered.  
Mission trips that are done well help one to take ownership and initiative. Eyes are opened. Passions are ignited. Possibilities flourish. Pursuits begin. 

No comments:

Post a Comment