Going on a mission trip can be one of the most significant moments in the life of a Christian. Whether you’re old or young, single or married, going abroad on a short term mission trip is a valuable and transformative experience.

“Go into all the world”, Jesus told us, and so go we must. Obviously, this means living for Christ in our everyday, normal lives but the power of going a little further afield shouldn’t be discounted. There’s a bit of a debate around whether short term (i.e. 7-14 days) trips actually make a difference but they really do. Of course, moving somewhere and spending years will make a more significant impact but it’s often during short term trips that that kind of calling can become clear.

The Joshua Project, an organisation specialising in reaching unreached people groups, say that there are nearly 7000 unreached people groups in the world.  That’s approximately 42.2% of the world’s population. There’s a great need for Christians who will go and spread the Gospel.

Not only do mission trips affect the reached, they also impact the sender. In a clear picture of Jesus’ promise to “give and it shall be given to you”, going on a mission can often change us as much as those we visit.

It grows your personal faith.

A dedicated time of focus will really challenge and sharpen your faith. The need for readiness to pray, share and minister to others is a powerful motivator to connect with Jesus like never before.

It grows your global worldview

In the UK and USA we live in a totally different way to a vast proportion of the world. We have #firstworldproblems and complain about the smallest and silliest things. A fresh dose of perspective from seeing a different side of the world is so important.

It grows your maturity

This isn’t just for the young but there is definitely a lot to be said for going on mission trips as a teenager and young adult. It will shape your character, leadership skill and maturity as a Christian, at a time when you’re figuring out who and what you are.

It grows your community

The chances are, you’ll go on a mission trip with people you know. Spending time serving Jesus and people together will grow friendships and community in a special way. The memories made, the challenges faced, the funny stories – all of these are a gift from God and the best gifts are shared. If you end up going with people you don’t know, then there’s a good chance that when you come back, you’ll have 15 more friends for life.