Mission trip, or just tripping?
TLDR by ChatGPT:
I’ll be going overseas to Europe for a short mission trip
There’s a limited formula for conventional short-term mission trips
There’s much more we can do to align our travels (even holidays) to our mission
From next week onwards, I'll be in Europe. It's exciting because I'm going to some places I've never visited before.
It's even more exciting because I have the chance to make this my own mission trip. I get to do something new and not just follow what my church planned or whatever my parents tell me.
I plan to meet other christians and missionaries around Europe, share with them what I've figured out about Abundant Life, and learn from them too.
Where better to learn about christian living than white man land itself? (nOoO JesUs wAsn'T wHitE 🤓).
You can't spell mission trip without miss
The conventional short-term mission trip is usually seen as a chance to try out overseas outreach projects. Maybe decide whether you're suited for "long-term overseas missions".
“It’s even more exciting because I have the chance to make this my own mission trip.”
There's always been a formula. Every short term trip I went to with my church or school had the same structure, especially if it was to a relatively more rural area.
It was always a combination of teaching something, building/painting some facility there, and contributing to a local church.
But where did this formula come from? There's a cookie cutter slapped on every mission trip, and for what reason?
I never thought much of short term trips because of this formula. There wasn't a specific way I could use my gifts, and there usually wasn't a clear way to measure our impact.
“There’s always been a formula... But where did this formula come from?”
Most christians who go for mission trips end up quoting spiritual growth (or a new spouse 😳) as their major takeaway. How often does an actual mission get completed?
God goes with us on our holiday too
Let's redefine mission trips. Actually, let's redefine overseas travel entirely.
If the general christian's mission is the great commission, then every single action we take should align with that mission.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Even on holiday, we can and should sharpen our calling, and maybe even make some impact with people we meet. Fulfil the great commission in your unique way.
At the very least, it should widen our perspective, bringing us out of our Singaporean bubble.
The only thing stopping us is how intentional we choose to obey God in everything that we do.
With that said, I guess it's still okay to be a tourist once in awhile.
Reflect
1. How will you fulfil the great commission in your unique way? (Don't just say share the gospel with people you meet, everyone does that)
2. What are some actions you can take to make your overseas travels more meaningful and missional?
3. What was good and bad about the short-term mission trips you've gone on before? How could it have been more effective and on-mission?
