Life Ministries

Benefits of short term missions:

    I have been on three short term missions in my time of ministry. One to Nicaragua to build a church. Once to Jamaica to build a church. And a second trip to Jamaica to build a garage that would house a medical vehicle. My life and my attitude about life, as well as my appreciation for what I have in life are forever changed. I have spoken about these short term trips in churches, and I thought I would post some of the benefits one can expect from such an experience.

1. BLESSINGS: When you engage in a missions experience you are going to be blessed abundantly by God. Those who go on short term missions trips realize that we are blessed to be a blessing. One of the experiences I had was not a feeling of pity or superiority, but a desire to share that which God has blessed me with; which may be monetary or the gifts and skills I have to help others.

2. VISION: Those who go are given greater enlightenment about God and His purposes toward the people groups of the world. You are overwhelmed by the fact that you are a part of a much bigger picture and a much bigger plan then you realize sitting in the pew of the local church. It’s easy to become self-focused in the local church.

3. PURPOSE: Those who go are given a heightened sense of meaning, fulfillment and direction when they give themselves to serve on short term mission projects. New objectives and perspectives are learned about God’s greater plans for the world beyond our own limited personal perspective. You never know how God will use you. Short term mission experiences help you to uncover hidden areas of strengths and weaknesses that are helpful in all areas of life, relationships and decision-making.

4. PROJECTS COMPLETED: Sometimes you are able to complete new buildings, worship halls, or be a part of training clinics that fulfill the needs of people on the field. For me it was being a part of the beginning stages of construction, but I remained interested in the whole project until it was completed. During our time of construction, some of the ladies were doing training sessions showing the locals how to use sewing machines and make their own dresses. We brought several machines and reams of cloth with us. Things are accomplished that could never be done by the locals alone…and God gets the glory!

5. DRAWING CAPACITY: Short term missions often attract attention from locals who are interested in seeing their evangelistic films or participating in their medical clinics or sewing classes, or V.B.S. programs. Fresh faces also provoke a sense of curiosity from all sectors of the community that will open up many new doors for the gospel…and the local pastors.

6. LONG-TERM COMMITMENTS: Many short term people develop long term commitments to missions…Often going again and again. The need is great in all countries, and Jesus said that we must pray for “workers” in the harvest field.

7. PRAYERS INCREASED: When people engage in short term missions they pray more fervently. You tend to pray for things that you have some kind of personal involvement with. Not just for the place you went to, but as I said, you see and pray for God’s involvement all over the world.

8. LINKS ESTABLISHED: Many barriers of culture, geography and perceptions are broken down as a result of the favorable relationships that are established in short term missions. You develop a love for the people that can only be God loving them through you. The lives of the local believers are warmed by the spirit of cross-cultural servanthood that the short termers display. Even though you may not speak the same language, there is a bond that develops beyond language barriers.

9. Personal EXPERIENCE:  Greater insight is given to those who take part in short term missions as their experience teaches them things they could not learn any other way. There is something to be said for the sights, sounds, smells, and hands on experience in a country other than your own.

10. DONATIONS: Those who have been on short term missions tend to give much more generously to missions the rest of their lives. They will also encourage other volunteers as a result of participation on short term missions as well. They are apt to engage in local ministries with great enthusiasm, and greater effectiveness.

11. FULL-TIME MISSIONARIES: Some people who go on short term missions are much more likely to commit themselves to full time missionary service. They often need first hand experience before they are willing to commit themselves to missionary service when they feel called.

12. APPRECIATION: Short term missions give people a greater appreciation for what they have so they are less likely to fail to give thanks for all things.

13. BLESSING: Now it has come full circle. Those who go will be blessed! And they will have a personal testimony that will never be forgotten.

I thank God for the opportunities that I have had, and the experiences that I will never forget. I pray that you will take the opportunity as well if a door opens to serve in a short term mission. Please pray for the work that God is doing in the hearts and lives of His people in other countries all over the world.