Why Go?

1. God tells us to go. Matt. 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations…” and is just one example from the Bible. Although that in and of itself should be enough reason/motivation, it often is not. Here are some other reasons:
2. You better understand the work, struggles, and prayer needs of our missionaries.
3. You get a broader view and understanding of the Church, which is Christ’s bride and not limited to us Americans. We have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.
4. You get a better understanding of how rich and blessed we are as Americans. We often forget that clean water is a gift. Having the Bible in our language is a gift. Having religious freedoms is a gift. Having churches and Christian fellowship are gifts. I could go on and on and on.
5. You are removed from your daily life distractions and taken out of your comfort zones, which tend to help you more clearly see God at work and depend on Him more fully.
6. We are extra hands, and feet, and mouths with gifts and life experiences to reach more than the missionaries can reach alone.
7. As Christians, God dwells in us, so as we go, we take the presence and light of God into places of spiritual darkness.
8. You provide much needed fellowship and encouragement to missionaries and national believers.
9. You have precious bonding experiences with your team members and often see in new ways how God equips and uses His children.
10. Jesus can’t return until all have heard. See Matt. 24:14

First steps in getting ready for a mission trip:
1. Fill out an application (this is for Living Hopers). This is a one-time step no matter how many trips you take. It is general information about you and your spiritual journey.
2. Begin saving money. There are costs that go along with a trip…start budgeting money to save for participation in a trip.
3. Choose an area of the world or a missionary family to adopt in prayer. Most missionaries have newsletters and/or blogs that let you know about their ministry and how you can pray.
4. Get a passport. Passports are valid for ten years. Apply months before you actually plan to take a trip.