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Like most things, mission trips are a mixed bag. 

They can be terrible or wonderful experiences, helpful or harmful to the communities that you visit. I’m sure you’ve heard the many horror stories of foreign churches or schools being painted for the twelfth time in a year because they must find something for the never-ending teams of teenagers to do. Or you’ve seen the classic mission trip photos: invasive and undignified shots of ‘poor’ families, homes, streets, or people. Did you really go if you didn’t improve your Instagram feed?

It seems, when you take a step back from our culture and take a closer look at why we do the things we do – that missions (short-term team trips, specifically) are an all-around risky idea. Even potentially a bad idea.

That might sound incredibly strange coming from a mission organization, especially one that has been sending teams for over 20 years and sends over 600 people internationally each year. We love missions! We even love short-term mission trips, but there is a “but”. Short-term mission trips must be done in the right way and for the right reasons.

Here’s a checklist of 5 questions to ask and tick off before planning that next mission trip:

1. Do they have a respectful presence in the community? 

‘They’ are the people or organization that you are traveling with or planning your mission trip through. It’s essential to find out not only what they do the days/week/time that you are with them on the ground but also the other 365 days of the year. Do you know the community? Do they live and work among them? Are they respected and welcomed?

Unless you are going into an area that is known and understood, we recommend second-guessing your trip. Otherwise, there is a real danger of coming across as invasive, know-it-all, misunderstood, and brazen. You want to be sure that you are going with a ministry that is experienced, compassionate, knowledgeable, welcome, and respected.

2. Does your work continue when you leave? 

This is a big one. Before signing up for any project or activity, you need to be sure that your work isn’t going to leave with you. It’s great to bring people to salvation, but they need supportive churches and communities, and a lifetime of discipleship (we all do!). It’s great to build a house, but do the residents have somebody to go to when things break down and need repairing? It’s great to run a weekend children’s program, but do these kids have access to safety and the Gospel the rest of the year? It’s great to bandage wounds and hand out medication, but what about when the dressings need changing and the pills run out? You get the point. If work leaves with you, you need to ask yourself the question – in the long run, are we really being helpful, or more pointedly – who, really, is this mission trip for? It’s always best to partner with ministries and programs that run all year round and have a permanent presence in your community of service. That way, you are coming alongside what God is already doing in a location and assisting. The work and the effects of your work will stay long after you leave. This also gives a wonderful opportunity for long-term partnerships to form, as you can go back to the same community more than once.

3. Are you invited? 

This goes hand-in-hand with points one and two. Think about it this way: what would you think, and what would you do if a team of people came unexpectedly and uninvited into your church, street, or community and set up camp for a week, cameras in hand? Even if their help was genuine and needed, it would still be jarring, if not questionable and insulting. It’s very helpful to double-check that you are invited to wherever you are going – that people know and want you to come.

4. Are you actually helping? 

Even if points one, two, and three are in order, it’s still essential to check that what you are going to do is helpful, a blessing, and a good use of global resources. Just simply asking and answering this question would stop the twelve-times-painted-school debacle. It’s worth reading ‘When Helping Hurts’ or other similar resources to get a grasp of what this really means. If a community needs a school, for example, is it better to spend the $10,000 + to bring a team to move some bricks, or would that money be better and more efficiently used in the hands of local people in an area of high unemployment? Which option would sustainably empower the community? What is or isn’t realistic? Of course, this is not the only factor to consider, as we all know that mission trips change or help, not only those being assisted but those who go – sometimes profoundly and for a lifetime – and it’s hard to put a price tag on those experiences. But the facts remain. Often what we think people need is different than what they think they need. The help we give is not the help they want or need, and so it’s always worth asking the question: are we actually helping, in the right way, and for the right reasons? Again, this is why it’s best to partner with an ongoing ministry in a location in which they have a permanent respectable presence.

5. Are you (or your team) going for the right reasons? 

There are lots of reasons to go and lots of reasons not to go on a mission trip. It’s worth everybody on your team checking their hearts and ensuring that they have the basics in check. This includes essentials like being called by God to go, a willingness to serve and learn, a teachable and humble character, and submission to leadership and the host culture. Wrong reasons to go include having a (proud and boastful) savior mentality (these people need my help), wanting to simply travel overseas (you are not a tourist), or being forced or pressured by somebody else. It’s always worth checking and double-checking that everyone understands what a mission trip is and why you are doing it.

To summarize, what makes the difference between a useless and a life-changing short-term mission trip is this: Thinking it through and asking the right questions. First and foremost, by asking God and reading the Bible. We must understand what missions are and if, when, and how Jesus asks (or tells!) us to go. It’s imperative to have a foundational understanding of God’s heart for the nations. From there, you need some building blocks: an assurance that what you are going to do is helpful and life-giving to the community in which you are serving. That you are partnering with God and others in a sustainable ministry that is bigger than you and your team. With these things in place though, there is no reason why your mission trip can’t be mutually beneficial, kingdom-impacting, and one of the best things that you ever do. 

HOW DO WE (CFCI) ENSURE WE TICK ALL THESE BOXES?
All our countries have permanent bases that run their ministries year-round. We partner you and your group with pre-existing, long-term ministries and missionaries. Over 80% of our missionaries are nationals, people who understand fully the cultures in which they are serving, and therefore the needs. We do not go into a country or community unless we are first invited (usually by a pastor’s alliance). Our bases approve each one of our trips before we send anybody, as they are the ones on the ground who know the needs and the people. We offer extensive pre- and post-trip resources and training. 

Embarking on a mission trip can be a transformative journey, filled with opportunities to step beyond comfort zones, witness divine intervention, and forge profound connections with others. However, amidst the allure of such experiences, individuals often encounter obstacles that seem insurmountable, deterring them from participating in what could be a life-changing adventure. Let’s delve into some common challenges and explore how God, through His wisdom and provision, offers solutions to each one. 

1. Financial Constraints 

One of the most common reasons people refrain from participating in mission trips is the financial burden associated with international travel. Many mission trips require participants to cover expenses such as airfare, accommodation, meals, and additional fees. For individuals facing financial constraints or limited resources, participation costs may be unfeasible from a world perspective.

Thankfully, as believers, we live within the Kingdom of God, where our Heavenly Father promises to provide for our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). If God is calling you to serve on a mission trip, trust in His faithfulness to provide the necessary finances. Through prayer, fundraising efforts, and the support of your community, God can open doors and supply abundantly beyond what you can imagine.

This is where Christ For the City’s peer to peer fundraising tool makes it easy to share with friends and family and invite them to support you. Our missions team department will help set up a page for your trip.

Here is an example of one of those pages: 

Greek Cru Virginia Tech Spring Break Trip (givingfuel.com)

2. Family or Work Obligations 

Family commitments and professional responsibilities often serve as significant barriers to participating in mission trips. For individuals with young children, caregiving responsibilities may make it challenging to leave for an extended period. Similarly, individuals with demanding jobs or career obligations may struggle to find the time to commit to a mission trip without jeopardizing their employment or income. 

In navigating family and work obligations, seek guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Surrender your plans and concerns to God, trusting that He knows the desires of your heart and the needs of your loved ones. Through prayerful discernment and open communication with your family and employer, God can orchestrate circumstances and provide solutions that allow you to fulfill your calling to missions while honoring your responsibilities at home and in the workplace. 

3. Health or Safety Concerns 

Concerns about personal safety and health risks can dissuade individuals from embarking on mission trips, particularly to regions with unstable political climates, high crime rates, or prevalent health risks. Fear of encountering violence, illness, or other adverse conditions may lead individuals to prioritize their own well-being and opt out of participating in potentially hazardous mission trips.

Trust in the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit as you discern the call to missions. Seek wisdom through prayer and seek counsel from experienced mission leaders who can provide insight into safety protocols and risk management measures. Remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). By entrusting your safety into God’s hands and taking prudent precautions, you can embark on mission trips with confidence, knowing that He goes before you and guards your steps.

4. Comfort Zone or Fear of the Unknown 

Stepping outside one’s comfort zone and navigating unfamiliar environments can be intimidating for many people. The prospect of traveling to a foreign country, immersing oneself in a different culture, and engaging with communities facing hardship may evoke feelings of anxiety or apprehension. Fear of the unknown or discomfort with unfamiliar situations may prevent individuals from fully committing to the experience of a mission trip.

Allow the Holy Spirit to transform your fears into faith and courage. Lean into God’s promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) and that His strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Through prayer, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and peace, knowing that He equips and empowers you to overcome obstacles and embrace new challenges. Step out in faith, trusting that God’s grace is more than sufficient to sustain you in every situation.

6. Logistical Challenges 

Planning and organizing a mission trip involve numerous logistical considerations, including visa applications, transportation arrangements, accommodation bookings, and coordination of volunteer activities. For individuals who are not accustomed to managing complex travel logistics or who lack the support of an organized mission team, the logistical challenges involved may seem overwhelming and deter them from participating.

At Christ For the City International, we work with you and your team to create a meaningful mission trip experience, complete with orientation, ministry projects, debrief and sightseeing. Our staff is committed to being with you every step of the way. Your team will serve with local CFCI missionaries because we believe that healthy short-term trips are possible when they are done in the context of national-led long-term ministries.

In conclusion, while obstacles may arise, God’s grace and provision are more than sufficient to overcome them. Through prayer, faith, and reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can step beyond the limitations of the world and embrace the abundant blessings and opportunities that await you on mission trips. Trust in God’s faithfulness, lean not on your own understanding, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Amidst the necessary gathering of documents and details, the next step is often the most dreaded: fundraising. Whether you’re going as part of a team or as an individual, raising funds is typically part of the process and can sometimes feel like pulling teeth and herding cats. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be! We’re here to help, so here’s our simple guide to mission trip fundraising fundamentals:  

1. Understand the why

Fundraising can often require a lot of patience and persistence, and it can be a challenging process. This is why it’s important to know why you’re doing it (and sticking with it) in the first place, especially before you begin. 

Even if you can finance your trip alone, here’s a couple of reasons why fundraising is still a good idea: 

Fundraising not only alleviates the financial burden but also invites your community into the process. When people support your trip financially, they are investing in what God is doing through and within you. They become partners in building the Kingdom of God, lifting you up in prayer and community.  

The Church, as depicted in the Bible, is often compared to one body with many parts, where we need one another. Going on a mission trip is another example of how the body can come together to meet each other’s needs and celebrate victories. We are not designed to do life or church alone.  

2. Make a Plan

It’s crucial to start fundraising as soon as possible and to have a plan in place. You need to know how much you need to raise, by what dates, how people can donate, and how you intend to raise your needed finances.  

Christ For the City’s peer-to-peer fundraising tool makes it easier to share with friends and family and invite them to support you. Our missions team department will help set up a page for your trip.   

Here is an example of one of those pages: 

Greek Cru Virginia Tech Spring Break Trip (givingfuel.com) 

Apart from sending support letters (more on that below), there are many other fundraising options for both teams and individuals. 

For example: 

FAMILY: Babysitting, Trivia Night. 

FOOD: Bake Sale, Cook-off, Coffee Bar, Cookie Dough Sale, Dinner and a Movie, Lemonade Stand, Pancake Breakfast, Taco Bar, Tea Party. 

SALES: Business Sponsorship, Discount Cards, Garage Sale, Grant Writing, Matching Gifts, Raffle, T-Shirt Sale, Silent Auction, Spare Change Collection, ‘Rent Out’ yourself or your team (to do yard work, babysitting, moving house, painting, etc.). 

SPORTS: Basketball Tournament, Dodgeball Tournament, Video Game Competition, Golf Outing, host a 5K Race, Super Bowl Party, Walk-a-thon. 

WORK: Can Collection, Dog Wash, Mow-a-thon, Service Auction, Car Wash. 

3. Writing and sending support letters

Writing and sending out support letters is a great first step for meeting your fundraising goals.   

Here are some valuable, practical tips and guidelines for doing so effectively: 

Step 1: Pray. 

Before doing anything else, pray. This whole process is about trusting God to provide. Begin each day declaring, “God loves to provide for me!” 

Step 2: Make a list. 

Make a list of everyone you know. Think about family, friends, your church community, and other social groups you are a part of (sports, clubs, etc.). Have a financial goal, and make sure you know exactly how much you need to raise. 

Step 3: Figure out the wording. 

In the section below, there is a sample support/prayer letter template that you are welcome to use as a basis for your own. Try to make your letter as succinct as possible (one page, only double-sided if you have lots of pictures). Make sure you include: 

• A greeting  
• Details about your current life situation  
• Why you are writing to them  
• Trip details (where you are going, what you will be doing, when you are going)  
• Your hopes and expectations about the trip (your personal vision)  
• What your financial needs are (do not be afraid to give suggestions on donation amounts. For example, ‘would you pray about sponsoring me/us $200 to make this trip a reality?)  
• How people can give  
• Contact details  

Communicate that you are going to follow up your letter with either a phone call or a second letter. Then make sure you do this!  

Step 4: Make it aesthetically pleasing. 

Once you have the wording, you need to make it look good. There are a few simple ways to make this happen: 

• Include photos of yourself.
• Use a template. You can get free templates using websites like Google Docs or Canva (www.canva.com)
• Create a visually appealing header.

Leave room to write a personal, handwritten note on the bottom (or the top) of each one. 

Step 5: Inclusions. 

Include a response card either on the bottom of the letter itself or separately. This is usually a quarter of a sheet of paper (depending on how many details you want to include), giving details of where to send money and the options for giving. 

Include a return envelope, with the appropriate donation address to make the process as simple as possible. 

Step 6: Be personable. 

Be personable! It may be a good idea to call, text, or talk to people before you give them your letter. Let them know that it’s coming, or even ask them if it would be okay if you sent it to them. Hand out as many as you can in person. 

SUPPORT LETTER TEMPLATE   

Dear NAME, 

I hope this letter finds you well! 

As you may or may not know, I am currently (DETAILS ABOUT CURRENT LIFE SITUATION- i.e., in my last year of high school, finishing up my college degree, leading the youth group at my church) and I have been given the amazing opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip with (organization) to (location/country name)! 

I will be (DETAILS OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY AND DATES) 

I am writing to ask for your prayers and support. God has given me such excitement for this trip because (DETAILS- i.e., I have a huge heart for working with children. It’s always been my passion to serve Him in this way, and I am inspired by what Jesus said in the Great Commission, etc.). 

To go on this mission trip, I need to raise (AMOUNT) by (DATE). Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring me financially? You can donate by (DONATION DETAILS). 

Financial support aside, I also humbly ask for your prayers, both in preparation and during my time on the field. Please pray (PRAYER REQUESTS). 

Thank you for your friendship and support. I look forward to sharing with you about my time in (LOCATION) when I return home! 

 Abundant Blessings, (YOUR NAME) 

4. Follow Up

Following up is an extremely important part of the fundraising process. 

A few weeks after you send your letter, be sure to follow up with people in person or with a phone call, simply asking them if they received it and if they have any questions. Many times people have good intentions to give, but simply forget, and a phone call is a great reminder. 

Then, when people do donate to you, be sure to thank them—in person, over the phone, or through the mail before your trip, and after you come back. 

It’s a great idea to keep your financial supporters in the loop during your trip and while on the field. Consider purchasing little thank-you gifts or taking a photo with a ‘thank you’ sign to print and send upon your return. 

Either way, make appreciation and follow-up a priority before, during, and after your mission trip. 

With these simple steps, you will be well on your way to going on your (fully funded) mission trip!