5 Benefits of Missions

God changes our perspective when we dive into “waters” we've not yet seen before, like seeing people in different circumstances, and witnessing different cultures and values. Through these differences, we clearly see how God is very present and loving, no matter where we go! People in other locations have different backgrounds, and the way they see the Lord sometimes looks different than how we see Him. Mission trips grant us insight into people, opportunities, dreams, relationships, and our purpose.

My perspective has changed, time and time again, having been on various mission trips. I realize how blessed and favored I am to live in a country where I, as a woman, have a right to choose my husband, what to study, how many children to have, and so on. Mission trips offer benefits greatly outweighing a simple getaway. Here's what to expect on YOUR future mission trips!

Sharing the Gospel:

On missions, you get to share life, love, truth, and grace to other people whom may not have heard it before or would not have heard it the way you talk about Jesus. Sharing the Gospel is not only life-giving to other people, but also life-giving to you, as you grow more confident in who you are and who God is to you. Missions are where you get to share the most important part of your life to other people who may need to hear it, and God shows you and emboldens you in a confidence towards Him.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Sharing the Gospel allows you to see how far you have come in your own walk. You get to realize how the Lord has walked through fire with you and continues to do so today; our Lords loves, rescues, and redeems!

Building Relationships with Locals:

At first the process of developing relationships is slow and awkward. This is where the real action of love comes into play, where people get to see the real love and evidence of God. Your character and personality is illuminated. As you pursue people just a fraction of the amount God pursues you, there's a realization that you have what it takes to make a difference in people’s lives!

Romans 10:13-15 says for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

I have experienced the love of God in such deep/raw ways through the friendships I develop with locals on missions. I've learned how real friendships look, how falling in love with someone you have known for just two days is beautiful, and how leaving is so hard and painful. I've learned so much from the people I go to witness too, and you will too!

Travel:

See the world, have fun, and let God speak to you through travelling and seeing all He's made with His own hands. Travel opens your heart to the Lord to let Him speak to you about anything and everything. Let Him reveal His attributes, qualities, and amazing love through the world He made for us to live in and enjoy!

For since the creation of the worlds God’s invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. - Romans 1:20 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Psalm 19:1 

Travel allows you to learn a dance, learn a song, cook a meal, and enjoy good conversations with people so different from you, much more than a vacation at a resort would!

Discovering Something New about the Lord:

Missions allow you to see the Lord in a different environment than you're used to. In different circumstances, you see different sides of the cube of the Lord because He is much bigger than our minds and understanding. Interacting with people, sharing the gospel, and traveling helps us see God in a different light than we're used to.  

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. -Proverbs 25:2 

When we are at a mission trip, we always depend on the Lord. we are in constant communication with him about what to say, what to pray about, and what to do next. And in the midst of being intentional communication, the Lord takes this opportunity to show us a side of him that we have never seen before. We experience his rich way of expressing love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

Telling Your Story:

The power of your testimony is a tool the enemy wants to destroy, but God wants you to share it to the world. Learn to be confident in how God has come into your life and changed your heart. The enemy wants you to think you don’t have much power and your relationship with the Lord is private, unaffective to other lives. However, God has encouraged and empowered you with the Holy Spirit to share how God has personally and intimately changed your life from the inside out. Your story is important, special and when shared it speak live into others when you share your story about how Jesus forgave, redeemed and restored you.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8 

How beautiful it is, the moment we say yes to the Lord and decide to always remain in Him. We are forever adopted by Him, loved by Him, and coheirs to the throne. How amazing is it to be known by God and be loved by Him to the point where we are coworkers in rescuing people from the enemy!

I hope reading these benefits encourage you to look into going to a mission trip, whether it's within your city, state, country or overseas. I hope wherever the Lord calls you to go, you will experience his love, joy, peace and community of brothers and sisters all over the world; a community that is excited to meet you, just as you are excited to meet them. I hope you break bread, eat good food, share thoughts and ideas as well as share Jesus with everyone you meet!

Winnie Warner was born in Kenya, and she enjoys reading, writing, and sharing the truth of Jesus!
And if you couldn't tell, she adores missions!
Follow Winnie on her blog!