Over the past four years, God has blessed us with many opportunities to go and serve in Costa Rica.  We have been able to send 5 teams during this time to serve through Mission4One. 

What we have noticed from our last trip is that we are limited in the number of teams that we can send on international mission trips.  This is due to various reasons.  Our prayer is that we can take numerous teams.  It is always good to have more people interested in going than we have team slots for.  But, God is good and He always provides a way for people to go.

I’m excited about the opportunities that we have through Mission4One to partner with Rice and Beans Ministries to be able to send “more” people to Costa Rica.  Rice and Beans has an ongoing ministry (weekly/monthly) that has many opportunities to serve. 

One gift that M41 has is the ability to help others plan and organize mission trips, whether it be for M41, Rice and Beans, or anyone else.  “We don’t go to serve in the name of the ministry, but in the name of Christ!!” 

So, if you have questions or comments about how to get involved with international missions, please send us a note.  We are excited about what God is doing in this ministry and look forward to what He has in store for us through serving in the future!

My prayer for you is that you are bold in your witness for Jesus – crossing all boundaries – culture, language, etc.  Whatever happens on your trip, do not lose sight in staying “engaged” with God daily.  Listen for His voice and respond.   As you remain faithful and obedient to Him, He will bless you in so many ways.  Some fruit you will see, some you won’t. 

It’s comforting to know that when we “go”, He promises us something else – that He will never leave us (Mt. 28:20).  Allow the Holy Spirit that dwells within you to guide and direct you on your incredible journey. 

How do I know it will be incredible, well, it’s HIS journey – we’re just followers.
 

There are two ways to look at every situation:  How it will affect you, and how it will affect God’s Kingdom.  The apostle Paul was always concerned with how his circumstances might aid the spreading of the Gospel.  From being in prison, shipwrecked or in front of an angry mob, Paul’s concern was how he could use the current situation to tell others God’s good news of Salvation (Philippians 1:12).

Often when we encounter a new situation, our fist thoughts are not about God’s Kingdom.  When we face a crisis, we can become angry or fearful for our own well-being, rather than looking to see what God intends to do through our circumstances.   If we take our eyes off of the Cross, we will miss what God wants to do through all of our experiences – for us and those around us.

Begin praying now and ask God to make you aware of how He can use your circumstances on your mission trip to “bless others”.    Someone will need to see the difference Christ’s presence is making in your life.  Are you willing for God to use your circumstances to demonstrate His saving power to those around you?

On the trips we take, we may not be “shipwrecked or in prison.”  However, I can promise you that God will give you many opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ…even through something as simple as a basketball!
 

It’s great to know that no matter how “upside down” our lives seem to be, He is still in control.  He wants to control your day, your thoughts, your passions – will you let Him?  I don’t know what the rest of this day holds, but I know “Who holds the day!”  In scripture, He simply said “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Mt. 6:33) 

Mission trips should be all about “walking by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).  Yes, we do a lot of planning, scheduling, packing, etc….in a way, we kind of know how the trip will go…do we?  Are you willing to take a step of faith and realize that everything may change?  Exciting, isn’t it?  That we can make all the plans in the world and He can change them in a heartbeat!

Pray about what He’s doing (unseen by you) to prepare the people you will meet.  Pray about your desire to get on board with what He is already doing. 

So, are you ready to take a step of faith – no matter where it leads?

Show love on your trip by listening.  Have a personal touch with people as you minister to them each day.  Listen to how God speaks to you in every area or situation that you will be in – go ahead and pray now that He speaks to you loud and clearly.  God can use the Bible, prayer, people and circumstances to speak to you.  But you’ve got to be willing to listen.  

I know, sometimes we don’t want to hear what He has to say.  And yes, there will be situations on the trip that God will need you to respond and you may be reluctant.  He may need you to share your heart, say a prayer, hug someone – in a way, He needs you to get uncomfortable!!  

Listening is important, but your obedience to Him in responding to His call is even more important.  Learn to listen to others on the trip for encouragement.  Rely on the strengths of others to help build your weaknesses. 

Pray now that your actions will match your faith!!  “Don’t just listen to God’s Word.  You must do what it says.” (James 1:22)

Some people that you come in contact with may be resentful of your presence.  Or something you may do in innocence or ignorance may highly offend them.  On the other hand, they may respond to your invitation to Christ simply because they think it’s the polite thing to do. 

We need to keep in mind that on some trips we are only there for a “short period” of time, but we want to make a “lasting” impression.   So, how can we take a brief visit and make a big difference for the Kingdom?  Please pray now for the local church – how can we help strengthen their outreach efforts?  This should be one of the main focus areas for a trip.  How can we mentor – disciple – train – build for future trips?   

As you spend each day on this journey (mission trip), be modest, genuine and kind to others.  Whether you’re eating rice for breakfast, in a 2 hour worship service or trying to understand the language, we go in the name of Christ to serve and not to be served (Mt. 20:28)…

Something you may want to journal is a few thoughts how Christ brought you from darkness to light or how you have been blessed by knowing Christ from the beginning of your life.

Maybe you’re not going to preach or teach on your trip.  You may give out clothes, food or a simple glass of water…Whatever your job, please don’t leave your mission field without sharing your heart and testimony with at least one person.  The people you meet don’t need Genesis to Revelation…just yet.  They do need to hear the name of Jesus, spoken in love.

When challenged, Peter and John said to the Sanhedrin, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).  Another great scripture is “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2).

Keeping a journal is a great way to keep up with your adventure with God.  Talk with God about your hopes for your upcoming trip.  And yes, journal things that may concern you, even possible complaints. 

 If your trip is easy, comfortable, and predictable, it won’t be a real adventure, will it?  If you come back relaxed and refreshed, it’s likely you’ve failed.  Our journals should contain words like exhausted, frustrated, tension, etc. 

Also consider keeping a quote page.  Write down funny, strange things your teammates say when they’re tired or not thinking clearly.   Also save the treasured moments in writing too:  hanging out in the kitchen until midnight talking about God, the “speedy” bus ride through the mountains, first view of a location we’ve never been to, first person you bonded with, the child who clung to you, the mother who cried – and there will be many others. 

“We know that in all things (even in troubles) God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  This is never more true than when you’re working 24/7 for God. Get it in writing – “All news is good news”!!

The Bible tells us that we’re fighting for the right side.  As you prepare to leave on a trip, the evil one may shake you by the shoulders and say, “You can’t do this. You’ll never make it!”  But press ahead!  As you think about spiritual battles you may have to face, what things concern you?

Pray against the works of Satan during your trip.  Pray for the Lord to prepare the hearts of people you will meet.  Petition God to not let anything undermine team relationships.  Pray for protection for those who will be alongside of you as translators and guides.

Just remember, “everything is in God’s Hands.”

Naturally, some of the initial questions you may have about a mission trip are:  How many clothes should I take?  How much cash?  Luggage or backpack?  A typical list of essentials for a mission trip might include:  clothes, shoes, tools, tickets, cash, bedding, camera, etc. 

Jesus had another view on this when He called the disciples to go on short-term mission trips.  What was His list of trip essentials?  Spiritual authority, a simple sermon, a generous spirit, peace, discretion, innocence, caution, the leading of the Holy Spirit and courage.  You shouldn’t have to worry about weight limits here!

The first Christians set out with little or nothing but Jesus’ list.  You can be encouraged by His list of things to pack. Don’t be concerned about what you will eat or drink or wear.  Seek the Kingdom of God first, and all the rest will be provided (Mt. 6:33). 

Out of all of the things that you will pack for a trip, spiritual prep is the most important.  Travel light.  Don’t get so focused on human comforts that you put off getting your spirit outfitted for service.  That way, if your worldly possessions should get lost or stolen, you’ll still have what you really need.