By Kent Eller , Executive Director , Men for Missions
How Short-term Missions Can Change Your Life
God works through people from all walks of life : electricians who handle the power of God , farmers who plant the seed of the Word , bankers who share about riches in Christ , insurance salespeople who advertise eternal plans , plumbers who pipe living water to thirsty souls , carpenters who build sanctuary and shelter , and godly men and women who give themselves to the cause of Christ .
At the beginning of this year , my pastor challenged us from Luke 5:5 ( NLT ). He asked if we , like Peter , would respond , “ If you say so , I will ,” when God asks us to launch out and let down the nets for a ( Gospel ) catch . When Peter and his fellow apostles answered , “ If you say so , I will ,” it led to life-changing journeys .
Can a short-term missions experience change you ?
Let ’ s look at the thousands who have gone on one- to two-week trips with Men for Missions or one- to two-month trips with One Mission Society . God used the short-term experience to stir their excitement for and openness to long-term missions . Many have shared that a mission trip changed their view of global missions , as well as their approach to sharing their faith back home . For many , it has also led to a new address and vocation as God has deeply attached their hearts to a people group , country , and ministry . ( Fun fact : OMS estimates that at least 80 percent of its current longterm missionaries began their journey through a short-term trip .)
Going on a mission trip opens the eyes of those who go . It helps them see how God can use them in ways they never thought possible . Often , through missionaries sharing stories of God ’ s work in their lives , God connects them with someone who is struggling with the same issue . One person ’ s testimony can help several other people understand how God can transform them too .
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