“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

In Acts 1:8, right before His ascension, Jesus left His followers with final instructions and a promise of empowerment. This wasn't a suggestion for a select few; it was a foundational, missional call for every believer. Much like the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, it is a reminder that the gospel moves outward.

In fact, it is through this exact command, empowerment, and clarity of direction that you and I have been exposed to the gospel today. Someone, deeply compelled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, went to their Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, or to the literal ends of the earth so that we might hear the good news and respond to God’s gracious gift of salvation.

Every summer, thousands of evangelical Christians pack their bags to pay that gift forward, embarking on short-term mission trips to share the gospel. Over the years, a robust debate has brewed regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of short-term missions. While we won't settle that debate today, there are several vital principles your church should consider before embarking on your next mission journey.

1. The Necessity of Prayer

Sometimes, the thrill of travel and adventure can overshadow the holiness of the mandate. To effectively hear and respond to the Holy Spirit, we must commit to prayer before we ever leave. Prayer is what keeps us focused, humble, and sensitive to God’s promptings both on and off the mission field.

2. The Importance of Preparation

In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to procrastinate. If your team has a specific evangelistic strategy—and hopefully you do—don't wait until the last minute to prepare. Meet regularly. Assign roles. Identify and practice the unique spiritual gifts within your group. Thorough preparation provides the stability your team will desperately need when faced with the inevitable stress and changes of travel.

3. Be a Great Partner

If you are partnering with a missionary on the ground, remember: you are there to help, and they are there to stay.Anything your team does must align with their long-term ministry, context, and local relationships. Far too often, teams arrive with an agenda that inadvertently compromises years of local ministry. These missionaries understand the cultural nuances; make sure your mission serves theirs.

4. Money Doesn't Fix Everything

While financial resources are necessary, they can easily become a barrier rather than a bridge to the gospel. We cannot use financial wealth to fix spiritual poverty. Many cultures live below American economic standards, yet they possess a profound spiritual joy and breathtaking generosity. If we trust our money more than the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we miss the point entirely.

5. Don't Discount the Experience

Is it better to just send the money directly to the field? The answer is both yes and no. Short-term trips offer a life-changing perspective that can't be replicated. They often grant local missionaries renewed traction and credibility in their communities. Furthermore, these trips are often the catalysts where God calls individuals to deeper, sacrificial ministry. A short-term trip this summer might ignite a fire that raises up a full-time missionary ten years from now.

6. Peanut Butter and Mac & Cheese

Never underestimate the power of a taste of home! Before you depart, ask your missionary what comfort foods or supplies they miss. Whether it's peanut butter, mac and cheese, or cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, bringing these small tokens—or carrying packages back to their families in the States—is a massive encouragement to those living on the front lines.

Join Us: Night of Missions

We want to hear your stories! On July 26, the San Felipe Baptist Association is hosting a Night of Missions at Redeemer Community Church in Katy. Come connect with various missionaries and mission organizations, and share how God moved through your team this summer. Stay tuned for more details!