Did you know that the phrase, “Do not be afraid” is written (in one form or another) 365 times throughout the Bible. It’s almost as if God was trying to communicate something, isn’t it?
Something we hear a lot of from aspiring short-term missionaries is a theme of fear. People are afraid of the unknown. People are afraid of traveling to a place they’ve never been. People are afraid of how they might feel while on a trip.
There is a whole lot of anxiety wrapped up in the very idea of committing to a short-term medical missions trip. While that is very normal and understandable, we also want to encourage you to remember the overwhelming message found in the Bible: do not be afraid.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
When fear strikes our hearts, it is easy to become stuck. It’s easy to allow that fear to block us from moving forward. This is because there is a message that fear is communicating to us at that moment: “you will not be safe. You must protect yourself by getting out of this situation.”
Fear has a way of convincing would-be medical missionaries that they will be better off not submitting that application. Fear is telling them that they will be safer staying at home. Fear also has a way comforting us by telling us that it is okay if we do not go; someone else will go and do the work instead.
Imagine if everyone allowed fear to stop them?
No hospitals would be built.
No doctors would exist to heal.
No one would go when the call rings out.
And souls will be left struggling with no access to healthcare, health education, clean water, etc… Worse still: there’d be no one to deliver the good news of the Gospel.
When we can give ourselves permission to push past the fear, we allow ourselves to also trust in the promises of God.
He will be with us wherever He calls us. He will be our greatest Supporter and Friend in the midst of all circumstances. He will be the One holding our hands as we walk out in faith in answer to His call.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
Fear can only exist in the dark; Fear occurs because we find ourselves caught in a moment of not-knowing. We can’t see what lies ahead for us. We don’t know, when we commit to a short term medical missions trip, if we will feel comfortable. We don’t know who we might meet or what opposition we might encounter to the gospel. There is a whole lot that we do not know.
But when we take a minute to breathe and really think through the root of our fear, we can also remember this beautiful promise found in Psalm 27: “The Lord is my light and salvation.”
Wherever we go, in obedience to God’s call, we are walking the light of God’s love and guidance. He is the one who holds tomorrow in the palm of His hand. We can trust that He will also guide us safely through the work He’s given us to do.
More than that, we know that God is preparing hearts who will be open to hearing the gospel and receiving the love of Christ that we offer through our health clinics. We may meet people who are not interested in the gospel, but we will also meet people who are longing to know that they are irrevocably loved by the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Can you imagine how wonderful it will feel to get to be the one to deliver that message to people who are waiting to hear it?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
In the end, we all have a choice: will we allow fear to hold us back? Or will we be the ones who step out in faith and trust that where God may be calling us, He will also be our Most Holy Protector?
This is not to say that the choice is an easy one to make. Of course it isn’t. We are merely human, and fear is a human emotion. A compelling one at that.
But we are also children of God. As such, we have a beautiful promise from our Heavenly Father that we can find our peace and hope in Him.
The more we choose to focus on our God and His promises to be with us, keep us safe, and give us peace, the less power fear has over us. We have a hope in God that we cannot find elsewhere.
So today, I want to encourage you: if you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit prompting you to join us on a medical mission trip, please follow that leading. Fear will always tell you to stay safe and stay home, but God is the only One who can promise our safety. If He calls you to it, He will also bring you through it.
Applications are closing soon for our next medical mission trip to Burundi. We still need doctors, nurses, dentists to volunteer to join us. We also need those without experience in the medical field. Everyone is welcome.
Is God calling you to join us in Burundi? The deadline to apply is April 30. You can get all the details for that trip here.
Before a medical mission’s trip, you are typically prepared for the work you will be doing, but it’s also important to know what to expect about the overall cultural experience as well.
Here are six things you should know about medical missions:
1. Use your American “privilege” for good.
You will have many opportunities to help those around you in more ways than one. Locals will be able to spot an American from a mile away — we stand out. You are no better than those around you, but being an American has certain assumed wealth. Since people will be taking notice of you, make sure to use your “privilege” for good. Tip generously, leave belongings behind that you don’t need in the States, and support as many local markets as you can.
There’s always someone you can think of who needs a souvenir!
2. Be mindful when you take pictures.
Some places frown on people taking photos. Always ask permission before you assume it’s okay to photograph your surroundings, or especially the people! Also, don’t take advantage of the community by taking pictures and exploiting them.
You are there to serve, not to make yourself look good and “charitable.”
3. Share with the community about the organization you represent.
It’s easy to show up, build a relationship, and then leave. This can make it difficult for future groups to be trusted. Communities appreciate the help, but they watch people come and go and relationships are difficult to build with people they never see again. Plan to show up and go in explaining the organization you are representing.
It’s easier for the people there to build a relationship with the organization as a whole more than it is individual people. Build trust.
4. Try the foods you are offered!
The food will be very different, but it’s important to try at least what you are offered out of respect for those generously providing. So much time and sacrifice is put into the food in third-world countries.
Be gracious and accepting.
5. Listen.
The people will tell you their stories, and through genuinely listening, you’ll be able to better meet their needs. Sometimes there is a language barrier, so make sure there is a reliable translator always available.
Your goal is to listen and respectfully respond to the stories you hear.
6. You can only do what you can do.
Don’t try to be a savior. You are only there to meet a need and plant seeds. Don’t put the pressure on yourself to save everyone. God only calls us to be willing and say “yes” to His call. He has a plan for what happens next. You are reaching out and touching lives.
Give your all but don’t walk away blaming yourself for not fixing all of the world’s problems.
We hope these tips will help you feel better prepared to go into the mission field! Click here for more information about our upcoming trips!
See you in the mission field!
Sheri Postma, RN Founder & CEO Mission Partners for Christ MissionPartnersforChrist.com Facebook.com/MissionPartnersforChrist Twitter.com/mission_partner
I have heard people time and time again talk about how only a few people are called to be missionaries, and they just aren’t one of the few! I believe there is some truth to this. Not everyone is called away to permanently serve overseas, but we are all called to missions in different ways.
“Go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that I’ve commanded. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 18:19-20
The key word in the verse above is “go.” That means we can’t stay exactly where we are. Now, the verse doesn’t say how far to “go.” So how do we develop a heart for missions so we can follow in obedience to God’s call — wherever the call may take us?
We all have to start somewhere, and sometimes that is “going” right next door and sharing a cup of coffee with a neighbor you’ve never met. Sometimes it’s sitting across the table with a new couple who recently moved into your town and doesn’t know the Gospel. God calls us to serve where we live, work, and play.
But other times, God calls us farther away.
We are unlikely to say “yes” to God’s call to serve elsewhere if we don’t learn how to serve right where we are. If we can’t love those in our own communities, how we can love others around the world? The good news is that God is everywhere and loves everyone. So no matter where we are, we can follow His example of love! We can serve God in our normal, ordinary lives or in the great unknown.
The word missionary means “someone on a mission.” There is no defined place or distance that qualifies someone as a missionary. God didn’t put boundaries on where we can serve, and one day, He may call you to an uncomfortable place with unfamiliar people.
Will you go?
We were sent from the moment we were placed on this earth to help grow the kingdom of God! Wherever we go with the Lord is Holy Ground. Start serving at the place beneath your feet and then step outside your designated borders and go to anyone who needs to hear of God’s grace.
If you want to develop a heart for missions…start where you are! As you learn to love those who are close, your heart will expand and stretch to wherever God calls — near or far.
Have you been hearing us talk about the 2023 trip to Burundi and wondering how to go with us?
If so, you are in the right place to learn more about the 2023 trip to Burundi!
Our trip to Burundi, one of the smallest countries in Africa, will be 7/14-7/23. The majority of the population lives in rural areas which has led to deforestation (overpopulation), soil erosion and habitat loss. Burundians experience a great deal of poverty, corruption, poor access to healthcare, education and hunger. In fact, the World Happiness Report of 2018 ranked Burundi as the world’s least happy nation. Join us on this medical mission trip as we bring joy and the love of Jesus to the people of Burundi.
Here is a list of facts about the trip. We hope it will help you decide whether to join us! Of course, if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to contact us via email.
How much does it cost to join the 2023 trip to Burundi? Do I have to pay the entire amount to secure my spot?
The cost for our Burundi trip is $2700. Half of the balance is due 5/5/23, and the rest is due by 6/30/23. Additionally, there is a $100 application fee.
What does this trip’s cost cover?
The cost of each of our trips include meals, travel, and accommodations. If a tourism day is built into the trip, travel is included. Volunteers are responsible for the cost of souvenirs or other optional activities they wish to pursue.
Unlike most other short-term mission trip organizations, volunteers are not responsible to cover any administration fees. Every single cent you pay goes towards the costs of the trip itself.
How old do I have to be to participate in the 2023 trip to Burundi?
For liability purposes, you must be 18 years or older to participate in the 2023 trip to Burundi.
What are my responsibilities while attending this trip?
All we ask is that you are willing to serve as a unified team member and are willing to be flexible. We assign roles and discuss more specific trip responsibilities during our first team meeting which will be held via Zoom video conference. Additionally, we ask each participant to attend all team meetings, be on time during the trip, and attend all trip activities.
What type of documentation do I need to provide to attend the 2023 trip to Burundi?
All participants need to provide a passport with 2 blank pages and at least 6 months expiration date past return date of trip (7/23/23), a clear color copy of your passport, 2 additional passport photos, and a visa. (This will be discussed during our first team meeting).
Doctors and dentists must provide a clear copy of their medical degrees, certificate or evidence of completing internships, CV, a reference letter from employer, and a copy of their current medical license. Nurses must provide a clear copy of their nursing degree, nursing license, a resume, a reference letter from their employer, and an official transcript.
Are there any vaccines or other medical requirements to participate?
All volunteers are required to get a yellow fever vaccine before they can obtain their visas. We also recommend you consider getting measles, Hepatitis A and oral typhoid vaccines, as well as prescription medication to prevent malaria.
Are there any other requirements that I should know about this trip?
Yes. We do require a background check, and you sign a waiver.
I need help raising funds for the 2023 trip to Burundi. Can you help me?
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Col 3:12
Humility is a characteristic that is absolutely essential for missionaries. There is a reason that humility is emphasized so strongly, in Scripture, as an admirable trait for believers to possess. Humility is what keeps us grounded and allows believer to work together as one body so that we may accomplish the work that the Lord has set before us.
What Is Humility?
Humility is a quality characterized by modesty, respectfulness, and a lack of arrogance or excessive pride. It involves recognizing one’s own limitations and limitations of one’s achievements, and viewing oneself as equal to others rather than superior.
Humility involves being open-minded, approachable, and willing to learn from others. It also involves being willing to serve and putting others before oneself. In short, humility is the opposite of conceit and self-aggrandizement, and is considered of high importance throughout Scripture.
Why Is Humility Important In Missions?
Humility is a crucial aspect of missionary work because it helps create an environment in which the message of the gospel can be effectively shared and received. When missionaries approach their work with humility, they are more able to build trust with those they serve, listen to their needs, and understand their perspectives. This can help facilitate meaningful relationships and effective communication, which is essential for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Humility can also help missionaries better navigate the challenges that often accompany mission work, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and opposition to their message. By approaching these challenges with a humble and open-minded attitude, missionaries can more easily spot their weak areas and put more effort into learning whatever needs to be learned. Humility also allows the missionary to remain focused on their ultimate goal of serving others and sharing the gospel, rather than becoming bogged down by personal pride or frustration.
Humility can also lead to personal growth and spiritual maturity for the missionary, as it helps them to remain grounded in their faith and focused on serving others rather than seeking personal recognition or success. When one recognizes that they, themselves, are a fallible human being only then can they open the door to learning and growth.
Humility Creates Better Relationships
Humility is the backbone of healthy relationship, both within a missions team and in the field with those being served.
In a team setting, humility allows for:
Improved communication
Reduced conflict
Increased cooperation
Greater flexibility and
Better decision-making all around.
When humility is allowed to surface, one’s individual feelings or needs don’t take precedence over the groups. There is a general understanding that what meets the needs of the team will also cover the needs of the individuals, and that everyone’s feelings matter.
Humility can create opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connections and understanding. When individuals approach relationships with a willingness to learn from each other, they can gain new perspectives and insights that can enrich their own lives and the relationship as a whole.
In the context of mission work, cultivating humility can lead to better relationships with those being served, as it creates an environment of respect, trust, and understanding, and allows missionaries to effectively meet the needs of those they serve. By approaching their work with humility, missionaries can build meaningful relationships with those they serve, and make a lasting impact in their lives.
Some Obstacles To Humility And How To Overcome Them
Humility doesn’t always come easily, unfortunately. We are all human, which means that we are susceptible to the same pitfalls as everyone else when it comes to remaining humble.
Some examples of obstacles may be:
Pride One of the biggest obstacles to humility is pride, or an over-inflated sense of self-importance. This can make it difficult for individuals to recognize their limitations or mistakes, and can lead to a refusal to seek help or advice from others.
Ego Another obstacle to humility is an overly inflated ego, which can cause individuals to seek recognition, praise, or attention from others. This can lead to a desire to dominate conversations or prove oneself right, rather than seeking to understand or learn from others. Our egos can also prevent us from seeing our weaknesses or areas in which we need to grow by learning from those around us.
Fear of Rejection Fear of rejection is one that most of us don’t think about as an obstacle to humility. However, fear of rejection can be a powerful motivation for not allowing ourselves to be seen as uninformed or inadequate in some way. This fear can lead individuals to try to control the impression they make on others, rather than being open and vulnerable.
To overcome these obstacles, Christians can draw on the teachings and example of Jesus, who exemplified humility and service to others. They can also seek to develop a deeper understanding of the nature of God and their own relationship with Him, which can help cultivate a spirit of humility. Seeking out the support of their community through accountability partners, mentorship, and seeking wisdom from others can also be a great way to overcome struggles to maintain humility. Another choice that believers can make is to lean into spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. These spiritual tools can allow Christians to remain grounded in the Lord and focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition or success.
Without humility, it would be impossible to do the God-given work and responsibility of sharing the gospel with others. It would also be impossible to sit in community with other believers due to the isolating nature of self-centeredness. When you really think about it, humility is a gift from God that leads us to true connection with the people around us – and what a beautiful gift it is!
What are your thoughts on humility and the role that it plays in the lives of Christians today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
“Missionary: someone who leaves their family for a short time, so that others may be with their families for eternity.”
I recently came across this quote and really resonated with this meaning of missionary. You see, my husband was a missionary kid, so the idea of missions has always been a topic we discuss regularly. One recent question we had was “What if one of our children is called away to missions and desires to go?”
If you have been talking about the importance of mission work, it’s highly likely your children have been listening. They may have already started talking about going on one. If you find yourself wondering how to support your child’s desire to go on a mission trip, keep reading! We wrote this post just for you!
Here are 3 easy ways you can support your child’s desire to take their very first mission trip:
1. Encourage
Encouraging children to attend a mission’s trip may be difficult. A mission’s trip can sometimes be dangerous or the idea of your child being apart from you can feel scary. But remember to offer your support before, throughout, and upon their return home. Help your child prepare before, pack a few letters full of Bible verses like the one below for him to read during your trip and feel encouraged during the difficult times.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:19
There honestly isn’t much we can do to replace our worry other than to make time for frequent prayer. Remember, God calls us to spread the Gospel. Pray for those who will be impacted by your child. Pray for your child’s personal spiritual growth, and pray for his safety while he is away! Remember, prayer is a powerful weapon to replace fear.
Support your child’s desire to go on a medical mission trip by praying with, for, and over them regularly. Helping them tune their ears to God’s voice will always lead them to their calling. Allowing prayer to shape our hearts and soften any resistance we parents may have to our chidren joining a mission team, is essential to helping children grow more independant in their faith.
“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” — 1 Samuel 1:27
3. Let Go
One of the worst things we can do as parents is to try to hang onto our children while they are following the will of God. Their desire to go on mission trips is no exception. Even young children can serve locally on mission teams. Check with your church to see if they have short term opportunities locally. There are also mission organizations that offer family and parent+child trips. A quick Google search will help you locate options for your family!
Remember, God doesn’t always call us to the safe and comfortable places. As parents, we want those two things for our kids but we need to be able to let go of our kids and give them room to be obedient to God. Listen with an open mind when they start discussing mission work and let God provide the means for their calling to unfold!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“— Jeremiah 29:11
Tell us in the comments about your experience letting your children go on mission’s trips!
See you in the mission field!
