What Is The Value of Going on a Mission Trip?
Spiritual Questions with Scriptural Answers.
I appreciate Drew sharing this article about the value of mission trips with us! He made this trip a couple of months ago, and I’m glad to share his thoughts here with you!
As I write this article, a group of us from the Quitman Church of Christ are preparing to go on a week-long mission campaign to the country of Panama. The church here in Quitman supports the work of the Lord’s church there and we are going to help encourage, support, and “build” up the local congregations in the area.
It is an incredible blessing and privilege to be able to go and I am excited for the opportunity!
In this article, while it is fresh on my mind, I want to ask and answer the question, from a Scriptural point of view, “What is the value of going on a mission trip?”
In 2019, I was privileged to go to Boquete, Panama with a group of Christians from Valdosta (Forrest Park church of Christ). We were able to teach the Gospel and help several people in that area.
God blessed our campaign and it was a life-changing experience for me. I learned to further appreciate the blessings I have here in this country and I was also reminded of the genuine joy in teaching someone about Jesus.
In our country, most everyone has at least heard of Jesus and Christianity. Over there, several have never heard and are extremely receptive to the Gospel. It is an incredible feeling to open up the Bible and teach those who are truly hungry spiritually!
I gained much from the trip and so personally, I could give you many reasons why a mission trip is valuable; however, our goal is to see what the Bible says.
To Obey Jesus.
First, it is valuable because by going, you are obeying the Lord’s command to “go and preach the Gospel to every creature.” This is known as the “Great Commission” and is recorded in Matthew (Matt. 28:18-20), Mark (Mark 16:15-16), and Luke (Luke 24:46-47).
In each case, the word “go” is implemented.
Jesus, based on the fact that He has “all authority in Heaven and on earth” says to go (move)! It is not the “great suggestion” or the “great omission” but the “Great Commission.” Every Christian has the responsibility to teach the Gospel to others.
While getting on a plane and traveling to other countries is certainly carrying out this command, walking across the street and teaching your neighbor is also a way to do it! Local and worldwide evangelism is at the very heart of Christianity. The mission of a Christian is to “go and make disciples.”
Teach others the truth and live in such a way that your example can help them see what it means to be a Christian and why they should become one (Matt. 5:13-16).
To Strengthen Your Faith.
Second, it is valuable because by going, you have an opportunity to strengthen your faith.
The trials of life and the questions that arise in our own minds can shake our faith, break our faith, or make our faith what it ought to be. When you have to give an answer and explain why you believe what you believe, it forces you to truly reflect.
I believe that Jesus is the Son of God because I’ve seen and weighed the evidence in the Word of God. John’s purpose in writing was to help others see this truth:
“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).
I need to have a rock-solid faith and build on it every day by studying and meditating upon the Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:5-11; 3:18).
Going on a mission campaign will help strengthen your faith because you are teaching others why it is so important to trust and obey God.
To Help Others.
Third and finally, it is valuable because by going, you can help people physically and spiritually in a unique way.
Those who live outside of the United States of America are not blessed with an abundance of material goods like we have here. Relatively speaking, America is the richest nation in the world. By going to countries that are less fortunate, you can take supplies and help people in a way that can drastically improve their quality of life.
While this is important, you can help them spiritually in a way that can change their eternal destiny!
It is essential for Christians to “preach the Gospel to every creature.” Going on a mission trip helps you to carry out that command.
It is essential for Christians to grow in their faith, for if you are not growing spiritually, you are dying spiritually.
It is essential to reflect the light and love of Jesus to others by caring for their physical and spiritual needs.
If you have never gone on a trip, please consider the value and “GO” to the glory of God!
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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