You’ve gone on the most exciting and rewarding trip to assist and bless others. You made impact in their lives that you will never forget. So now what do you do with all the emotion, all the feelings, all that you’ve gained from the time away?
I hope to give you a few ideas.
There are so many things that take place and are involved in preparation before you go, during the actual mission trip and afterwards when you return that you want to be able to capture. Here are a few suggestions you may consider doing to get the most out of your experience.
- Journal. Write down your thoughts in a notebook. Record your feelings, ideas, expectations, anything related from the time before, during and after your trip.
- Document. In whatever way works for you document your steps, happenings and events. It may be the agenda of the trip, where you stayed, any additional places you may experience. Documentation may be in form of simple notation, an actual object, a pamphlet, or recording of some sort.
- Devotions. Take time daily to spend with God. Allow Him to help you with what you are feeling and experiencing. Be sensitive to how He is leading you. Listen to His caring and loving voice to lead you.
- Pictures. Through the entire trip take photos of the land and area, people you meet and come in contact with, any events or things you do that take place. Make sure you have permission and that it is okay to photograph.
- Contacts. Keep track of the people you come in contact with. There may be other workers, volunteers, missionaries, or locals that you may want to stay in communication with. You may want to remember certain situations about them to keep them lifted in prayer.
- Reflections. It is always good to reflect and think about what you have gone through. Pull out any insight you may have received. Examine your heart for any truths or new revelations. As much as possible, set times of reflections throughout your experience versus just at the end. Employ prayer, devotions, and journaling in your time of reflection. Ask the Lord to help you see your experience through His eyes.
**As a result of your experience and insights, don’t stop there but ask the Lord, “What next?” Don’t be satisfied with this one experience. Allow God to open doors, introduce new territories and expand your borders. As Paul in Phil 3:13-14 encourages, press on to the next adventure God has for you. Open yourself up to God and He will open Himself up to you.
These were just a few ways that will help you get the most out of your mission trip experience. It is such a blessing to go on missions and there is so much that takes place. You should be able to successfully look back, gain and gather from all that you went through and participated in as well as be equipped for the next opportunity to serve in kingdom work.
Go, Return and Be Blessed!!