5 Responses to “8 tips for maximizing your mission trip’s impact”

1. GG- B says:

   January 27, 2010 at 2:38 pm

   T E R R I F I C ADVISE !!!!!

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2. Paul Bowman says:

   January 28, 2010 at 12:32 pm

   Yes great advice indeed! Most mission trips are a waste of time and kingdom resources, often consumer driven tourist ventures where nationals themselves become the activities for trip participants. But they can also become life changing & faith deepening experiences! But it requires vital values and principles to be in place (the kind of tips being mentioned here). I wrote my dissertation on mission trips (specifically the story of a trip I've been doing for 12 years). The data revealed that it had made a significant impact on individuals over the years, changing them spiritually and in terms of life goals and career choices. The positive results are largely down to training, long term partnerships, cultural intelligence and intentional personal growth.
   These are essential tips for mission trips! I'd also recommend Dave Livermore's book Serving with your eyes open – doing short term missions with cultural intelligence. It should be required reading for anyone planning to engage in cross cultural mission.

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3. Jeff says:

   February 2, 2010 at 8:35 pm

   Debrief after the trip?

   Bad idea. I hear what he's saying, but daily debriefing (you can keep this short) is, in my opinion, essential to your students developing an understanding about what they are there, doing what they are doing. You miss a tremendous opportunity for your students to "get it" if you wait until the trip is over to debrief. Plus, for many people, it will never happen.

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   • Tim Schmoyer says:

     February 2, 2010 at 8:39 pm

     Yeah, I tend to agree with you, Jeff, and I'm sure Dale would, too. I think he's mostly reacting against the groups who debrief for hours every day. Typically on trips I've done we debrief for a little bit before going to bed. That way it hasn't interrupted our potential ministry time and we still can reflect together.

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4. My response to, "This missions trip is too dangerous and risky." | Life in Student Ministry says:

   March 30, 2010 at 9:06 pm

   [...] I’ve received several emails from youth workers wondering about the potential dangers of taking their groups to places like Haiti and Mexico. One youth worker is even thinking about canceling their trip to Mexico this summer because of all the fighting they hear is taking place. Since I was in Haiti last month and will be returning next month, I can speak to that. I’ve never been to Mexico, but I know and trust the opinion of several missionaries who are quite familiar with the country. I’ll be going there to serve in July. [...]

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