7 Ways to Prepare for a Mission Trip without Losing Your Peace

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1. Pray, Pray, Pray

The Apostle Paul is known for instructing us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This advice is especially relevant during the time leading up to a mission trip. You need to cover yourself in prayer and be specific about what you need the Lord's help with. By praying specifically, you will be able to see God’s answer more clearly. Cultivate a strong and healthy prayer life now, and it will help you when you are on the mission trip.

Unfortunately, it is common to fall out of the practice of prayer while preparing or even while on a mission trip, as you are so busy. To prevent this from happening, make an intentional decision to pray daily leading up to your trip, as well as while you are on your trip.  Present all your worries to the Lord and allow His peace that surpasses all understanding to surround you (Philippians 4:6-7).

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2. Study the Bible Daily before and during Your Mission Trip

Reading the Bible daily, both leading up to and during your mission trip, will help peace to abound in your heart. You will come to realize that you are obeying the Great Commission command, as told to us by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20. Studying over Matthew 28:18-20 might be the perfect place to start in the days leading up to your trip. Take passages and chapters slowly in order to grasp what God is trying to tell you fully. 

Here are a few helpful passages to memorize before your mission trip: 

• Mark 16:15 
• Matthew 9:35-38
• Matthew 28:18-20 
• Acts 1:8, 6:4 
• Psalm 96:3

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3. Talk to an Experienced Missionary

Before I went on my mission trip, my mission professor had us talk to missionaries who were already on the field. I interviewed one of the missionaries I would be staying with during my time in England. By speaking with this missionary, I gained a better understanding of what day-to-day life is like, what to expect, and the local culture. This helped me to be more prepared without losing my peace when I was getting ready to embark on this summer mission trip. I encourage everyone about to go on a trip to talk to a missionary, as they might be able to help alleviate any fears or uncertainties.

If you don't know any current missionaries in the area you are going to be serving, read a missionary biography or autobiography. This will help you understand how to serve the Lord in that area of the world from someone who has already done it. You might even discover new things about the area or the people group that you didn't know before reading about it.

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4. Ask for Prayer Support from Family, Friends, and Your Church

Peace can quickly leave us when we are stressed, but if we have a strong network of support, we can regain our confidence. This is why everyone needs prayer support from their family, friends, and church while preparing for their mission trip, as well as during their mission trip. Our loved ones will be able to support us in legitimate ways and help us to stay strong when we are struggling. Talk with your parents or best friends, and ask them for their prayer support. 

When you go to church, ask the pastor if you can share your mission trip with the congregation and request prayer support. Most likely, you have already utilized their financial support to go on the mission field; therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for additional support in the form of prayers. Your church will be overjoyed to support you in prayer as you travel overseas, and they will be pleased to see you return with your new insights into the mission field. Sending out a weekly mission newsletter while you are overseas can also be beneficial in keeping your church informed about any prayer requests you may have while you are on the field.

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5. Prepare for Cross-Cultural Communication and Study Up on the Culture

Sadly, cross-cultural preparation is often overlooked within modern-day mission trips. The rate at which some churches send children and individuals on mission trips without providing cross-cultural training is worrisome. If you want to help those in other countries come to know Jesus successfully, you should be knowledgeable about their culture and forms of communication.

You can prepare for cross-cultural communication and the new culture by researching online, reading books about the place you are going to, and talking to people who have lived there. You should be aware of the specific people groups you will be ministering to, such as children, young adults, seniors, etc., to prepare yourself best to connect with them. There may be significant cultural differences, so be prepared for them ahead of time.

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6. Focus on Jesus Rather Than Your Fears

The Bible tells us, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). As believers, we can focus on Jesus rather than our own fears concerning the mission trip. When we do this, it allows us to keep our peace. Instead of becoming overwhelmed or even thinking about giving up before the mission trip has even begun, we will trust in the Lord and know that He has all things under control. 

I personally had to do this multiple times because my brain tends to fixate on fears. Dwelling on all the bad things that could happen only intensifies our worries. This is why we must focus on Jesus. Releasing our fears to Him, we can experience a new peace that only Jesus can provide. No longer will we be scared by Satan or the stressors of traveling somewhere new. Instead, we will rise above these fears and allow Jesus to guide us as we travel to the mission field.

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7. Think about the Experiences You’ll Have and the People You Will Meet

Sometimes, thinking about all the things you will see and experience on the mission trip can help diminish some of those fears and worries. The main experiences I had while overseas on my mission trip were spending time among local believers, going on walks, and building relationships with those in the church. It was truly a beautiful experience, and some of my best friends are people I met on that mission trip, with whom I still keep in contact throughout the year.

Never doubt what gifts a mission trip can bring into your life. Knowing this might help alleviate some of your worry, stress, and anxiety.

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