To my friends going on mission trips,

I am so jealous! You are about to embark on one of the best journeys of your life. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for your trip and I cannot wait to hear all about it when you return. Just remember that going on a mission trip is hard: you will almost always get sick, either stomach-sick or some other fun disease.

You will be tested emotionally, which means that you will cry, (yes, even you, boys). You will be tested spiritually, depending on where you are going you will see a variety of things that will test your spirituality. You will be tested physically, back to the getting sick but also, it could be terribly hot or miserably cold. There could be a pop-up storm that just comes out of nowhere when you are going door to door talking to people. But just know that when you look back on any mission trip you go on, none of it is going to matter. You are going to look back and maybe even laugh at the different diseases you’ve gotten in your life. It’ll build your immune system so much that you’ll take your chances with anything that’s contagious. I guarantee you will look back on your memories of the trip and all you will remember is that the Lord changed so many things on that trip.

The Lord is going to use you for anything and everything, all you have to do is say "yes." By embarking on this journey you are saying “yes” to Him. Therefore, He is not going to waste this opportunity, take courage and know that He is going to use you. Even if someone does not come to know Him through you, a seed will be planted in their heart. Remember that going on this trip is stepping out of your comfort zone and stepping out of your comfort zone gives room for the Lord to step into that space and utilize it. Keep in mind a couple of things as you begin to embark on your mission: the first being Matthew 28:19-20, which states:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Second, I want you to remember that you are going out into the world and living this out daily, not just in your mission work, but bring all of that work you did abroad back home and live it out daily.

Third, know that there is going to be change, there is going to be change in your faith and you are going to see change in other people’s lives, and there is probably going to be a change in their eternity as well. Finally, remember to not be discouraged if the trip is not all you expected it to be, because you have done something, and that something will be rewarded.

“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 1:9

Love,

Your friend at home