From Materials Presented at RxConnexion:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”
And I said,
“Here am I; send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Going on a mission trip can be the best sort of journey of God- and self-discovery. Mission trips, like other journeys, have three distinct stages:
· The call and preparation for the journey
· The journey itself
· The return and reflection of the journey
The Call & Preparation
Scripture readings: Matthew 25:31-46 & Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 3:14-21; Deut 31:6
What is your purpose for participating in this project? How did you sense the desire to go?
What fears are you experiencing as you think about going? Have you resisted the call?
What spiritual preparation will you make before going? Have you engaged yourself and your church in prayer for this journey? What other spiritual practices will you employ?
How do the verses in Deut. & Ephesians encourage you to depend on God in this journey?
What are your feeling as you anticipate your mission journey?
The Journey
Scripture readings: Luke 10:1-2; Eph 2:19-21 & 4:1-7; Deut 10:19; Romans 12:4-6a, 9-13; Philipians 2 & 3
How have you experienced God already at work in the worksite community? On your team? In you?
Where/how do you experience Christ in the body of the church? In you?
The importance of your mission project is much more than a building; “how” is more important than “what” in your spiritual journey. Christ asks that we take on the attitude of a humble servant. Are you struggling with humility? What are some ways you can have a Christ-like attitude? Reflect on the paradox of servanthood in Mark 10:45.
How are you being transformed by the journey? Reflect on Romans 12:2.
What are your feelings as you participate in the workteam experience?
The Return & Reflection of the Journey
Scripture readings:Micah 6:8; Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 78:1-7; Heb 13:2; Rev 21:3-5; Matt. 22:37-39; Phil 4:11-13
How can you best tell the story of your journey? What people are interested? Which ones are uninterested (disinterest is a normal reaction and not to be taken personally)?
What ongoing needs at your mission site can you address after your return home? How can you continue a relationship and support for those you met?
How will you continue to serve your own church and community? How does your journey enrich your gifts at home?
You have met Jesus on your spiritual journey; your transformation will continue as you seek God’s presence & guidance in your life. How have you sensed the significance of this journey?
Prepared by Gina Riendeau, North Indiana Conference mission staff. Resources used: Transforming Ventures, Jane Ives, Upper Room Books; Before You Pack Your Bag, Prepare Your Heart, Cindy Judge, Campfire Resources, Wheaton, IL., The Way of the Traveler, Joseph Dispenza, Avalon Travel.
“Once we see travel as an inner journey, it is possible to turn every trip into a spiritual practice.” –Dispenza