Dear Fellow Traveler,

Have you ever thought about taking part in a short-term ministry trip?

If you have, you probably also encountered some of these concerns along the way:

• The trip is too long. I’ve never been out of the country!

• I really don’t know what to expect.

• I have nothing to offer – I’m not qualified.

• Where will I get the money for a trip like that?

Those thoughts and concerns are far more common than you realize. And I have two ways to help you address them.

First, consider how others who have faced those concerns “lived to tell about it!”

“The trip to Guatemala was unlike anything else I have ever experienced. It was life changing. Since this was a medical mission trip, I was often asked, ‘What did you do?’ I replied, ‘All these children need is love, they just want a hug or a smile of approval. If I, being only fourteen, could do something for someone like that, anyone could do it!!’” – Danielle

Kay went on the same trip, and writes,

“I struggled with going on this trip. I am not in the medical field, so I prayed that God would use me in whatever capacity was needed. (Be careful what you ask for!)

“One thing I hate is going to the dentist. Guess what! The dentist on our team needed an assistant. God’s grace came and my phobia was gone. I couldn’t communicate with those precious children because of language barriers. All I could do was hold them, pat their little chests, and speak gently to them in English.

“I will never forget their little faces, or their fears and pain. I will certainly never forget that God is always with us to see us through whatever circumstance we find ourselves in. I was the one blessed for taking the trip.”

Katie took a different trip to serve in Uganda, and writes,

“Even though I have been on several trips in the States and to Mexico a number of times, going to Africa with ten people I’ve never met before seemed intimidating!

“Meeting the other team members at the airport was awesome! Everyone got along and worked together to make an awesome trip. It was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had! We helped teach Middle and High school aged Ugandan students about purity – which is imperative due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The students were attentive and grateful. We became so close in such a short time. We also ministered to women in prison, and helped out in the local churches.”

Being a team member on a mission trip is surely a blessing. But if for some reason you cannot travel, I invite you to consider other ways of meaningful ministry involvement.

• ­Those who will travel with AMG on mission trips this year will face the same concerns others faced. Pray that God will help them see past their fears to the ministry they will be part of. You can see a list of ministry trips here. 

• ­Keep praying about what God would have YOU do. Kay warned us to be careful what we pray for, but she also bears testimony to the blessing that comes when we follow God where we might otherwise never go.

• ­You can be part of God’s answer to someone who is wondering where they will get the money. Your gift to help underwrite Mission Adventures will help travelers, staff and those on the field whose ministries are enriched through your financial support.

• ­Your general gift this month for AMG worldwide ministries will allow us to not only fund short-term ministry, but other missionary work where there is a need.

“Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” (John 4:35).

Shortly after Jesus spoke those words His disciples had the privilege of explaining the Good News to the entire town of Sychar. Christ had sown the seed. It was now theirs to reap the harvest (vv.36-38).

I invite YOU to be part of the harvest!

If the Lord is prompting you to “Go,” AMG staff and ministry partners will help prepare you spiritually, financially and culturally for a meaningful short-term ministry experience.

If you cannot go, but are willing to be involved in the harvest of souls in other ways, your prayers and financial support are just as important as we make sure our own generation is given their opportunity to understand and respond to the Good News!

Yours in His service,

Paul E. Jenks, President

PS: Fulfilling the Great Commission is a call to ALL of God’s people. Join me today – with your special gift this month, your faithful prayers, and by going if God is calling you to do so.