With the Summer Olympics rapidly approaching, how many of us if given a chance would like to go?  How many of us if given an opportunity would like to compete? There’s a vast difference between the two. One is a vacation and the other is a competition. With a vacation it’s about what you will experience, and your preparation involves essentially counting down the days and packing your bags. On the other hand, a competition is about what you will accomplish, and your preparation involves physical and mental training.

In the same way, a mission trip needs to be approached less like going on a vacation, and more like preparing for a competition (spiritual battle). That’s not to say you won’t have great experiences on a mission trip, as you experience a new culture and beautiful scenery and establish new friendships. But we need to be prepared, not merely logistically (fundraising, packing…etc.) but spiritually as well. And the great news is that we have the ultimate missionary, Jesus Christ, as our example.

Not Peter (missionary to the Jews) or Paul (missionary to the Gentiles) but the Son of God Himself, whose mission trip had dual purposes:

• Saving sinners from hell – eternal separation FROM God
• Moving believers to fellowship – a close relationship WITH God

Jesus said in John 17:2-3,

“You have given me authority over all flesh, that I should give eternal life to as many as You have given me. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and me whom You have sent.”

Mission trips should also have a similar dual focus, prioritizing both evangelism and discipleship, as the church is an extension of Jesus’ personal mission trip.

The Gospels provide us a glimpse into Jesus’ Model for Missionary Work, as Christ came into the world in the way we should go unto the nations.

“Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.  So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”(John 20:19-21)

On Thursday we’ll see how, with Jesus as their example, mission trip participants should see themselves as being sent by God, be acting voluntarily, be moved with compassion, and feel compelled to communicate.