The Long-term Effects of Short-term Missions
Short-term trips can be very effective to long-term overseas mission efforts as well as to the individual participating in the trip. A few examples of this are:
- People hearing about and believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord (Colossians 1:6)
- Long-term workers and ministries are encouraged
- Servants of the Lord gain eternal perspective and a heart for the nations
- Churches, marriages, families, and college campuses are strengthened by the effect of these trips
- Full-time overseas or US-based missionary callings are confirmed
- People have expressed desire to continue to serve in short-term contexts
Testimonies:
Ava recently graduated with a major in Intercultural Studies from Asbury University. Last summer, she interned at ACTION's USA office in Seattle. “I love learning about languages and cultures, and this summer I was able to use my gifts in administration to get hands-on experience in many different areas of ministry. I loved getting to learn about how a global mission organization operates as well as what it can look like to experience the Great Commission in a new way. This opportunity at the USA office has brought my future into focus, and I am joining ACTION full-time starting in the Fall.”
Melissa attends Gordon College. Last summer, she served with an ACTION partner ministry in Greece working with women who have survived human trafficking. “While in Athens, the Lord showed me that He equips those whom He wants to send out into the world. He takes us where He wants us and makes sure to sustain us in the field. It was a blessing to participate in daily life in such a beautiful country with such amazing people. The experiences I had and the connections I made in Greece will go on to shape who I am forever.” Melissa is currently in Austria serving with displaced people at refugee centers through ACTION this summer.
Peyton went on her first overseas mission trip with ACTION last year. She was really impacted by the trip and had felt the Lord leading her to bring her friends to serve on another trip with ACTION this Summer. Peyton and a team of seven others from Texas served alongside a local pastor and ACTION ministry team to share the Gospel with children living in impoverished conditions by taking them to a Summer camp in Colombia. Here they had the opportunity to act as counselors and walk alongside these children as they experience the Lord away from the struggles of their normal environment. It has been so cool to see the Lord move in Peyton's heart over this past year. We pray she will continue to serve the Lord overseas and that others on this trip will be inspired to do the same.
Erica served at Shalom Birthing Clinic in the Philippines last Summer. Since coming back, Erica has felt led to start a prayer-for-the-world ministry at her home church. Some of our mobilization team at ACTION met with Erica to help brainstorm ways to incorporate prayer into her church's routines. It's such a joy to see someone walk in obedience to how the Lord is leading them before, during, and after their time serving with us.
"We had a corporate time of fasting and prayer for favor for our church, had a trunk or treat for a nearby local community (which was a huge blessing!), did a turkey bowl, have had biblical womanhood studies, and more! For the International Day of Prayer, our children’s ministry did informational boards on the persecuted churches across the world. It was incredibly meaningful and inspiring to see what our brothers and sisters across the world are suffering and even more reason to be praying like you’re chained with them (Hebrews 13:3). Since being home, I’ve seen more and more what it looks like to be a servant. Whether it’s learning to be available at home for my family, serving in the church, or serving as an ER nurse."