Ten Commandments for Mission Trip Participants
Remember that the primary function of a short-term mission trip is to partner with God in what he's doing in a given part of the world. Having healthy attitudes on short-term mission trips is essential to the success of the mission.
- Thou shalt, at all times, be mindful of the holy schedule by being on time and at the right place.
- Thou shalt always seek to serve those with whom thou art partnering -- whatever that may mean. Remember, thou are a guest. He who treats thine host with respect shall be treated as an honored guest.
- Thou shalt lay down thy expectations and be ready for whatever the Spirit wants to do. Thou shall not expect that things will be the same as they are at home, for thou hast left thine home to find different things.
- Thou shalt be flexible and not take minor things too seriously. Accepting things as they are paves the way for a good mission trip. It has been said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”
- Thou shalt not expect to have anyone clean up thine messes, for thou hast left thy home to serve, not to be served.
- Thou shalt not let other team members get on thy nerves, for thou hast raised good money and thou hast worked hard to insure that all shalt be a blessing.
- Thou shalt not complain about the food, the service, the work, the bed area, or thy roommates’ snoring. Blessed is he who says thank you and has a grateful heart!
- Remember thine passport (or other identification document) so that thou knowest where it is at all times. A person without documents is a person without a country.
- Remember at all times that thou art a child of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Thou shalt behave thyself accordingly at all times, remembering to always temper thine own desires for the sake of the mission and the glory of the All Mighty!
Okay, so these aren't the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. However, the principles enunciated here are foundational to success in short-term cross-cultural experiences. So, violating these 10 commandments (even if Moses didn't get them) can spoil your short-term experience and even tarnish your attempts to witness for Christ.
| 10 Commandments For Mission Trip Participants.pdf |