So you’re going on a mission trip and you are checking off the things on your to-do list. Your clothes, toothbrush, and extra socks are ready to be stowed in your suitcase. You have your plane ticket, passport, and camera. You know the purpose of the mission is to help in the construction of a church.
But what else? It’s the most important thing! Oh yes, it’s to go and make disciples of all the nations. Have you prepared yourself spiritually for this? Here are some tips for spiritual preparedness before, during, and after the trip.
Before the trip…
1. Pray without ceasing!
• Pray that God would give you His love for the people you are ministering to.
• Pray for God to go before you and prepare hearts.
• Pray for protection from attacks from the evil one.
• Pray that team members remain united and of one mind.
• Pray together as a team, focusing on the special needs and concerns of each member individually.
2. Have personal holiness.
• Confess and repent of any sin that is trying to take hold.
• Remember that the Holy Spirit is in you.
• Be humble.
• Be thankful.
• Stay in God’s Word.
• Love Him above all else.
• Memorize scripture.
3. Be prepared to speak.
• Write out your testimony in simple language. People will want to hear it.
• Prepare devotionals ahead of time.
• Make sure you can tell the gospel clearly. Highlight key verses in your Bible.
4. Enlist prayer partners.
• Get friends and family praying for you now as you prepare.
• Encourage your church body to set aside a special time of prayer for the team.
• Pair up with another team member and agree to pray for each other.
In short, get prayed up, suited up in your spiritual armor, and ready to give your testimony and a clear explanation of the gospel at a moments notice.
