The 10 Commandments of Short Term Mission Trips

Yesterday, I promised to post these this morning, so here goes:

1) Remember, 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.

2) Always seek to serve those with whom you are partnering--whatever that may require.

3) Give up your expectations and be ready for whatever the Holy Spirit wants to do.

4) Be flexible.

5) Honor the authorities over you, including government and church authorities.

6) Leave a small financial and cultural footprint in the area that you're visitng.

7) Be a learner. Prepare for your trip by studying the culture or area that you're visiting,
    but also continue to ask questions and learn during the trip.

8) Be respectful of and sensitive to cultural differences.

9) Demonstrate integrity. Don't make promises about following up or staying in touch that you can't
    keep. If you do make them, then keep them.

10) Make prayer the cornerstone of the trip. Ask God what to do, where to go, and how to act each and every day. Endeavor to go deeper in the Lord through this experience, and look for signs of how He may be answering your prayers each day of the project.

Please feel free to comment on this entry. What would you add to the list?

Russ Sharrock and our ministry partner from South Asia, will be in Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding states during the month of May 2011. There are several dates still available. We would love to speak to your church or home group. You can contact me at aimission@hotmail.com for more details. 

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry. 

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