Planning for a domestic mission trip is often done in conjunction with your church. However, the medical field may offer trips as well. An agency such as Christian Outreach International offers various trips for short-term missions work. For a domestic trip, your pastor will ask permission from a sister church or other location. He should also find out how many people can be accommodated in one trip. At this point, the pastor will usually have a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in attending the mission trip. Determine if you will use your personal vehicles for travel, rent a vehicle, or use the church or organization's vehicle. Sharing gasoline costs helps reduce the overall expense of the trip. Hotel accommodations are usually less expensive if all males stay in one room and all females in another room. Decide beforehand how often you will stop to eat, as this is one of the most expensive items of a missions trip. If it is a one-day drive, consider an inexpensive breakfast, lunch meats at a picnic or rest area along the way, and dinner at a family-style restaurant. At the location, there will probably be a list of items or assignments that need to be accomplished. These can include building maintenance or construction, general cleaning, street missions and/or working with the church staff. Be sure the people planning to attend have the physical ability to perform the chosen task.
An international missions trip can take more planning. Not only are passports required, but most countries also require a visa, which is a document that gives you permission to be in the country for a specified time period. Immunizations are generally required for all countries overseas. Obtain your passport early as it can take up to six weeks for processing. You can obtain a passport application and photos from most United States post offices. Be sure to understand the rules of the country to which you will be traveling. Your mission trip leader will obtain information regarding literature you are allowed to take on your trip. If you are part of a large organization, such as Operation Mobilization, they will take care of literature requirements. Take along sunscreen, lip balm and any needed medication in their original containers. Pack for both cool and hot weather, as the extremes in temperature in some areas are intense. If allowed, use traveler's checks instead of cash.
Consider insurance for either domestic or international travel. This will cover you in the event of unexpected medical needs, family emergencies and trip cancellation. You may also be able to obtain for natural disasters or trip interruption. Insurance is available on an individual or group basis through organizations such as Mission Trip Insurance. This company includes a clause for terrorism coverage automatically on all polices. Seriously consider this option if you are traveling to an international location.
Take along a journal or notebook and a supply of pens to take notes as you travel. Bring a digital camera if it's allowed by the missions director. Before traveling, visit a site such as virtualtourist.com for a look at general information about your destination. This site offers looks at both domestic and international locations.
Once you have returned from your missions trip, take some time to meet as a group and discuss what you learned and how your experience has changed you. Share your experience with other church members, family and friends. If you were able to obtain photographs during your trip, put together a slide show and present it to the whole church. Be sure to allow time for the trip to filter into your life, both spiritually and emotionally. Praise God for the opportunity and encourage others about mission trips.
