Student Guide - imbStudents.org

Table of
Contents
Introduction................................................3
Week 1: One Mission ...............................7
ONE MASTER, ONE MESSAGE, ONE MISSION
A Student Devotional Guide for International World
Changers
Week 2: One Mind ..................................15
Week 3: One Spirit ..................................23
Copyright © 2014 International Mission Board
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical,
photocopy, recording, or any other— except for brief
quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
All verses and passages quoted in this material are taken
from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV),
unless otherwise noted.
Week 4: One Message ............................31
Week 5: One World ................................40
At the Project: One Body .......................49
On the Trip Home: A Final Devotional ..57
Content: Asa Crow
Editor: Amanda Phifer
Theme art: Carson Ford
Design: Kathy Flores
Share Your Story ......................................60
Introduction
“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called
to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one
faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all
and through all and in all” Ephesians 4:4-6.
The theme, “One Master, One Message, One Mission,”
stems from this passage. The Bible teaches us that a divided life is scattered and unstable. The unified life is oriented
around what really matters. And what really matters most?
This one thing is the Gospel. You must choose between a
legion of empty pursuits that ultimately will deform and destroy you or Jesus Christ as your Lord who transforms you for
His glorious purpose.
A focus on many things seems like fun, but when you try to
grab everything, you come away with nothing. Don’t be deceived! A divided mind is unwilling to eliminate options and
commit to one thing. It is, at heart, cowardice. Imagine going
to your own wedding and still being undecided between two
persons. Expect to be standing alone at the altar!
Jesus alone is worthy to be the Master of your life. There is
no better message than the Good News of His coming into
the world to save us. And what better thing is there to do
than join Him in His mission to rescue others?
“A zealous man in religion is preeminently a man of one
thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty,
uncompromising, thorough-going, wholehearted, fervent in
spirit. He sees one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for
one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing – and that one
thing is to please God.”1
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Practical Suggestions in Using
This Guide
Consider these five recommendations as you read and
study this IWC Student Devotional Guide:
5. Start at least five weeks before your project.
This material is designed to guide you through five weeks
of preparation before you leave, with the sixth chapter to
be completed on the field. Each chapter focuses on a subtheme of this year’s “One” theme and helps you prepare for
your mission project in a specific way. With five devotionals
for each chapter, you can miss a couple of days and still be
on track. If you don’t start at least five weeks ahead of time,
you will have to hurry and will miss out on the preparation
and reflection needed before you go.
4. Start your mission trip now, even before you go.
There is no need to wait for God to speak and work until
you get overseas. As you prepare to go, listen to the Spirit
during this time, expect to be encouraged on your journey,
and accept the challenge to make some life changes. Perhaps you will feel called to start a habit or to address a sinful
behavior. Deal with these things now and integrate what you
learn on this journey right away. This will prepare your heart
and equip you to be more effective as you serve.
3. Use a journal.
If you already write in a journal as part of your devotional
time, then you already understand the value of recording
your thoughts, taking notes on what you learn, and writing
out your prayers. If not, please start now with this guide and
keep a journal, even if you only use it for this IWC project.
You will be asked to answer questions in this guide, write
out your thoughts about the devotionals, and make entries
each day of your trip. Not only will this be valuable as you
process what God teaches you, it can become a great way
to look back and see God’s faithfulness and answers to
prayer long after you return.
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2. Discuss the chapters with your team.
While the devotions are a time for you to commune with
God personally, the chapters are full of information which
is helpful to discuss with your team. As you interact with
others, share what stands out to you most, or some of the
things you learned in each chapter. Be sure to ask them
what they have learned as well. This will help you all to be
accountable to complete your preparation. You will also
benefit from your team members’ perspectives and edify
each other as you train for the project.
1. Pray, pray, pray.
We can do nothing apart from God. Prayer reminds us of
this reality and asks Him to move. Every time you open this
book, whether you are studying the chapter or doing one of
the devotionals, take time to pray. If you develop this regular habit of prayer, it will certainly make a difference both for
you and those you pray for. This may be the most significant
investment in your preparation you can make!
Writer bio
Asa Crow has worked and served in the missions arena for
more than a decade. He was in Baptist Student Ministries
leadership in college, served in several countries with the
International Mission Board, and was a missions minister
for four years. He currently serves as a missions consultant
with STM Toolbox, an organization which helps churches,
schools, and missions agencies implement effective shortterm missions through free resources, coaching, and consulting. Asa is passionate about missionary preparation and
on-field care, and has written several training resources.
A proud Texan and alum of Baylor University, he currently
resides in Colorado, where he enjoys everything the Rockies
have to offer.
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Week 1:
One Mission
Key Concept:
Every Christian is a missionary. No one gets a pass.
Actions This Week:
1. Set time aside each day to work through the devotions in
this chapter.
2. Read the article below. Take some time to look up each of
the verses about missions mentioned and meditate on your
call as a Christ-follower to share the Gospel with others.
3. Deal with the issue presented in the “Obstacle” section
below. Each week you will wrestle with a new obstacle.
4. Each week you are invited to “Dig Deeper.” This is an
option we hope you will pursue!
5. Got a journal yet? You’ll need it! Start now in listing prayer
requests. Pray your team will find persons of peace at the
project and gain many opportunities to share the Gospel
with those who have influence throughout their community.
6. Do some internet research about the history of the country
you will be visiting and some of the social issues people
face there. Let this information guide you as you pray for
the people you are going to serve.
Article: Why Go?
You are a missionary.
Some missionaries go overseas and others go across the
street. If you are a Christ-follower, then you are a missionary
regardless of where you are. We are all ministers of the Gospel (2 Cor. 5:17–21). We are ALL called to share the Gospel
as missionaries (Matt 28:19). That’s the key to Christ’s plan to
reach the world; Him working through us (2 Cor. 6:1). Why do
we go? The short answer is, because the Scriptures are clear
in our commission to do so. As God sent Jesus, so He sends
us (John 20:21).
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Short-term mission trips are a way to accelerate this plan
on the mission field, but also to teach us how to be better
missionaries at home. In Matthew 24, Christ shares what the
end of the age will look like. Amidst these scary and amazing prophesies he tells us what must happen for the end
to come: “This Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed
throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations,
and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). To see Christ’s return and the end of the age come, the Gospel must go forth
to every people group.
We get to see what this will look like when heaven is opened to
John in Revelations. In chapter 7 he shares this glorious vision:
“I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could
number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and
languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,
clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and
crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God
who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9–10).
To see this beautiful vision realized, we must embrace God’s
plan to bring it about. God’s plan is for us to tell the world
the good news of the Gospel. We are His voice to the world.
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be
saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have
not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom
they have never heard? And how are they to hear without
someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless
they are sent?” (Rom. 10:13–15).
For the end to come, every people group must hear. For
them to hear, we must go and tell! We all want to know God
better, but sadly somehow this has become disconnected
from being on mission with Him. As we know God better it
should compel us to serve alongside Him as well. As it turns
out, it works the other way too. When we serve on mission
with God we grow to know Him better as well.
are valuable on the field and at home! What you learn during
your mission trip stays with you when you return. Think about
this as you go through training and as you serve and learn
during the trip.
What’s the Goal?
“Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is
ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man.
When this age is over, and the countless millions of the
redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God,
missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But
worship abides forever.”2
The goal of missions is to introduce people to Jesus and
therefore bring about more worship of Him. When you serve
others and share the Gospel, your purpose is to create
opportunities for people to hear the Gospel with your words.
You are inviting them to share in the joy we have in Jesus.
You aren’t increasing God’s glory but inviting others to behold and marvel at it. This is why your team will celebrate the
new believers who come to faith as a result of your service.
Your team will also celebrate your faithfulness to train and
share the Gospel. Proclaiming is also a measure of success!
So celebrate when the Gospel comes from your lips! Even
though not everyone will respond to the Gospel every time
you share it, the planting of seeds is a faithful act that we
celebrate as a team. God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah
55:11).
Obstacle: Naysayers
What are some reasons people might say that you going on
this trip is a bad idea? Make a list in your journal. Take a moment to think through answer to each objection. If you have
trouble, talk to your group leader.
Short-term mission projects can produce three types of spiritual fruit. Your team can lead people to Christ by sharing the
Gospel (evangelism), the ministry of the host missionaries or
churches can be strengthened (kingdom service), and you
and your team can grow spiritually (discipleship). These fruits
One obstacle you may face is a lack of approval from some
family or friends. They might wonder why you would take so
much time, or give up your vacation to share the Gospel cross
culturally. Others might say, “There are people who need to
hear the Gospel here just as much.” Sometimes it won’t be
easy to explain why you feel compelled to go. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter this. Remember the Scriptures and the
value of the Gospel, and prepare for your trip with courage.
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Dig Deeper: Learn about Church Planting
Week 1 Devotions
Do you like extra credit? Think of this section each week as
making a little more effort to get the “A,” which in this case
means to be more prepared.
Day 1: Striving for the faith
One of the primary goals of missions is to build the Kingdom
by planting churches. Jesus gave us this strategy. He said
to find a person of peace (Luke 10) who is receptive to the
Gospel and to disciple them. As these influencers come to
faith, they are more likely to share the Gospel with others. As
people respond to the Good News and unite as a family of
faith, a church is born, which can continue to share the Gospel with its community. This is basic church planting.
During his imprisonment in Rome, Paul wrote this letter to
encourage the believers to strive together for a faith that
shines to the world in its actions. When God’s people “stand
firm in one spirit,” Paul said the church can preach the Gospel by living it out together in unity. He was aware that faith
without action does not spread as a true testimony of the
redemption offered by our King. He knew that only a faith
accompanied by unified action would spread like wildfire.
Do you know anyone who has helped to start a church? Find
someone if you can and ask them to share their story. Take
notes in your journal.
Has there been anything keeping you from abandoning a
worldly lifestyle and embracing one that reflects the Kingdom? Seek out the accountability of another person to challenge you in your spiritual formation and pursuit of holiness
before going on this mission trip.
IWC is designed to work in partnership with missionaries and
national believers who have a long-term vision and strategy for reaching people and starting churches. That way, if
someone comes to faith through your team’s efforts, they are
not left alone when you leave. New believers are introduced
to the missionaries or church planters and can be discipled
long after you have gone home. This preserves the progress
made by the short-term trip and connects new believers
to a local church so they can grow in Christ and help reach
others.
Read: Philippians 1:27
Prayer:
Seek the Lord and ask Him to help you to be transparent
with people to whom you can be held accountable. Request
that He help you grow through this in order to live out the
Gospel in your actions.
Day 2: The Great Commission
Read: Matthew 28:19
This direct call to spread the Gospel is our marching order as
missionaries. Our goal is to expand the heavenly Kingdom
in this earthly realm. Many people overlook other passages that point towards this command for the Gospel to be
spread. This command is just as urgent and just as relevant
to us 2,000 years later. We still have a task to complete.
Who is one person in your life with whom you could share
the Gospel with but are hesitant? Reconsider why you’re
hesitant. Is it just an excuse? If so, ask the Lord to help you
step around the barricades you place in your own way, and
give you boldness to share the God you love with the friend
or family member you love. Is it perhaps fear? Then ask God
to give you boldness, and hear the promise of Philippians
4: 6-7. Getting on a plane won’t transform you into an
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evangelist. Perhaps you can practice sharing your faith now
by sharing with this person. Remember it’s not your job to
“convert” anyone, simply to offer them the Good News.
Christ will strengthen you to share if you ask.
Prayer:
Ask God to give you boldness and courage to share the Good
News of the Gospel with your friends here at home, and to
others when you’re abroad. Request that He help you become
more of a witness even now as you prepare for your trip.
Day 3: How will they hear?
Read: Romans 10: 8-17
The Lord clearly instills His vision within our call as missionaries in this passage by encouraging us to preach His Word to
those who still need to hear it. This point reaffirms our calling
to cross cultures to share the Gospel. It testifies to the fact
that people must hear and understand the Gospel before
making the decision to follow Christ as their Savior.
Many people will choose not to travel to share the Gospel,
but you are among those who have decided to go against
the norm. In fulfilling God’s call for missionaries overseas,
meditate over this passage in order to align yourself with His
vision for your trip. Oftentimes we get wrapped up in our
own agendas, and forget to spend time in God’s presence to
align our perspective with His.
Prayer:
Ask Jesus to prepare the way for you and your team as you
come to Him to guide the whole process for this trip.
Day 4: Before Christ returns
Read: Matthew 24:14
This call is extremely relevant to our lifetime because we are
closer than ever to engaging the people groups who have
remained unreached with the Gospel. You are a part of this
movement. This verse is the end goal. The Lord promises to
return and rebuild His Kingdom here on earth, but not until
the Gospel has gone to every tribe, tongue, and nation.
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In the work of the Kingdom, a big priority is sharing the Gospel with those who have never heard, particularly those from
people groups who have never heard. The end is coming
soon, so may we prepare together by going out into the
world with the Good News!
Week 2:
One Mind
Prayer:
Ask the Lord how you can personally equip yourself to share
the Gospel with those who have not yet heard or understood
it. He very well may lead you to “practice” here at home.
Keep your ears open for this prompting.
Day 5: We are a part of the story
Read: Revelation 5:9 and 7:9
Once the Gospel has been preached to all the nations, there
will be representatives from every tribe before the throne of
the Lord. How wonderful is it that you get to be a part of that
harvest! It is beyond any measurable blessing to receive this
calling! Because of your willingness to serve the Kingdom
by preaching the good news, the Lord’s glory will be further
magnified in the lives of others. Rejoice in the beauty of being called to share the news that there is freedom available
through Christ.
God can use you, do not doubt this. As you have made
yourself available, you get to be a small part of this story.
Find your identity in Him. Your calling is extraordinary in its
end goal. There is no task nobler than serving our King who
has given His Son as a ransom for our sin. Meditate on the
Gospel and marvel at the celebration you will get to attend,
as described in these verses.
Prayer:
Request a small glimpse of His eternal perspective of the story
of His glory. Ask Him to help you live your life for the cross,
and be a part of bringing Revelation 5 to pass.
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Key Concept:
A Christ-like attitude is the best response to any situation, including the inevitable stressful situations on the mission field.
Actions This Week:
1. You are well on your way to using this guide! Continue
with reading through each section and spending time
each day in the devotions.
2. Are you journaling? Yes, it’s “old school” in some ways
when you could be Facebooking or Instagramming your
way to the project, but journaling is not meant to be a
public activity. Writing out your prayers, questions, and
spiritual insights is intensely personal and primarily between you and God. Later, perhaps much later, you’ll be
glad you kept a record of this experience.
3. This week is “attitude check” time. Start work on your
ability to deal with frustrating and unexpected situations.
Being flexible and fluid will come in handy on the mission
field!
4. If you haven’t started this already, make a prayer list of the
leaders for this project, including your team, the coordinators of the project, and the missionary. Ask your group
leader for names. Ask God to direct their decisions and
guard them from the enemy as they lay the foundation for
the service you will be privileged to offer.
5. Pick for yourself a theme verse from Scripture for this
mission project. Use it to remind you of why you are going
and to help you hold on to a Christ-like attitude when
things get stressful.
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Article: Have This Mind
Enter into a fairy tale for a moment. Imagine you are a
powerfully magical King or Queen who has been gone from
your realm for many years and are about to return. If you had
years and years to plan, how would you want to stage your
arrival? What splendor would you want? With your magic
abilities to command nature, move in power, and dazzle
others, how would you do it? Would you unveil a large and
magnificent new castle? Or maybe introduce a new color?
Would you conduct a parade back to your kingdom with
lightening, fireworks, trumpets, and music? What important
people would you invite to greet you and escort you to the
throne room?
Now return to reality. How did God do it?
You can get a hint by reading Philippians 2:5-11. Oh yes, you
can also look at Luke 2:4-7.
Christ’s coming
was the greatest
mission trip ever.
God had eternity
past to plan His
coming, and limitless power at His
disposal, and He
decided to come in
a manger. Who were
the only invited guests? Shepherds. (The wise men were a
year or so later.) Why did He choose the manger instead of
what we typically imagine a king of majesty would choose?
What does the way Jesus came teach us about the posture
we need to have to serve Him on mission? Christ stepped
out of heaven and limited Himself to serve humanity. We
should mirror this posture.
Don’t just be flexible! We have all been challenged to “be
flexible.” This type of thinking is very helpful when doing a
team building exercise or group project, isn’t it? Having the
right attitude on the mission field may mean taking it a little
further though. You may have to kick it up a notch and be
not only flexible but fluid.
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Imagine difficulties and stress as a pile of rocks in a bucket.
If we choose to be rigid we are like straws. When tossed
onto the rocks, we encounter the sharp points and a rugged
surface. If we choose to be flexible, we are like pipe cleaners.
When pressed against the rocks, we can bend with pressure
and make the contours softer, but the surface is still uneven.
This may work out, but sometimes we need to be fluid like
water. When poured over the rocks, we can be like water that
fills in the gaps and makes the most of the space available.
One of the strongest glues for cohesion in a group is when
the team can fully trust in their leader. When even one individual in a group doesn’t, things can get difficult. Perhaps
you can relate by thinking of a time when you didn’t follow
a parent, teacher, or boss, and the situation turned sour.
It’s hard to be a good follower, particularly when you don’t
always agree with the leader. It can help to remember that
both you and your leader are under Christ’s authority, who
was willing to humble Himself, submit to the Father, and
become a man. That doesn’t mean you don’t speak up when
you think something might be wrong, but remember that
you must earn the right to do so.
It’s likely that you won’t have all the facts when you are on
the mission trip. Your leadership has been busy taking care
of things behind the scenes so you could focus on Christ and
the ministry. Some of their direction might seem weird but
there is usually a good reason for it. Pray that God would
direct the leaders of your team and give you a heart of obedience. Trust God to hear your prayer, and then follow their
leadership, even when it means being fluid.
Obstacle: What You Don’t Know Can Stress You
Life is full of stress, and it often arises when we don’t know
what’s going on. This is only magnified in a new culture
where, more so than not, situations are out of your control
and you don’t have the security of “normal” since so much is
new.
What do you know about this project so far that might
“stretch” you and require you to be flexible? May we offer
you some questions to ask?
• Lodging – Should you forget about air conditioning? Hot
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showers? Your own personal bathroom?
• Food – Can you live without the endless salad bar, fast
food, free refills, and ice in your drink? Will you turn your
nose up at the rice and beans someone may serve you?
• Language – Are you ready to be the foreigner who can’t
speak the language? Can’t read the signs? Unable to make
change with weird coins? Unable to order off the menu?
• Travel – Are you ready to walk everywhere? Haul your
luggage up some stairs? Ride a bus with folks who will
take a shower…sometime this month?
Get answers to these things and others before you go.
Jesus was not surprised to find Himself in a stable. You will
be surprised to learn what you can do without for the sake
of loving others and sharing Jesus. Be ready so you can be
selfless when stress arrives.
Dig Deeper: Love Your Team
Relationships matter in all of life, but especially in our witness. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples,
if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). On the field
your team may include leaders and team members whom
you haven’t met yet. Are you ready to start loving them now?
Consider making the following commitments. Put them in
your journal and sign it.
1. I will begin now praying for the teammates in my group,
so that God will bring us together in love and unity, ready
to fully serve Him.
2. I will pray for the teammates I will meet later, perhaps
at the airport or not until we arrive at the project. “God,
make us an incredibly loving family in record time!”
3. I will arrive at the project ready to be an encourager.
“Show me the Encouragram Station and let me at it!”
4. When I am tempted to whine or criticize, I will first give
things time and see if it all works out. If I really need help
in dealing with something, I will go to my leaders first
instead of complaining to the team.
5. I will remember that this journey is not a vacation, and thus
not about my comfort or desires. I will pray for humility,
patience, and the ability to step outside my comfort zones.
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Week 2 Devotions
Day 1: The secret of contentment
Read: Philippians 4:11-13
An almost universal struggle of humanity is the challenge of
arriving at contentment in our daily lives. The Apostle Paul
empathized with this struggle, but knew the answer to real
contentment. Paul made it a habit to depend on Christ so
much, that whatever situation he faced, he could be fully satisfied. While life could be a roller coaster of ups and downs,
Paul found Christ to be his stable place to stand.
Are you dependent on your circumstances for peace and
joy? Sooner or later they will betray you. Expect to encounter hardships, but let them lead you to find contentment in
Christ. He will strengthen you.
While preparing for this trip, realize that you will face obstacles and difficulties that can hinder you from sharing the
Gospel and living in community with others on mission. It is
easy to focus on hardships and lose sight of God’s purpose
in using you to further His kingdom. Learn now to rely more
on Christ so that whatever the circumstances, you can do all
things through Him.
Prayer:
Ask the Lord to fill you with the Spirit’s peace and to teach
you contentment in all things. Meditate on the satisfaction
He brings you by trusting Him. You can trust He will give you
the strength to do anything He calls you to do.
Day 2: Seek God
Read: Psalm 27:4
David’s understanding of God’s sovereignty led him to be in
want of eternal connection with Him. This humble attitude
displayed his heart’s alignment with what the Lord wants
most for each of us: eternal communion with our soul. Before
going on this mission trip, join the Lord in communion by
dwelling with Him through prayer and worship. By spending
more time in intimacy with Him, you will be able to seek His
face just as David did.
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Seeking God’s face should be a priority if you desire to be
used in a way that magnifies His glory on this trip. He will
change your heart and touch others around you with His
goodness if you permit Him to pilot your plans.
How have you been hindered from seeking God’s face this
past week? Make a list of the things that have been keeping
you from dwelling in His presence, then consider how you
can rearrange (or do away with) these things to seek God
above them.
Prayer:
Ask the Lord to humble you to a state of surrendering your
own agenda so that you may spend more time with Him.
Once in His presence, give Him thanks for all He is, and all
He is going to do through you.
Day 3: Receive God
life where you can begin to integrate your service to Him as
a response to the love he has already given you.
Day 4: Where to invest
Read: Mark 10:21
If you want to know what someone values, just look at their
schedule and their bank account. Jesus radically called His
disciples to leave earthly treasures behind to follow Him. This
profound requirement for becoming a disciple is a standard
that invites us to measure our willingness to sacrifice earthly
things in order to obtain heavenly treasures. To follow Christ
means to invest first and most in His kingdom. It reminds us
of the proper priorities. It shows the world that the eternal
treasures found in Heaven are worth far more than anything
that glitters on earth.
It is common these days for us to define our significance by
our earthly status. Christ asks us to abandon this for a better
life with Him. Where is your investment?
Read: Luke 10:41-42
Martha struggled to serve God through her own works rather
than simply and lovingly receive Him. This struggle caused
her to blur the two activities instead of integrating them. It is
easy to get so caught up with good works that we become
blind to the opportunity to grow in our love for Jesus by being with Him. The Lord was pleased with Mary for choosing
Him above all else, even the good of serving.
Have you been attempting to please God through good
works? Perhaps trying to earn His love? Isn’t it rather foolish
to strive to please Him without trying to get to know Him?
There is certainly a place for doing good in our Christian life,
but “doing” comes as a result of “being.” How can you sit
at the Lord’s feet today with the intention of getting to know
Him more?
Prayer:
Spend some time alone with the Lord and ask Him to remind
you that His love is unconditional. You can’t earn it or lose
it. He loves you, and yes, even likes you. With this reminder
close at heart, ask the Lord to reveal specific areas of your
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Prayer:
Thank God for the earthly treasures He has given you. They
are not bad of themselves, and are a gift. In your gratitude
for these things, however, ask him to help you hold these
gifts with an open hand. Ask how you can better store up
treasure in heaven, even at the cost of earthly treasures like
time, comfort, things, and reputation.
Day 5: Remembering that “Oh Happy Day”
Read: Psalm 51
David’s earnest plea for forgiveness perfectly portrays the
brokenness that must be present between us and our Creator as we kneel before the cross to seek forgiveness. Most
importantly, David’s guilt did not prevent him from pouring
his heart out to God in a plea for mercy. He fully understood
that our High Priest was willing to forgive him of all of his
wrongdoing.
God’s forgiveness is free but not cheap. Like David, we must
be brutally honest with ourselves before God and not fall
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into the trap of making excuses for our mistakes, but to
bring them before God so that we can experience and declare the glory of His mercy to all.
Prayer:
Try to seek His forgiveness more adamantly and frequently
through prayer as you stumble over sins. Is there anything
you are afraid to confess to the Lord? Spend time with Him
to bare your soul that you might align yourself with Him and
continue to abide in Him as you prepare and then go on this
journey.
Week 3:
One Spirit
Key Concept:
What you are attempting is impossible without God’s Spirit.
Actions This Week:
1. The focus this week is on your prayer life. Determine that
you will not just read about prayer and talk about prayer,
but you will also really pray!
2. If you don’t already have a daily habit of prayer, try praying
for just five minutes every morning from now on to get this
pattern started in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask specifically that you would remember to pray.
3. When you pray, get away from the distractions of a cell
phone, computer, TV, and even radio. 2000 years ago
Jesus said, “…when thou prayest, enter into thy closet”
(Matthew 6:6, KJV). It is amazing how relevant that continues to be!
4. Take advantage of the simple and timely prayer suggestions mentioned below. There is more than one way to pray.
Article: Prayer and Prayerwalking
“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with
the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees”
(Corrie Ten Boom).
The Bible is full of verses that declare the value of prayer.
Matt 21:22, Psalm 107:28–30, Mark 9:29, John 14:13–14,
and Phil. 4:6–7 are just a few. The value and importance of
praying specifically before and during a missions trip can’t
be emphasized enough. Seeking Christ’s direction and
protection will do more to strengthen your efforts than
anything else.
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What you are attempting is impossible without God. We
don’t go on mission projects to simply do human things; we
seek to do God things. Prayer keeps this reality in the forefront of your mind and reminds you of your dependency on
the Holy Spirit. God does not ask us to do this for Him; He
wants us to do it with Him and through Him.
It is hard to express how necessary and important prayer truly is. Pray before your trainings, pray during them, and after
them. Pray for your team during your week and ask others
to pray for you as your prepare and while you’re gone. Pray
for the field you are going to serve and pray for your hosts
who invest their lives there. Prayer matters, prayer works, and
prayer changes things.
Use a helpful tool to guide prayer. The thing which
prompts most of us to pray is a need. Something we would
like to ask for. This doesn’t mean it’s selfish; maybe we want
to ask God to heal someone else. However, requests are
what bring prayer to mind. This is only part of what prayer is
about. A helpful acronym to guide prayer is ACTS, in which
each letter stands for a part of prayer.
A stands for adoration. This is praising God for who He
is, marveling in the fact that you’re talking to the Lord of all
creation. This is the part of prayer where you might express
love and praise to God.
C stands for confession. This part of prayer includes owning
what you have done, placing it at the feet of God, and repenting of where you have fallen short. It is recognizing your
place and embracing humility.
T stands for thanksgiving. Glorify God for what He has
done and is doing. Here we express our gratitude for answered requests, and for the grace we’ve received before we
even sought it. This is the part of prayer where appreciation
is raised to God.
S stands for supplication. This is just a fancy word that
means to earnestly ask for something. This part of prayer is
what most people thing of when they say “pray about it”
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or when a small group shares prayer requests. There is no
shame in asking God for your needs. The Bible even tells us
to do exactly that (Philippians 4:6). How big can your prayer
be? How big is your God? Intercede for your own needs and
those of others, ask for the power and help you know you
need from Him, and let this part of prayer remind you of the
generosity of your God.
Have you ever been on a prayerwalk? During your journey,
your team may be invited to prayer walk. Prayer walking is a
sort of on-site intercession. It is walking and praying in the
very places that we want to see God at work. You walk with
your spiritual eyes open and let what you encounter guide
your prayers for the specific area you are in. Prayer walking is
often like the work of a farmer tilling the soil, getting it ready
to be planted. God uses our prayers to weaken the enemy.
By asking for God’s kingdom to come, and for Him to bring
a people to Himself, the movement of the Spirit can be unleashed. If this seems rather hard to grasp, imagine praying
something like, “Jesus, would you bless that specific little
boy standing across the street?”
How do you prayer walk? Prayerwalking is often done in
groups of two or three and spoken aloud with your eyes
open as you move through an area. The tone is conversational so your partners can listen and agree. Your goal is pray
on the scene without making a scene. Of course, be open to
the possibility of praying for or with people you meet! Don’t
let the task of prayer walking distract you from an opportunity to connect with someone, minister to them through
prayer, or even share your faith!
What should I pray? The more you know about an area,
the easier it is to get started. Pray for specific social issues
or community problems you already know or can see as you
walk. Use Scripture verses and promises as you pray. Listen
to the Spirit to guide you and keep your eyes and ears open.
Certainly pray for the salvation of the people and for God’s
power to move and defeat the work of the enemy.
Prayerwalking will likely be scheduled as part of your mission project, but you don’t have to limit it to the schedule.
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Pray like this when the opportunity arises! “Prayer–drive”
with your crew in the vehicle as you drive or while you’re
waiting between events. Pray aloud while you’re working on
a service project or in between conversations when you are
sharing the Gospel.
Obstacle: Too Busy to Pray
This is the biggest obstacle to prayer. We don’t remember to
do it, or when we do remember we are already too busy and
just feel bad about not praying “enough.” Sometimes the
problem is that we think we must stop everything, fall to our
knees, and pray for an hour. That’s certainly not a bad idea
sometimes, but too often we make prayer an all or nothing
situation.
The disciples saw Jesus pray morning, noon, and night.
When He prayed, things happened. They were amazed and
said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” How did Jesus answer? In five
short verses, He gave them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer:”
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name” (Matthew
6:9-13).
Prayer is a conversation with God, and can fit into any part
of your day. Really, it needs to fit into every part of your day.
Here’s some ways that can help this happen:
•T
ext message God. No phone needed. Just send him a
thought, a question, a praise, or brief request.
•A
lways pray before and after reading Scripture. This is
God’s Word. He is not obligated to make lightning jump
off the pages of the Bible into your brain, but how much
better is it to honor Him and open your heart when you
read His Word?
• Each day look for a gift from God. “Every good gift and
every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of lights” (James 1:17). God’s mercies are new every day. Prime yourself to look for them and thank Him!
•W
hen the Spirit prompts, pray now, not later. Remember the prayerwalking mentioned above? Life can be a
prayerwalk! Let people you see, news you hear on the
radio, and needs you encounter translate into immediate
prayers.
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Dig Deeper: Create a Prayer Guide
Hopefully you and your team have a network of people
excited about your trip and willing to pray for you and the
project. These could include parents, grandparents, friends,
accountability partners, teachers, and donors. How about
working with your team to develop a prayer guide to distribute to this network?
The prayer guide could include:
• Project location, dates and purpose
• Information about the people group being served
• The training/preparation schedule of the team
• A prayer calendar with what to pray on certain days
• Specific prayer requests:
o From the missionary
o From each of your team members
o That God would be glorified by every aspect of
the trip
o For divine appointments, both at the project and
along the way
o Safety in travel
o Help in overcoming distractions and hindrances
from the enemy
o The general health and ability of team members to
serve well
Make sure your team recruits well for the prayer network. You
can distribute the guide by print or by email. It will be richly
encouraging to know a large group of people is praying for
you as you serve. Don’t forget to provide a detailed report to
these friends when you return!
Week 3 Devotions
Day 1: Pray with faith
Read: Hebrews 11:8-11
Abraham’s faith is actually a testament of God’s faithfulness.
In the beginning, God called Abraham. Abraham got to
choose whether to believe in God’s promises. In faith, he
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went so far as to pack up and move his entire family even
when he did not know “where he was going.” But as marvelous was Abraham’s faith, it was God’s provision that transformed Abraham’s hopes into an amazing reality.
Do you have faith that God can be trusted in everything?
Even though our faith pales in comparison to God’s faithfulness, we should be encouraged to seek His will through
our prayer life. To begin to live this out, try to cultivate your
prayer life by bringing more and more of your life before
Him in obedience and trust. As you deliberately and intentionally turn over an area of your life to Him, watch how He
will prove faithful and help you increase your faith.
Prayer:
Invite God to reveal to you a part of your life that you are
withholding from Him. Ask God to lead you to greater trust
in Him in this area. Pray that you would walk by faith until
God comes through with His provision.
Day 2: Be an answer to prayer
Read: James 2:14-17
True faith and good works are inseparable. If you are motivated to be holy just as God is holy, then a desire to do
good will be a natural result. It is interesting that there is a
cycle in the link of good deeds and prayer. Prayer is often a
plea to God, and God often uses His church to bring healing and provision to others through our good deeds. When
serving the Lord by serving others, we are often an answer to
their prayers.
Sometimes God’s answer to our request that He bless another person is to call us to be that blessing. In this way, we
might be the tool God uses to answer our own prayer. While
there will be plenty of opportunities to meet others’ needs
on your mission trip, serving others at home allows us to
live as Christ once did and integrate this habit of prayer and
service into our normal life.
Prayer:
May the Father reveal to you how you could be an answer to
someone else’s prayer today. Ask Him to do so.
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Day 3: Pray together
Read: Matthew 6:5-8
Prayer should never be used as an attempt to appear holy
or close to God. In this sense, this passage can be said to
discourage public prayer and elevate a private prayer life.
Private prayer can be extremely fruitful. It helps us focus on
speaking to the Lord instead of sounding good to others
in an attempt to glorify ourselves. God clearly knows what
we need, and trying to be flowery with our language won’t
change this. The priority of private prayer doesn’t mean that
we shouldn’t pray together. We should! But when we do, it
shouldn’t be to outdo one another but to agree together for
the same goal.
Do you find you are humbled when praying to the Lord? You
should enter the Lord’s presence in humility so you can hear
His voice through your pleas. Hearing His voice also requires
you to be listening for it – which cannot be done if you lose
sight of the purpose behind your prayer.
Prayer:
Seek the Lord to teach you how to pray by giving you words
and showing you how He works through them. Ask Him to
draw you closer to Him through a renewed prayer life.
Day 4: Find courage through prayer
Read: Philippians 4:4-7
Anxiety and worry have often been the culprits that have
weakened many a Christian’s prayer life throughout history.
Not only did Satan deceive the disciples through doubt and
fear, but he continues to deceive us with them by distracting us from God’s faithfulness. With doubt creeping in the
corners or forefront of our mind, we can lose sight of God’s
plan.
Are there anxieties, worries, or fears in your life that have
deceived you by causing you to doubt God’s love and faithfulness? Do you know how to rid yourself of these obstacles? The answer is found in this verse. “In every situation...
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present your requests to him.” Here you will find courage. In
dialogue with God you can cast aside doubt from your life.
When anxieties arise, run to God and find courage through
prayer.
Week 4:
One Message
Prayer:
The Lord can free you from any doubt or earthly concerns
that may hinder the call on your life to live on mission. Ask
Him to do so and show you specific small steps you can take
to do so more and more.
Day 5: Find power in prayer
Read: James 5:13-16
This passage declares that followers of Christ should pray to
the Lord in the midst of all circumstances. It is so common
for people to think of praying in special situations, particularly in times of distress, or in times of great celebration
of God’s faithfulness or miraculous works. But here we are
called to pray as a part of our daily routine and life. Our relationship with the Lord grows or wanes through our prayer
life. That is why it should be commonplace not only for us
to attribute the Lord’s work to big events in our lives, but to
smaller ones too.
There is power in prayer! So why do we so often neglect
it? Look up the song called “Prayer Changes Things” by
Deitrick Haddon (youtube.com/watch?v=cSgbOvJTIl8).
The song tells two stories which remind us of the miraculous
power of prayer. But prayer is just as important and powerful
in the small parts of life as well. Seek to pray so often that
power and communion with God will be natural.
Prayer:
Ask Jesus to help you stay connected with Him on a more
personal level. Request that He reveal Himself and His power
to you in your prayer life and in His answers to your prayers.
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Key Concept:
The story of the Gospel in your life is a wonderful gift to
share with others.
Actions This Week:
1. Research and discover a method by which you can best
share the Gospel with others. The field representative
hosting your project may have a preferred method which
works well in the culture you will be visiting. If so, yield
to their expertise, but be prepared with your faith-story
(testimony) as well.
2. What is your faith story? In what ways has God proven
Himself faithful and true in your life? This week is about
getting you better prepared to be a witness to others,
both for now and for your mission project. If you haven’t
done so already, work through the important details of
how you came to faith in Christ and how you can testify of
Him to others.
3. Begin this week a life-long process of intentionally seeking
opportunities to share your faith. Pray for confidence and
for the Holy Spirit to lead you into these opportunities, not
only during your mission trip, but before and after you go
as well!
Article: Evangelism-His Story
Imagine you have just struck up a conversation with some
young people in a park while on your mission trip. They
obviously know that you are a foreigner, but are surprised to
discover that you are not there to just be a tourist. They are
curious to know why you came. You have the opportunity to
share the Gospel! What do you say?
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What do you have that is worth sharing? The Gospel is the
greatest story you can tell. Through Jesus our sins are forgiven, we receive His righteousness, and we have an inheritance
as a child of God. Be unashamed! You can be confident the
Gospel has the power to save anyone. It is truth! If you really
believe it, share it like the good news it is. The worst that can
happen is someone might be offended. People’s spiritual
future is worth this risk! We know sharing the Gospel is important. But in order to share the Gospel, we need to know
what the Gospel is!
Romans 1:16 gives us the Gospel in a nutshell. We can be
reconnected to God. We are disconnected from Him because we have rebelled and done evil things (sin) that have
separated us from him (Romans 3:23). It is impossible for us
to try to fix things from our end. Everything we do is broken,
so even our best attempts don’t work! God, however, is rich
in mercy and sent His Son to pay what it cost for us to be
restored to Him: the ultimate sacrifice of His own life (Ephesians 2:4, John 3:16, Hebrews 10). This is awesome news!
people to share about themselves is natural. Be a genuine
listener of their story and earn the right to share yours. Remember their personal struggles or fears and consider how
these issues can be ways of introducing the hope only Christ
can offer. When it’s your turn to share, you can articulate the
Gospel through your faith-story.
Chuck Colson has taught that every religion and worldview
has to deal with these four basic questions:
1. Where did we come from?
2. What’s wrong with the world?
3. Is there a solution?
4. What is our purpose?
Discussing any one of these questions could lead to an opportunity for you to explain God’s story, the Gospel!
C2C offers a set of short stories beginning with who God is
and His creation of the world. Why start that far back in the
Bible? There are many people who do not share with you a
basic knowledge of Scripture. Their idea of God could be as
a force, an out-of-touch Supreme Being, or an angry deity.
They might not have heard about Jesus, or perhaps have a
distorted view of Him.
Tell your faith story. Sharing your faith-story (testimony) is
a natural and easy way to share the Gospel narrative. We all
love to hear stories, and it’s hard to argue with since it’s your
own experience. Sharing your faith-story unpacks the Gospel
as it happened in your life. This makes the “good news”
personal. It’s a good idea to get to know someone and
listen to their background first when sharing with individuals.
Ask about their family, childhood, job, or current goals or
dreams. Just have a real conversation with them! You must
actually be interested in them and show you care about who
they are, and the struggles or heartache they’ve endured.
You may find this will help you relate your story to them better when you share. When they have shared their story, tell
your story in such a way that it relates to them. Don’t embellish or make up stuff, but simply be genuine. When you share
the Gospel with the authenticity of your own experience,
the Gospel can be understood as the great news it was in
your life and why it is worth sharing. Preparing your story and
practicing it makes it much easier to share when you have
the opportunity.
How do you share? So, back to the park situation, what
would you say? When sharing the Gospel, you may think that
the hardest part is in starting. Beginning a conversation isn’t
too hard, but changing the subject to the Gospel can be difficult. Think about good questions to turn the conversation
to spiritual issues. One good way is to trade stories. Asking
Learn to use at least one method of sharing. In addition to
your C2C and your faith story, there are literally hundreds of
evangelism tools to help guide you in sharing your faith. The
important thing is to start sharing now and make it a normal
part of your life, not just a special activity for a mission trip. If
you will start with at least one approach, you will gain some
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God’s story doesn’t start with the cross, or even a babe in
the manger. It starts with a God who has been pursuing us
from the very beginning. In the IWC Pre-project Study (see
your group leader or contact [email protected]) we introduce
Creation to Christ (C2C), a storying approach that summarizes the message of the Bible as a whole. (See it as an outline
and a video presentation at imbstudents.org/iwcmore.)
confidence and others will not be difficult to learn. Here are
some other methods to consider:
• The bridge illustration (navigators.org)
• Life in six words (lifein6words.com)
• Four spiritual laws (cru.org)
Remember, the Gospel is good news in every culture!
Know the “so what.” So what should a person do about
what you have shared? Sharing the Gospel is incomplete
until you highlight the fact that the good news requires a
response. Giving someone a decision point is crucial. A
decision point is a question or prompting for a personal response to the news of the Gospel. It’s the “Matrix Moment”
where you offer them the red pill or the blue pill. It is inviting
them to accept Jesus. Like the old phrase goes, “The answer
is always ‘No’ until you ask.” This isn’t a high pressure sales
pitch, so don’t push for an answer, but simply prompt for a
reply. Invite them to accept Jesus if they are willing. It may
be the first time they have even considered it! An easy and
natural way is to simply ask a question. Here are some examples:
- What do you think about Jesus and the claims He made?
- Do you believe Jesus is the way to heaven?
- Is there anything that would keep you from accepting
Jesus as well?
Every situation is unique and some questions will make more
sense than others. Having a handful of them at your disposal
will help you give your new friend the opportunity to embrace Jesus each time you share the Gospel.
It is helpful to articulate to a person how he or she can come
to Christ. One of the easiest ways is to lead them through
the ABC’s of a decision:
A. Admit you are a broken person, a sinner who needs
rescue.
B. Believe the Gospel is true and Jesus is the only way for
you to be rescued from the mess you’ve made.
C. Confess Jesus is your Savior and commit to follow His
leadership.
Romans 10:9–10 says it this way: “If you confess with your
mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
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Start each day with prayer. Praying for opportunities to
share the Gospel each morning will bring about conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Prayer will also
be a key part of each process. Prayer can prepare the way
for someone to understand the Gospel. When you are with
a teammate who is sharing the Gospel, you can pray silently
with your eyes open for the whole situation. Pray for the person to have an open mind and a heart to hear God calling.
Pray for the speaker to be able to share the message clearly.
This way, you become a participant in sharing the Gospel,
and God may move because of your prayers!
Obstacle: Failure to Share
There are a number of reasons why some believers don’t
share their faith. Let’s consider the most common ones.
The first is a lack of confidence. “I have never shared my
faith before. I don’t know what to say.” This can be easily
remedied. See the article above. Witnessing is a lot like
riding a bike: you can’t really learn until you try it. Choose a
method and then finding a friend to practice it with so it can
feel more natural.
The second is fear. “I am afraid that I will offend someone
or mess things up so that they never come to Christ.” This is
more a matter of the heart than you may realize. In essence,
fear is the result when we value our own reputation more
than we are willing to share the Gospel. On the mission field,
it often feels easier to share the Gospel because you probably won’t see these individuals again; at home that’s not
always the case. Either way, though, the Gospel is worth the
risk of a little awkwardness. Aren’t you glad someone overcame their doubts or fear to come and tell you the Gospel?
The third is proximity. “I don’t know very many non-Christians or really have little chance to be with people who aren’t
Christians already.” Even in a culture where Christians are becoming a minority, some believers live in a bubble limited by
their Christian sub-culture: church and youth group, home and
Christian friends, Christian books and movies, and so on. In
such a case, you must not wait to go on a mission trip before
you go on mission! The lost world is here, not just over there!
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What is your status as a witness for Christ? What do you
need to do to gain confidence, to overcome fear, and to
develop opportunities to share? Work through this checklist:
• Enlist a friend to help you practice. Let him or her pretend to be an unbeliever with whom you can engage in a
conversation and share the Gospel.
• Find or create some opportunities in which you will intentionally share your faith. This might be a church-sponsored evangelistic outing or something you do on your
own with some friends. Consider a “hang-out” place like
a coffee shop, bowling alley, or school event. Pray before
you go.
• In your journal, make a list of people in your circles of
influence who don’t follow Jesus. Begin with family and
relatives, and then work outward to friends, neighbors,
school-mates, and co-workers. Continue with people
you may encounter from time to time at a restaurant,
store, or business. Choose five people for whom you will
start praying.
Dig Deeper: Write Out Your Faith Story
If you have never shared your testimony or faith-story before, or
aren’t sure how, take time to do it now! To begin writing your
faith story, think about how you came to know Jesus. Think
about what the Gospel means to you. The basic flow of a faith
story goes like this: Begin with your life circumstances before
you knew Christ, and who you were without Him. Continue with
how you met Him and what that experience was like. This is
also the part where you share the Gospel. By explaining what
you began to understand about God, sin, and your need for Jesus as a part of the story, you reveal that all people need Jesus
as well. Conclude with what happened after you encountered
Christ. Discuss the life change He has brought to your life and
the joy of your relationship with Him since.
After thinking about your story, write out a rough draft. Don’t
worry about polishing it yet, just let it flow and get it all
down.
Once you have your first draft, go back and think about how
to further integrate the Gospel into it. You may add something to include a key truth, or you may take something out
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to make the story shorter. Read your story aloud and see if
you like how it flows. Practice sharing it in less than five minutes so that you will have the chance to present the Gospel
in a reasonable amount of time.
It can help if you develop a general outline you can memorize. Word-for-word isn’t the goal here; this isn’t a sales pitch.
Knowing your outline will give you confidence with the flow.
You can trust the Holy Spirit to guide you every time you
share, but why limit your own effectiveness and presume on
Him by not doing some homework? Be sure to practice—in
front of a mirror and with a friend—so that it becomes natural.
Week 4 Devotions
Day 1: The beautiful message
Read: 1 John 1:5
Living in the midst of darkness in a world hungry for sin,
we often forget the only source of light remains in God’s
righteousness. In God’s light, there is absolutely no trace of
darkness or sin. His perfection is not hindered by our imperfections, but our imperfections can glorify Him when they are
redeemed by Him and we live as heirs of those redeemed
by His grace. Therefore, the message we have to share with
others is marked by this: that He is the only light in the midst
of our darkness. This makes the Gospel a beautiful message.
Prayer:
Ask the Lord to reveal the darkness in your life, and help you
rid yourself of it that you might reflect His righteousness to
others, in order that they may find Him.
Day 2: Knowing Him
Read: John 14:6
While many of us become numb to the truth of who Jesus
Christ is, many around us do not know this truth as their
own. Jesus is not merely your Savior, but died for all. This
truth alone implores the church to fulfill its highest calling, to
share the Gospel as sons and daughters of God redeemed
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through the blood shed by Christ. Although numbness easily
pacifies us, you must let this truth be refreshed in you so you
may know Him anew and help others know who He is as well.
Remind yourself everyone is on their way to great glory
or detestable damnation. Let this motivate you to love in
regard to their soul! Begin to interact with others with this
eternal mindset, so your actions may be intentional in living
out the true Gospel, and sharing it so others might be redeemed.
Prayer:
Seek the Lord and invite Him to use you as a catalyst for the
true Gospel. Pray this would happen particularly as you aim
to live out the Gospel to those around you.
Read: Hebrews 2:1-4
It is not uncommon for followers of Christ and those not
within the church to doubt the legitimacy of the Gospel. Yet
here the Lord calls us to place our trust in Him, because He
alone testifies to what is and is not objective truth. The proof
of the Gospel lies in His works alone, and we are called to
place our faith in His works. Our faith is well-placed because
it’s not based on an idea, but a Person: God.
If you ever begin to doubt the Lord’s truth in His Gospel, or
are surrounded by those who doubt, go to the Lord in prayer
and ask Him to reveal His truth to you. He will always reaffirm
you with His truth.
Prayer:
Seek God’s blessing. Ask Him for eyes that can discern truth
in a world that offers a thousand false truths to you.
Day 3: The pure Gospel
Read: Galatians 1:6-8
The pure Gospel - undistorted or tempered with by false
interpretations or additions – is the only Gospel that matters. Before you preach the Gospel of truth to others in your
actions and in your speech, you must be able to differentiate
between what is and what is not of the truth. The truth is
found repeatedly in Scripture, and calls us to live in the grace
of Christ as we live missionally.
When others around you attempt to sway you by truths of
their own, or truths outside the Bible, stand firm in your faith.
A great defense for your heart is memorized Scripture. Be
sure to keep Scripture readily available for you to recite to
yourself (and to others if necessary) when in doubt of what is
being taught around you.
Prayer:
Pray that God would hold fast to you and keep you from
straying away from the true Gospel. Ask Him to help you
fight any temptation to add or subtract to the marvelous
message.
Day 5: The Gospel is a declaration of love
Read: 1 John 4:9
This verse is profound in giving us a reason the Lord sent
His Son to be our atonement: purely because He loves us.
Not only does this verse give us God’s reasoning behind His
plan to save the world through His Son, it is the root of the
Gospel. Without love, the Gospel would be an empty and
meaningless promise.
Love motivated God to send His Son, and it should motivate
us to share His Son as well. It’s not always easy to love, but
He first loved us. Let that flow in your heart as you move to
share Jesus with others. Try to see them through His eyes,
and share His love, the Gospel message, with them.
Prayer:
Pray that God would be the cornerstone for your willingness
and ability to love others, so you might live out the Gospel
and share it as well. Ask Him to show you others through His
eyes.
Day 4: Confidence in the Gospel
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Week 5:
One World
Key Concept:
Other cultures aren’t weird; they are just different.
Actions This Week:
1. This week is your opportunity to prepare culturally for your
project. Visit an ethnic restaurant similar to what you might
expect on the trip and try to eat something new to you. Be
on the lookout for immigrant peoples in your community
or area. Make an effort to befriend them and hear their
stories.
2. Pray for those to and with whom you will be ministering.
Develop specific prayer requests. To get ideas, talk to your
group leader and do some research on the web. Check
out the these websites to find more information and
prayer points:
a. IMB Global Research: peoplegroups.org
b. Operation World: operationworld.org
c. Joshua Project: joshuaproject.net
3. Research and discover an interesting custom of the people group you will be serving to share with your group.
Perhaps you can also find a popular song, or movie, or
who their celebrities are.
Article: Crossing Cultures
Ask the average missionary about how best to reach out to
a people group and you will be encouraged to understand
and appreciate their culture. Remember, your culture is like
the air you breathe or like water to a fish. You don’t notice it
until you are out of it!
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Knowing how a people group sees and participates in the
world is crucial to building meaningful connections and relationships with them. A willingness to humbly “step into their
shoes” can often prevent misunderstandings and blunders
as you navigate situations in their culture. Even a short-term
mission team like yours can benefit from the process of
analyzing the host culture and developing a basic framework
for understanding that culture. You need a starting point for
asking the right questions if you really want to get to know
those you seek to serve.
The following are seven ways to classify and begin to understand some of the differences in cultures. Think of them as a
range; most cultures are not wholly one or the other.
• Hot
vs. Cold
This is a popular distinction that is used to stereotype
cultures. Hot climate cultures are warm, outgoing, communal, and relational. Their weather permits frequent
interaction and so the culture has developed accordingly. Cold climate cultures are less energetic, and more
focused, task-based, and individualistic. Their weather
isolates them for much of the year, and so their culture’s
values reflect this climate.
• Relationship
vs. Task
Relationship-oriented cultures focus on people and
welcome social opportunities, including even interruptions to daily work. Task-oriented cultures are focused on
getting things done and frequently prioritize finishing a
job over visiting with a friend.
• Indirect vs. Direct
Indirect cultures want to avoid offending others even
to the point of expressing their own opinion. This often
means people would will “beat around the bush” rather
than to give a negative reply. In some cultures people
will always answer positively when asked a direct question (even if their answer is untrue). In a direct culture,
respect for others is all about efficiency. Personal feelings are not as important, and people tend to get right
to the point with questions and answer boldly with what
they think is the truth.
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•C
ommunity vs. Individual
This distinction has much to do with decision-making. In
a community-based culture, people rarely make decisions alone. They consult with others, consider what
everyone would like, and engage them in making the
decision. Quite often this is because the welfare and
honor of the family or tribe is considered more important than that of the individual. In individualist cultures,
people are encouraged to think for themselves and are
expected to have their own opinion. They are bold, and
don’t hesitate to distinguish themselves.
• Inclusive vs. Private
Inclusive cultures assume everyone present is participating. Conversations are not private, so others feel free
to walk up and join any time. Whatever is going on is
everyone’s business. The same is true with possessions.
Most things are “ours,” not “mine.” In private cultures
the opposite is true. A person’s privacy is a social right.
Interruptions begin with apologies because someone’s
private activity is being intruded upon. Possessions
are owned by individuals and permission is required to
borrow them.
• Informal vs. Formal
Informal cultures usually have simple social rules and
often an “anything goes” mentality. Casual manners and
dress are acceptable. Clothing is usually selected by
what is comfortable, and the idea of presenting oneself
is not much considered when choosing an outfit. Formal
cultures, however, have many unspoken social rules and
“right ways” to do common things. There is a proper
etiquette for every activity or situation from how to act
at weddings, how to buy groceries, or even how often
to wash your house windows. Clothing is defined by
each situation or occasion, and much thought is given to
being dressed correctly for each event.
overly planned. Everyone knows that circumstances
may change and simply respond to what life brings.
The attitude of “Que sera, sera” (what will be, will be) is
predominant. Punctual cultures take schedules seriously.
People work hard to arrive early or right on time, and are
apologetic if even the least bit late. They plan engagements many months in advance. Everything that can be
structured is, and setting and following an agenda is a
sign of effectiveness. Time is money and another person’s time is something to be respected.
What do you do with a culture?
As Christ-followers, we are not ones to put our own culture
above others. As the Son of God stepped down from heaven
to take on human flesh and all that goes with it, so you too
are asked to humble yourself as a servant to cross cultures
and love people. In doing so, you must decide which of
three postures you should take with any given element of a
culture. You can receive it, redeem it, or reject it outright.
The parts of culture that you receive are those which don’t
violate the Scriptures. So in places where it is considered polite to leave your shoes at the door, you don’t have to think
twice about if it’s ok or not. Some parts of culture may be
jaded, but able to be redeemed. Your new friends overseas
want to hang out with you and invite you to go to a movie.
Movie-watching isn’t innately disobedient to the Bible, but
there are many movies which are unwise or unhealthy to
view. When you influence the group to watch something uplifting and wholesome, you have found a way to rescue the
situation and honor your friends’ wishes.
There are, however, some things that you should always
reject. These are the sinful, destructive, evil things which
should have no place in any culture.
•F
lexibility vs. Punctuality
Cultures that operate with a flexible schedule are rarely
concerned about promptness. People may arrive for a
3 o’clock meeting at 3:47. Life is spontaneous and not
Be ready to encounter parts of your host culture that initially
you will think is really weird and unacceptable. “Uhg! They
eat the whole fish!” “These people don’t believe in toilet
paper!” Before you voice this observation, stop yourself.
Consider that you might only think it is weird because it
does not fit into your own comfortable experience. It may be
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something that can be received or redeemed. Prepare your
mind to consider that these things are “different, not weird.”
anything that violates your cultural preferences is wrong is
certainly not humble nor servant-like.
Expect differences between your culture and the lifestyle
and preferences of the culture you will visit. Don’t offend locals by trying to tell them your “right way” to do things. Aim
to appreciate and humbly accept most differences.
Here is an important exercise to undertake. In your journal,
devote at least a page and divide it into three columns.
Label one column “no big deal,” the second, “cultural preference,” and the third, “biblical conviction.” Using the list
below, classify various cultural and Christian beliefs practices
such as these and others that come to mind by how you
should view them. Compare your list with others’ in your
group or with someone who can offer you wise counsel.
You will better understand this approach of knowing what
to receive, redeem, or reject in culture by watching this
short message from Grace City Church: youtube.com/
watch?v=lBDjDl4NeY4.
Obstacle: Language Barrier
You will soon be visiting another culture that is very different
from your own. Right off the bat, the biggest difference is
likely to be in language. One of the most practical things
you can do to prepare for your project is to learn some basic
words and phrases in the host language.
Check with you group leader to see if a language handout
for the project is already available. If not, prepare your own.
Visit travel websites and consider smart phone apps for help
in learning the basics of the language where you will travel.
- coffee or tea?
- a specific translation of the
Bible (KJV, NIV, etc.)
- chopsticks or fork and
spoon?
- a church that has its own
building
- God is a Trinity
- heaven and hell are real
- style of dress for Sunday
worship
- honesty
- drinking alcohol
- hymn singing or choruses?
- baptism by immersion
- promptness/being on time
- respect for parents
- smoking
- worship led by a band
- speaking in tongues
- tattoos and piercings
- the Bible is God’s Word
- sexual purity
Here are questions you should ask about crossing cultures,
language, and your project:
• Will we be working with translators? If so, will they be
Christ-followers?
• Is it a good idea to write out my testimony, get it translated, and make copies to bring?
• Would it be helpful to learn some worship songs in the
language of the host culture?
Dig Deeper: Preference or Conviction?
The American worldview is only one of many different ways
of seeing the world. In fact, it is misleading to assume that
there is any one “American viewpoint.” Your Christian beliefs
also impact this viewpoint. There is no need to apologize
for your cultural perspectives, but there is a need to know
“when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.” To assume that
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Week 5 Devotions
Day 1: All things to all men
Read: 1 Corinthians. 9:19-23
While Paul knew he was free from the law, sometimes he
would live as though he was subject to it in order to better
minister and share the Gospel with those who did abide by
the law. To those who did not live under the law, he lived in
the liberty of the Gospel to reach them. The modern jargon
for this way of thinking is called contextualizing. As you look
expectantly toward your trip, consider what it means to be
all things to all men.
What liberties might you voluntarily go without so as not to
be a stumbling block to the Gospel? What will it look like
for you to serve in humility and follow the direction of the
missionaries and leaders even when you don’t understand or
agree, in order to make the ministry more fruitful?
Prayer:
Ask God to show you what it might mean for you to follow
Paul’s example. Thank Him for the opportunity to join Him in
His work in the field.
Day 2: He is strong in our weakness
Read: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
You may have already encountered insults or hardships in
your preparation for this trip. Friends may not understand
why you would go, or others may have responded negatively
to the news. These comments or reactions may have weakened your resolve, but do not fear.
Even if you have not encountered calamity yet, there will very
likely be a time during your trip that you will feel underprepared, incapable, or tired and weak. This is an opportunity
to delight in God’s grace and believe His power will work
regardless. When we feel weak and out of our element, He
is strong!
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Prayer:
Praise God for His grace, and that His power works through
and despite our weakness. Ask Him to reveal His power to
you as you serve, and to open your eyes to your weakness
that you might see Christ at work in it.
Day 3: You are an ambassador
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
Soon you will join with a group of people in serving
cross-culturally. Your words and deeds will influence the locals’ perception of you. You will be there as a representative
of Christ, an ambassador on behalf of the Gospel. Reflect on
the implications of this reality and how it might shape your
actions not only during your trip, but in how you live as an
ambassador for Christ in your normal life.
Prayer:
Ask God for wisdom in how to live as His ambassador. Thank
Him for the opportunity to represent Him as you share the
good news of His sacrifice.
Day 4: Do not let your heart be troubled
Read: Psalm 139:1–10
A beautiful truth about God is that He is omnipresent. We
may be afraid of an unfamiliar place, but we can always trust
that He is there. The psalmist asks, “Where can I escape your
presence?” We know the answer is, “Nowhere.” When you
travel to your mission site, you may face fear of some type,
but don’t let your heart be troubled. Wherever you are, He is
there and His hand will lead you.
Prayer:
Be honest with God about your fears and expectations. Ask
Him for reassurance and confidence that He is near and “acquainted with your ways.”
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Day 5: You are a letter from Christ
Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1–6
We are a letter from Christ, message bearers who carry the
truth on our hearts to be “known and read by all.” As you
prepare to go, remember you bring the most beautiful news
on earth. As you rely on God, prepare to share this letter.
Prayer:
The Spirit gives life. Thank God for the Holy Spirit who is the
Helper, and for the letter you received in learning the Gospel
yourself. Praise Him for the opportunity to share it with others that they might have the opportunity to know the love
and grace you have experienced in Christ.
At the Project:
One Body
Key Concept:
The most powerful postures you can have as a team member
on mission are those of a servant and learner.
Actions:
1. Welcome to your project! The preparation is past and now
it is time to perform. Your focus during these days now
needs to be on others more than yourself. In what ways
does God want you to serve your team and others while
you are here? Try to practice the humble postures of a
servant.
2. Be a learner. Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where He
is already at work here at the project. Ask Him to show you
how to join in His work. Rejoice in whatever ways Christ is
already known here.
3.Engage in the ministry of encouragement. Help teammates deal with the stress and strain of travel and adjusting
to the new setting. Be quick to make new friends. Express
gratitude to the translators and national believers who are
helping at the project.
Article: Humility and Unity
“Saving the world” is not the exclusive or even chief goal
of a short-term mission trip. Your goal in going is to impact
the field with the Gospel and to accelerate the vision God
has given to the ministry hosting us. As “goer-guests,” we
are not the saviors. As “host-receivers,” the people we will
meet do not simply need our help. This project is a two-way
street. Both you as a goer-guest and they as host receivers will contribute. Above all else, Christ is the one who
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owns the mission and is present and active before we ever
engage. As a result, it is very likely that you will learn and
receive more than you will give!
A Servant-Learner
Without the humble postures of a servant and a learner you
may be tempted to have something of a “messiah complex”
without realizing it. In missional terms, this is when a person
going to serve does so with a sense of superiority and an
expectation to receive honor in bringing the message of
salvation. Do you remember the yellow LiveStrong bracelets
from a few years ago? One of the reasons they were popular
is because people could broadcast that they had donated to
the cause by wearing it on their wrist.
Thankfully, there is a way to prevent this type of thinking.
When you have the posture of a servant and see yourself first
as a learner, any messiah complex you might have is defeated. The ministry is no longer about you and you can delight
in sharing the true Messiah with those you serve out of love.
You cannot determine the consequences of your work, but
you can control your own attitudes and choices. Be a servant-learner!
What will it look like for you to be a servant and a learner
on this mission trip? The better question is, “What does it
look like no matter where I am?” To live out the posture of
a servant-learner on the field you must integrate it into your
normal life. Consider these questions to evaluate yourself:
• As a Christian, do you see yourself as better or more
important than unbelievers?
• Did you come to Christ because you were good or because of grace?
• Does Christ care only for His followers, or is it really true
that He died for the whole world?
There is no need to deny the fact that as a believer you have
been rescued from a desperate life apart from God. You
have access to eternal truth, amazing promises, countless
blessings, and real hope, things that do make a real difference in your life. These things, however, should not turn you
into someone who thinks he or she has “arrived.” Keep in
mind that true humility is not thinking less of yourself, but
thinking of yourself less.
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Unity
Unity is invaluable for any team, especially mission teams.
Unity can be difficult in the context of a different cultural environment where discomfort tends to expose our selfishness
and sin baggage. Unity comes when each person on the
team sees and believes in a purpose bigger than self.
Are you convinced that the purpose of this project is bigger
than your wants and comforts? At some point on this trip,
God is likely to call you to be selfless and pursue something
you might not enjoy for the sake of unity and the whole
team. This may mean putting a smile on your face for a part
of the project that you don’t want to do in order to serve
your hosts well.
Unity is not a call for uniformity. The goal is not for everyone
to be the same and do everything the same way. Sometimes
you might need to speak up and point out a need or a better way to do things. For a team to be united, however, it will
mean that everyone chooses to act together for a greater
good rather than splitting up to serve personal preferences. Just like a sports team has a shared goal but different
players with different responsibilities, your team may have
different opinions or desires, but these should serve the
common goal.
Obstacle: Name Your Worries
You may be sailing through this project just as happy as a
lark. Then again, you might be struggling. Home is a long
way away. Supper was not even close to mama’s cooking.
The daily schedule looks like a marathon. Fill in the blank
with what bugs you and/or the struggles you did not anticipate. Whatever it is, most likely it involves a loss of control
on your part.
If indeed you are struggling in some sense, then you have a
choice to make. You can complain. We all have preferences
and desires, and some of us are more vocal about these
than others. Complaining will probably not change anything
except to share your misery with others and lead them to
grumble as well.
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You can quietly comply and keep it all on the inside. This
sounds rather noble and self-sacrificial, but fear and anxiety
have a way of compromising your effectiveness. This project
will only be something you endure or your own, not accomplish with God.
A better choice is to confess and consecrate. Grab someone and pray together privately. Identify your fears or dislikes
or struggles unashamedly before God. Then lay them on the
altar before God and say, “Not my will but yours, Lord. Take
these feelings of mine and turn them into something useful
to You and Your kingdom.”
Be a connoisseur of good questions. Judge your conversations each day not by the answers you gave but by the questions you asked. Would you rather be told what to believe,
or asked about your beliefs? How might the willingness to
listen first influence the way you share the Gospel? Remember, one of the greatest gifts you can give a person is your
full and undivided attention.
Make every day a God Hunt. Expect to see God at work
sometime during the day. Remember that He promises new
mercies every day (Lamentations 3:23). Take nothing good
for granted, but be quick to be thankful.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts
be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Paul
wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
When you count and claim your blessings, you will find joy.
When you name and let go of your worries, you will find
peace.
Dig Deeper: See the World through Other Eyes
It helps to be empathetic when attempting to adopt the
postures of a servant-learner. It helps to see the world from
another person’s point of view. It may be difficult to do the
following, especially if this is your first mission trip, but try
anyway.
Imagine yourself as a local. Think of someone you met
that lives here in this country. Take his or her perspective of
things. Who is important to you? What makes your day special? What dreams do you have for the future? How would
you view this group of foreigners (your mission team)? How
would it feel to have a stranger enter your life and act like an
expert who knows how you should live better than you do?
(How might this perspective still help you share the Gospel
confidently but also with humility?)
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Devotions at the Project
Day 1: Your team: serving them and serving
with them
Read Romans 12:4-5
The Apostle Paul witnessed firsthand the repercussions of
the division of his Christian brothers. His emphasis on the
message of unity in the body of Christ is that we share a
common goal: spreading the Gospel. Working with our
unique function as a member of one body helps us to rely
on God by allowing our strengths to be used and our weaknesses to be compensated by others’ strengths.
When on mission with your group, you may face obstacles in
maintaining a good structure within your group. The members of your group will have various gifts: some people will be
gifted at leadership, some at encouraging, others at prayer,
etc. Remember God has designed you with gifts to contribute
to the group, so share them, but don’t forget to allow other
members to use their gifts to complement yours as well.
Prayer:
Seek God and ask Him for wisdom to discern how best to
serve in your group, even in the areas where you lack confidence. Request that He also give you humility to yield to
others where they are better gifted.
Day 2: Our shared spirit
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:13
There is a vast stream of differences among people. We each
have a unique background and personality, yet our need for
Christ’s perfect atonement for our sins is a great equalizer.
No one person is above another from God’s perspective. All
of humanity experiences the same weight of depravity from
our separation between God due to our sin. Thus, the good
news of salvation through Christ must be spread to all people, for who are we to judge who is and isn’t worthy?
The differences that would divide us fade among those who
share one Spirit in Christ. Allow that Spirit to work through
you to overcome any issues which may arise in your group.
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Before anything even comes up, consider how you might
begin to love those in your group in a way that reflects a
desire for unity.
Prayer:
Thank God for the gift of salvation and His invitation into His
family. Ask Him to reveal to you areas in your life that may
cause conflict when seeking unity with your group through
the Spirit. Then resolve by His power to seek humility.
Day 3: Striving as one body
Read: Ephesians 4:4-7
We are all subject to the temptation to become reliant on
our own plans and opinions. This of course causes conflict
when we encounter others who do not share our perspective,
but we must persevere through this conflict as peacemakers,
which requires humility. In this passage, we are called to unity
because we share a united hope, faith, and Lord.
We can all relate to the experience of disunity among a
group. You may have already encountered some during this
trip. The beauty is there can always be a fresh start at the
foot of the cross. The cross reminds us of our own need for
grace and compels us to give it to others as well. It is there
you will always find grace sufficient enough to cover all of
your sins. It is only with a forgiven heart that you can put
aside areas of conflict to work together as a single unit.
Prayer:
Thank God for the cross and the abounding grace found
there. Seek His help in being a peacemaker and ask Him
to bring you swiftly back to the cross when you encounter
disunity on the trip.
Day 4: How deep the Father’s love for us
Read: John 13:34-35
Christ bought the atonement for our sins that we might be
reconnected with the Father to live in His love. This passage
beautifully captures a call on our lives as followers of Christ:
to love one another the way Christ loves us.
“Love” in this passage is not merely the act of being kind or
compassionate to others; rather, it is a call to love others in
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the same sacrificial manner that Christ loved us, to give in
the way we have received.
Recall Christ’s work on the cross. He chose to exemplify unconditional love, granting you unmerited favor. May this fact
help motivate you to love all members of your group and the
community with which you share the Gospel.
Prayer:
Praise God for His vast love, beyond all measure. Request a
heart that could strive to live by the same love shown to you
through Christ’s sacrifice.
Day 5: Striving together for the faith of the Gospel
Read: Philippians 1:27
On the Trip
Home: A Final
Devotional
Read:
Luke 5:26-28 and John 15: 4-5
You may recognize this passage as the first verse studied in
these devotionals. We studied it first as individuals striving
for the faith. We return to consider its second half – striving
together.
Do you still have your journal? Get ready to do some thinking and writing as you wrap up this missions project. Our
great hope is that you are coming home with a bigger vision
of the needs of the world, God at work, and your place in
His service. Jesus is not Someone you leave behind on the
mission field! He invites you to continue to abide in Him.
Living a life “worthy of the Gospel” charges us with a declaration of how we must act as followers of Christ. Because
actions truly speak louder than words, we cannot hope to
relay the message of the Gospel to those who have not
received the Spirit without living out actions that testify to
its message. Serving alongside one another in sharing the
Gospel as members of the body of Christ means that we will
be known by our love. This becomes a symbol to others for
how Christ’s work in us is alive, and ultimately testifies to the
Gospel’s message.
As you begin to reflect on your trip on the way home, and
after you return, the Holy Spirit may prompt you to make
some decisions about your life. There is a limited period of
time right now where your feelings, impressions and insights
from the project can do you the most good. Think about
Jesus’ parable of the seed and the sower: the seed that fell
on rocky ground was never truly received and was snatched
away by the birds. Don’t let the lessons God has for you from
this project go unnoticed and unheeded.
Furthermore, “striving together” is the key to overcoming any
factor that may hinder the good news from being shared and
testified through our actions. The world is used to people fighting for their own way or opinion, but a yielding and respectful
humility is remarkable. How can you strive for this goal? What
might it look like to be a catalyst for unity in your group?
Prayer:
The Gospel is a gift we are unworthy of. What an honor to deliver this gift to others! Ask God to unveil how you can initiate
or preserve the ways that your team can strive together and
reveal how you can grow in living a life worthy of the Gospel.
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Reflect:
Take the time right now to consider and work through the
items and questions below. Write the answers in your journal.
• What do you think was accomplished at this project?
• How do you feel about leaving your host country?
• Who are some people you will miss?
• How did you see God at work?
• How did God work through you?
• Is there a “God story” from your mission trip that you
want share with your family and friends at home?
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Summarize it here:
o changes the way you view internationals at
school, work, and in your community?
o impacts the way you look at your future career
and ministry?
Resolve:
There are good reasons why your spiritual life is like a journey. Your spiritual growth is a step-by-step process. Your
obedience is measured by what you do, not just by what you
know. So, what might be your next step to take as a result
of this project? How should you apply your experiences and
what you have learned to your normal life when you return
home? Consider these possibilities and write your responses
as God leads in your journal.
• Is God calling you to follow through on a matter related
to your church?
o Join the church.
o Start a small group for prayer, Bible study and
accountability.
o Join in a particular ministry at your church.
o Meet with your pastor to explore your future in
ministry or missions.
• Is the Holy Spirit convicting you in a matter related to
your lifestyle and behavior?
o End an unhealthy relationship or get help.
o Spend less time on entertainment (TV, movies,
and games).
o Confess a besetting sin and become accountable
to someone.
o Find a mentor and get disciple.
o Balance a too-busy schedule to spend time with
God.
o Become a better steward of time, money, and
opportunities.
Reveal:
So often we fail to take the next steps because we haven’t
been transparent with others and enlisted their help in the
journey. A trustworthy friend who can ask you about your
progress, remind you of your commitment, and cheer for
you as you make progress will make all the difference. If you
persevere, your trip won’t just be an event for a few days, but
an experience that had a lasting impact on the mission field
and in your own personal life as well.
• Who do you know who can serve as an accountability
partner and walk with you through these changes and
commitments?
Pray:
Take a few minutes to pray about your mission trip. Here are
some prayer ideas:
• Pray that God will send more workers into the harvest
field in your host country (Matthew 9:37-38).
• Ask God to continue to work in the lives of any people
you mentioned above in your answers.
• Ask the Lord to help you think of stories from your
mission experience to share with people back home that
show what He is doing in that place.
• Ask God what your next step is in missions. How (and
where) does He want you to serve next?
Keep this IWC Student Devotion Guide and your personal
journal in a place where you can easily access them over the
next few weeks. No doubt you will quickly be back in a regular routine at home, and it would be good to take time to
reflect again over this experience and be reminded of how
God wants to use it in your future.
• Who do you need to share the Gospel with when you
get home?
• What have you learned on this mission project that:
o you need to share with others?
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will relate better to different people, and some will make it
easier to share the Gospel.
Share Your Story
When you have multiple options, you can pick which story
you want to share with each person to relate your experience with them in the best way. On the way home, take the
time to write out a quick version of each story. Do your best
to finish each story with a challenge question. This elevates
the story from an entertaining narrative you share to a direct
invitation for them to respond. Seize the opportunity!
Plan to share your experience when you return!
Many of your friends and family will want to know “How was
the trip?” This is a great opportunity to invite them to consider their place in the nations or to share the Gospel with them!
For example, your Christian friend might ask, “Welcome
back! How was the mission trip?” You can share a story and
then ask something like, “Have you ever considered serving
cross culturally here at home or going on a missions trip?”
Consider their place in the nations or to share the Gospel
with them! As fun as it would be to recount the entire trip
to everyone who asks, they will not be able to relate to your
whole experience. With most people you may...with most
people you may have only a couple minutes to share about
the trip. While it would be cool to tell the funny story of “that
weird thing I ate,” instead you should seize the opportunity!
With this in mind, the wisest thing we can do is to carefully
pick what short stories we want to share, so we can invite
those who ask about our trip to personally consider the
Gospel or, if they are believers, to think more deeply about
God’s global story and their place in it.
Your unbelieving friend might say, “Hey! Tell me about the
country you went to!” You can share a different story, where
you can share the Gospel with them by talking about how
you shared the Gospel on your trip. Then you might ask
something like, “So who do you think Jesus was?”
To prepare for this question in advance, you can develop
a few quick stories to share with people. It would be best
to have at least two which you can share in less than three
minutes, one which would help you share the Gospel with
someone, and another to invite someone to consider their
place in missions.
Share your stories with friends, family, your small group,
coworkers, or even neighbors! Remember to challenge
them as well! You may be the first person who has ever
invited them to think about how they could be involved in
missions, or directly invited them to consider becoming a
Christian. Also, now that you have practicing sharing on the
mission field, keep sharing the greatest story you have, your
faith-story! Share the Gospel as soon as you can when you
get home so that you will not lose this great habit you developed on your trip.
Endnotes
J.C. Ryle, Practical Religion (London: Charles Murray, 1900).
1
Choose Your Stories.
Brainstorm about all the awesome things God did on your
trip. Not just the crazy stories of what happened, but how He
moved, how He used you, and how you got to join Him in
what He was doing.
Now pick a few stories that capture what it was like to be
inside of God’s will and be used by Him. The reason you
want to think of more than one story, is that different stories
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John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 1993).
2
Adapted from Sarah Lanier, Foreign to Familiar (Hagerstown, Md.: McDougal Publishing Company, 2000).
3
Adapted from H. Richard Niebuhr, Christ and Culture (New York, NY: HarperCollins,
1975).
4
Goer-guest and “host receivers” are terms borrowed from Roger Peterson, Gordon
Aeschliman, and R. Wayne Sneed, Maximum Impact Short-Term Mission, The God
Commanded, Repetitive Deployment of Swift, temporary, Non-Professional Missionaries (Minneapolis, MN: STEMPress, 2003).
5
See chapter 19 in C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (New York, NY:HarperOne, 2009).
6
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JRP 1.5M 10/14 P6806
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