Will My Mission Trip Change Me?

Chances are, if you return from your mission trip unchanged - you did something wrong.

It’s no question that serving on a mission trip will change you. Maybe not physically, but emotionally and spiritually, you just might come home a new person entirely.

You may feel like your spirit is lifted and yet, burdened at the same time. This is because you are energized and rejuvenated by seeing the global Church in action, but you are also wrestling with and questioning what God’s plan is for the world, how He is moving or what role you play in that big plan.

These emotions can be complicated. If you are struggling with culture shock, we recommend reaching out to others who were on the trip with you and share your struggles, chances are they are also feeling the same way. But, along with some confusing feelings to sort through, you may also notice that you have some positive character changes as well like more compassion, more intentionality with friends, and a deeper understanding of God’s global church.

Your mission trip will change you in the simplest of ways, but also maybe in the deepest. Missions continually give us a new lens to view the world with each day. When facing challenging moments with a new world-perspective, the right decision is often made very clear. Sometimes it just takes looking through a lens of patience, gratitude or truth. Of kindness, giving, or joy. Other times it requires a lens of simple reality.

We aren’t perfect people, and some days you may fail miserably at seeing life with a world-perspective.

But, we know that every day is a choice. You can either double down and root deeper into what you know is right and true, or give up. 

Embrace the changes within your heart after returning home from missions and choose the harder path that ultimately leads to a healthier life. A more God-honoring life where we choose to live with perspective.