“The whole point of short-term trips is life change. Life change for those going and life change for those they go to.”

For Jo Borlase, taking groups of people on short-term mission trips has been a significant part of her own ‘life change’ journey. Her many experiences in this area, alongside her long-term work with the SIM team in the Philippines, contributes to her desire to disciple others as they discern God’s call.

“A scripture that regularly came up for me was Colossians 1:28-29. We are to help others mature, presenting everyone perfect in Christ. That’s life change, and that’s what these trips are all about,” says Jo.

Jo previously worked for International Teams in New Zealand, training short-term trip leaders, teams and churches to be more intentional in the purpose of short-term experiences.

“We encouraged churches to develop an ongoing partnership with a church or ministry overseas. Rather than selecting trips to random places, we wanted them to consolidate ongoing support through visits, prayer and fundraising for one particular area.”

Jo speaks about several valuable training resources available, including Momentum Yes, which SIM New Zealand has worked with.

“You really have to think about the whys behind your trip. These resources will definitely help work that out,” comments Jo, “It’s important teams are a blessing and not a burden to those they are going to.”

Jo identified some key points for those going on a trip:

1. There has to be an application process for those interested. And for those who are not suitable for the trip, be prepared to say, ‘not yet’ rather than ‘no’. Perhaps suggest how they could prepare themselves for a future trip by giving options, for example, becoming involved in a ministry at their local church.
2. Ensure each person has a mentor before they go. Someone they can talk to on a deeper level before and after the trip. Someone who will listen to their stories.
3. Decide on some good rules for the trip. Some might be:

• No complaining on the trip (no complaining spirit or attitude).
• Do everything you are asked, without complaining, even if you don’t understand why.
• As above for the team leaders too!
• Leave every place cleaner than you found it.

4. Set ‘training’ dates for the team and ensure they have these booked in their calendars. One of these needs to be a weekend (Friday night/all day Saturday) and also set the post-trip dates for debriefing.
5. During the training weekend, purposely allow sessions to go overtime, tell team members to turn up early and then leaders arrive later, tell the team they can’t shower, etc. Then ask them how these made them feel and why this is part of the preparation.

Not everyone will be called to serve overseas in some capacity. For some, it will clarify where God wants them in ministry here in New Zealand. For others, short-term trips will make a clear impact, whether sudden or gradual. Jo remembers a time when she led a team to Thailand, and one of the younger team members felt called by God to return to Thailand longer term.

“Before we even left Thailand, she said to me, ‘God is calling me back here’. So, we connected her with SIM, and she went long-term back to Thailand,” says Jo.

Church leaders and members, will you make that call to send a short-term team? Create some life-changing experiences for your church today.

For more information, ideas and resources on leading short-term mission trips, you can make contact with Jo through the SIM NZ office.