Mistake #4: Choosing a Missions Organization that Doesn’t Include Pre-travel Training

Do you want to be a tourist or a person with a mission? What tourist shows up for training so they could make the most of their trip? None. But every person on a mission has essential pre-trip training and strategy sessions. Jesus' model of training his disciples was one of mentorship - they were always with him, learning from his actions in real time. We see evidence of this in Matthew 6:30-44, when both Jesus and his disciples had to, by faith, respond to the needs of a crowd - a basic need - to eat. This moment became a pivotal lesson for disciples who were prompted by Jesus to demonstrate faith, rather than see only what meager options seemed available to them. 

So many mission teams, even in Jesus’ name, hit the field running without any time for training or strategy AND it shows. In fact, the worst part is that such teams don’t even know what they don’t know - meaning their trip could’ve been so much more, but no one there had any other experience than just a bunch of strangers showing up together for a trip and then implementing ad hoc efforts connected to general plans. 

“Let’s build a house… you guys do this, we’ll do that…” or “let’s teach at this school… who can do this? Who can do that?” This fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants mentality may seem fun and spontaneous, but it’s at the cost of rendering a beneficial service to people in need. 

Instead, make sure the organization you serve with doesn’t just say they have training, but that you know there is time slotted for training. On our Summer Internship, students will have over 70 hours of training and strategy sessions prior to any service amongst the people. So, be a person with a mission, not just a tourist.