Why go to another country when I could serve at home?

 By Atalie Bale, Global Encounters Director of Public RelationsI’m a firm believer that one of the best mission fields on earth is your backyard.I bet you didn’t expect that coming from the director of public relations here at Global Encounters. I’m supposed to be the one talking gobs of people into GOING on one of our trips, not talking them out of it. So, what’s up?Here’s the deal: I’m a firm believer that one of the best mission fields on earth is your backyard. I also believe that your ability to minister in your backyard can be enhanced ten-fold by going on a mission trip to another country. Here are seven reasons why:

1. You gain a vision of what the global church is. When I returned from my first overseas trip to visit with brothers and sisters in Christ, I could never see the church at home the same again. Four walls and a congregation didn’t cut it anymore. I realized we were just one pin point on a map of thousands upon thousands of pin point fortresses in the kingdom of God. And we weren’t supposed to be working alone.
2. You can pray for and give more effectively to the global church. Putting a face to the need makes praying and giving a joy. You probably won’t end up visiting churches in every continent of the world, but even visiting the Christians in one helps put a face to all the others. When you have the smiles and stories of fellow brethren in your mind’s eye, you are moved to action rather than sympathy when they need the support of the body of Christ.
3. You gain a larger perspective on life as seen from God’s perspective. We are at war. The powers of this world want to hide this fact from us, and we live comfortable enough lives most of the time that it’s easy to forget. But it’s a little more evident in other countries. You see Christians exemplifying what it means to be a living sacrifice every day of your life.
4. You stretch beyond comfort zones and into Christ. We like to have a plan “B.” In most developed countries we have safety netted ourselves to death. Insurance, retirement plans, education, etc have trained us to rely more on our back ups than on God. In another country, you are often forced out of that, and in return, you get to see God work in bigger ways than you ever would have expected.
5. You learn what it is to serve to the point of being spent. On my first mission trip I realized I had often volunteered my time to a cause, but I had never served beyond my capacity. Paul says in 2 Cor. 12:15, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (ESV). I knew what it was to spend. I didn’t know what it was to be spent. The mission trip taught me that there is a lot more to service than serving within the bounds of what is thought to be comfortable or feasible. Once you get to the end of yourself, God takes over.
6. You fall more in love with God, the Creator. Mission trips put you face to face with the beauty of God’s creation in a way you’ve probably never experienced before. Things are not done the same as at home, and that’s ok, because the variety is invigorating. You see his creativity reflected in the color and sounds all around you, and in the faces of the people you meet. And as you fall more in love with the Creator and pursuer of your soul, you take on more and more of his heart for the lost.
7. You meet people who challenge your faith walk. The people I have met on mission trips have probably been among the most influential in my life. We all come from different backgrounds, different experiences, different maturities in the faith, and I see Christ reflected in them in ways that make me want the same type of relationship with Christ that they have. This is what iron sharpening iron is all about.

I’m not going to stand here and say that every Christian should go on an international mission trip. It absolutely requires prayer and discernment. What I will say is that my mission at home has been catapulted forward because of my involvement in the church away from home. No matter WHERE you are called, remember that you ARE called. You are CHOSEN. You are on a mission. Now.Atalie Bale adores serving Global Encounters in the position of public relations. When she's not writing newsletters, answering emails, or creating information packets, she runs a portrait photography business and works as assistant youth director at her church. In other words, start talking to her about photography, youth, or missions and you are well on your way to being fast friends.