Top Reasons Why You Won't Go On A Mission Trip

7.) “I already have plans for Spring Break/Summer”

Ok.  Sure that’s legitimate.  But… are they real plans? Do they include watching Netflix? Could you do them at another point in your life? Maybe you think that you can’t commit to a trip because you aren’t sure what are you doing during Spring Break or over the summer. But think about this- anytime we offer up our time to God for the sake of another (the homeless, forgotten & poor, for example), we are rewarded. By taking this step out in faith to say “yes” despite ourselves and the idealized alternative plan that may come along, we say “yes” to a plan that is much greater than anything we can imagine. Take the leap!

6.) “I love my bed….I don’t want to get dirty.” 

Yes, yes so this reason maybe isn’t as serious as the others, but nonetheless is still a concern for some. But alas, even though your comfy bed complete with down comforter is probably super relaxing, I have full confidence you can part from it for one week.That’s not so bad! Plus, getting dirty once in a while is good for you! Really, think of how many people in foreign countries don’t have running water and live in filth on a daily basis. Hello, reality check.

5.) “I won’t know anyone!”

You might be thinking, “this trip sounds awesome, but I don’t know a soul going! Oh, except that one missionary who invited me, but they know everyone.” A) missionaries don’t know everyone; B) What better way to bond with other people than by spending a week  with them, sharing intense experiences, bonding over using Eastern toilets, and trying new weird foods together? I can totally relate to this fear. I was there once too!

4.) “I’m just straight up afraid!” 

“The only thing to fear is fear itself!” I know, Franklin Roosevelt said that not me, but hey it’s true. I think this fear is pretty much unanimous before going on mission. I know when I went on my first mission trip I was afraid. I didn't know the language, i was way out of my comfort zone and I would miss work and have so much to catch up on.  But, thankfully! These things may have appeared scary at first, but facing them and realizing I can be uncomfortable, hot and dirty in a foreign country while also experiencing a profound peace & joy like no other, now that is life-changing. 

3.) “I need to work over Spring Break! I have an internship this summer!”

Yes, work is important! But, you have your whole life to work! Plus, mission trips look excellent on any job resume and could be the difference between you and a fellow applicant applying for a future job after college. Expanding your horizons and immersing yourself into another culture through service and faith is a highly marketable experience for many job fields!  

2.) “I’m not that religious!” 

Sure, the idea of a mission trip might freak you out a bit (it did for me!). You may be thinking, “I’m kind of into my faith, but this may be too much.” Yet, wherever you are in your faith journey right now, God’s greatest desire is for you to know Him more. If you just attend church on Sundays or don’t go at all, that’s okay; this is an opportunity for you to explore your faith in a totally different environment.  By saying “Yes” to the trip, He will bless your time and you will be amazed. It may be scary, but totally worth it! 

1.) “I don’t have the money!”

This may be the most popular excuse, and I get it, I really do.  You are “poor” (or so you think; 5 minutes in a third world country will change your mind).  But no need to worry, we can help you be prepared and  equipped to fundraise your trip.  Family & friends (especially Grandmas!) love giving money towards non-profits & mission trips.  Ask them- you will be surprised! Plus, if God wants you on this trip, He will provide for you.  Guaranteed.

So what are you waiting for? Come join us at The Refuge for a weekend or week. It will be a life changing experience you won't regret.
For more information about our trips, please  Click here to email Gayla Hardin our US Groups Coordinator.