Thursday, May 10, 2007

10 Preparations for STM


Ten Ways to Get Ready for Your Short-Term Missions Trip
Rick Holland

1. Prepare your life.
· Psalm 51
· Make your plate clean

2. Understand your purpose.
· 1 Corinthians 10:31-glorigy God
· You are not to be an expert on missions or a country
· Point to God, not yourself

3. Humble your pride.
· Pride is the greatest threat to your ministry
· Don’t present yourself as an expert on GCC, a country, missions, STM, etc.
· Don’t complete with team members

4. Relax your expectations.
· Don’t overestimate your importance
· Don’t expect to be treated like a hero (here or there or when you return)
· Don’t expect perfect team members!

5. Proclaim your Savior.
· Remember your message (Colossians 1:28)
· Be ready to present the gospel at any time to anyone

6. Trust your God.
· Know that there will be problems-expect them
· For example: lost luggage, getting lost, missed flights and trains, lost passports and wallets, uncomfortable situations, getting sick

7. Commit your effort.
· Don’t be the lazy member of the team
· Serve: your leader, the team, and the natives

8. Love your hosts.
· Write thank you notes
· Listen to and care for hosts
· Ask questions
· Remember that you are going there to serve your hosts, not to used them as tour guides

9. Remember your reputation.
· You represent Jesus Christ, Christianity in general, GCC, your ministry here at GCC, yourself and your family

10. Enjoy your trip!
· Camera and journal
· Take pictures with people, not just places
· Don’t over pack!
· Tricks of the trade (ex-officio underwear, non-iron shirts, undershirts, plastic wraps for clothes, change of clothes on plane with your, put something identifying on your luggage, put seven books you think you will read, check weather for appropriate clothing, Power bars, medicine).

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