What is your mission?

I have been to the mission field. The Lord sent me to Oakland, California, to a newly started mission just spun off another. It took a while for the missionary to accept me, but when she did we incorporated it with its own charter. WE got into drug rehabilitation. Men, women and children of drug rebounds all in their own specific homes [within the mission]. View attachment 202611

Is it to spread the gospel or is it just to get married.

And has anyone here been on mission trips, if so, can you share what its like. Thanks would love to know. How do you know when and where you are called?

I explored missions and did a whole course on it but basically what they told us is that you need lots of money, which the missions board will dole out to you, insurance, and often you will end up just looking after the children of missionaries who are all privately schooled and not actually reaching out to the people of the country you are going.

One of the ladies at church lived in india as part of a missions team and never actually reached out to any indians there. I was like so did you tell others the gospel and have many people convert. And she said no not one. ?! I thought maybe she would have amzaing testimonies of people coming to Christ but she didnt even talk or live amongst any people who were not already christians just her own compound. How can you live like that and say thats mission and just not spread the gospel. . I dont understand that, but thats what happens.

And people on missions boards usually just want people to do admin and send money. Not saying admin isnt important but keeping accounts am not sure that really qualifies as reaching out. Its actually easy to send money, or work for other christians in their own worlds but harder to go yourself and care and be with the people who arent christians. Cos how can they even relate to you if you dont really experience what they experience? I could be wrong though, maybe being a nanny or cook or gardener to privelighed christians childrens overseas is mission...?

I explored missions and did a whole course on it but basically what they told us is that you need lots of money, which the missions board will dole out to you, insurance, and often you will end up just looking after the children of missionaries who are all privately schooled and not actually reaching out to the people of the country you are going.

One of the ladies at church lived in india as part of a missions team and never actually reached out to any indians there. I was like so did you tell others the gospel and have many people convert. And she said no not one. ?! I thought maybe she would have amzaing testimonies of people coming to Christ but she didnt even talk or live amongst any people who were not already christians just her own compound. How can you live like that and say thats mission and just not spread the gospel. . I dont understand that, but thats what happens.

And people on missions boards usually just want people to do admin and send money. Not saying admin isnt important but keeping accounts am not sure that really qualifies as reaching out. Its actually easy to send money, or work for other christians in their own worlds but harder to go yourself and care and be with the people who arent christians. Cos how can they even relate to you if you dont really experience what they experience? I could be wrong though, maybe being a nanny or cook or gardener to privelighed christians childrens overseas is mission...?

What kind of drugs, or is it just all kinds. P has become the main scourge here.

I would encourage you to check out a few other denominations then. AG is very missions oriented.

Also as an umbrella you can check out YWAM. There aren't any age requirements that I'm aware of, but I'm not yet 30 so possibly I overlooked them. As with any mission group though, you have to keep in mind your own belief system...be open to new revelation but closed to things that don't line up with your spirit. There are certain things in YWAM I'm pretty on the fence about...some of that involves becoming well versed in the religion of that particular country.

My brother got invited to a Ramadan feast in YWAM and called and asked if he should go. I'll leave that to your own discretion and personally I see NO reason why you would need to understand their religion to that extent unless you feel STRONGLY that is how the Lord wants you to be used, and of course to spend a lot of time in prayer about it.

I will note that it was not "required".

He is currently overseas for like 2-3 months. His total start up was around 5k for a 6 month program. To me that's not unreasonable.

MOST of the cost of mission trips is airfare. That's why short terms are so expensive. If you extend it to 6 weeks+ it's not any more expensive than day to day costs beyond the initial airfare...in fact sometimes it can be cheaper.


I haven't ever heard of a mission trip like what you have described. I would have some words to say with that organization. Tons of info I can provide. I'm thinking about it myself and found a place in Peru that I can go that has housing and is $500/mo. for as long as you feel led to stay (of course airfare not included )



I do feel you on your own backyard being a mission but America is so unlike most places in the world. Doing ministry in the church is all well and good but I want to lead someone to Jesus and the soil isn't fertile here it seems. I've just had so many doors slammed in my face. People already "know"...

If you feel like this is your mission field and that's what the Lord wants...WOOOHOOO!


To answer the OP though on how do you know. I'm not sure at present. I know that I went when I was 16 and loved it more than anything I've ever done. We did street ministry (human videos, tracts, worship, and convo) and these people owned a coffee shop that was just a meeting place. People shared their testimonies. Usual stuff.

I did recall a man that was like a street-wise and now knowing more or less what I'm like the memories I have of people just off that one trip is helpful in realizing there are many styles and it takes all types. I was also encouraged by a guy that led small groups when I was like 14 that also went on it and he wouldn't hang out with our "group" when we were on buses and stuff. He would strike up conversations with locals and thinking back that's exactly what I do...maybe a soil softener? Except I don't see that in scripture unless possibly it's tilling. Not sure.

So yeah, I know I like it, but I didn't want to go back until I was sure it was the Lord. I'm still not, but am seriously considering it once again because I want to start from the ground up with people that haven't ever heard. Plant churches and just do ministry work in areas where it's like an answered prayer to people. I have had dreams about talking to missionaries but I take dreams with a grain of salt.

Getting a bit long (as per usual alas) but usually you have to reach out on your own if you want to not participate in "christian tourism" and actually want to do "missions". So like look through AG, Baptist, Church of God missionaries that they support. Reach out to one of the missionaries and plan a trip and state your intentions of why you don't really want to go on a church sponsored one and ask them about your concerns. On your own there is far less red tape. You just need a passport and a visa I think if you are staying past a certain amount of time. I'm sure they'd meet you at the airport and apprise you of places you shouldn't really go to for safety reasons.

Honestly if you have a heart for the lost going and living with a missionary for a bit is a great way to talk about that. In my experience, other than new believers that are passionate, people don't have a burden for evangelism that becomes a lifestyle. That burning desire and urgency only comes from the Lord though and not everyone has it that way.

There are also sub focuses of missions. Like a church building trip (for people that like to build), Well-digging trips, Optometry trips, Dentistry trips. Gardening/farming is very much in need in a lot of these places.

Sooo many of them are 2 week and are basically vacations with a smattering of ministry outreaches. It's a good way to get a feel for whether or not you like being in another country though, and to perceive a need. Kind of like a simulation.



Well alright...finishing up! I promise. In the end, I don't think there's any harm to going on one, other than confusion if you feel torn like I do about where to be when I see multiple needs. There are low cost alternatives like Alaska or Mexico...you can take a bus to mexico.

Thanks for bring up the topic...got me to flesh out some of the things I've been feeling about it. I always wanted to have a church on a hillside in some remote country far removed from America but that was too picture perfect so I just shrugged it off and focused on what was here. I am rethinking my position ha.

Edit: took a gander at another post. I disagree with the money just spontaneously appearing. It "can". But you could also work for a year and save 10% to be used for that purpose. Paul was self funded for the most part...the others were not. Just something to consider. I've not gone because the money didn't come through and I was like "well why can't I work a job for it" No reason you can't. Unless someone shows me the money thing in the word I don't consider that a signal.

My mission ministry was from '85 to '92 so it was mainly crack at that time. I more recently have ministered in special needs children here in Oklahoma. View attachment 202614

Yes AOG seems like the church that had more missions vibrancy than any others recently.
Presys are connected with YWAM which has its good and bad points.
baptists have their own missionary society but concentrate on certain areas and raise funds for them . Looking at their history they used to be rather insular and late in coming to missions and totally neglected the needs of indigineous peoples who they thought well they heard the gospel, but neglected to really grow and support the churches that sprang from those efforts. Thats become better in recent years which is encouraging.

This life is a mission trip and we are called to live every day, every moment in pray and worship of God.

We are called to glorify Him and praise him.

Some are called to marry and others to remain single, but Jesus accepts us in whatever state He finds us in.

We are called to show God's love.

For me, God is teaching me the importance of just being in his presence and just listening. Being at peace because I don't have to savior the world, just point people to the One who already has

God has taught me to slow down and stop trying to do my own thing but instead look and listen and see where God wants me to be. Who God wants me to meet.

It's not about what you do, but the love you have in your heart as the reason why you do anything.

We only truly know how to love because He first loved us.

So I believe God calls all His children to this mission field called Earth and our present day life because we are just sorjourners walking back home to Him. Perhaps we can help one another and show God's love in real ways.

Do you take time to see your brothers and sisters and say a word of encouragement about how God's light is shining through them?

Do you see someone crying and take the time to listen and pray instead of trying to get them to stop by giving platitudes or your own solutions?

Do you show God's love every day by what you say and do?

We aren't perfect but if we can bring light or oil to one soul, doesn't it make our own day brighter.

We can always find ways to bear one another's burdens and make friends who will share the same

Hope you have a blessed day

I didn't realize you were in NZ. That does complicate things, and you would get a lot of visitors...unfortunately mostly somewhat affluent visitors? Emigrating or going to NZ is so far out of my price range...although it does look BOOtiful.

The only thing I can think of near there as far as indigenous people is the aborigines but it's probs expensive to fly from NZ to AUS. It would be an adventure though


I feel you on the "social" club thing. At the same time, I wouldn't knock insular christian communities too much.,,it could be they just need someone to tell them. Usually there are almost "hidden ministries" where a pastor goes and visits hospitals, takes care of widows, participate in homeless ministries in some fashion (food drives and such). It's not always seen on the surface. At least here it's that way. To be fair, a pastor could be in error by not instructing his church and trying to do it all himself.

If they are isolated though...I think there is a problem. Considering open prosecution isn't mortal, there's no reason to be isolated that I can see. Ivory tower Christianity isn't christianity.

Dont you have indigenous peoples in america...the native americans?

Ah... so you're just asking questions so you can take issue with the people who respond. Glad we got that cleared up, saves me anymore time trying to have a discussion with you.

Yes. Why do you ask?


Native american spirituality confuses me so I stay away from it. It feels like how I operate in the spirit and yet they don't know Yeshua so like I said, confusing. I'm not opposed, I have very low income and am penny pinching for whatever direction at present. Also preparing for SAD and that being south of the equator and experiencing summer twice would be nice. As well as to work with local children in a 3rd world country.

Children are my soft spot

Do you reach out to them. How can it confuse you if they dont yet know Jesus, just tell them.
I thought americans celebrated thanksgiving only because the native americans were welcoming people to their lands. Isnt giving thanks an integral part of our relationship with God?