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| On the streets of Port au Prince, Haiti after the big quake. |
I am passionate about my life and how I choose to live it. I believe that Real Men love adventure just as much as they do family life. The things that we do as imperfect humans do not eliminate us from being able to do good things, or help other people!
Short-term mission work is an excellent way to share your gifts and talents while helping others around the world. It can also be a stimulating and faith stretching experience. I also believe that short-term mission work can be just as fun, if not more so than any vacation, only more rewarding on many levels.
While it is true that you may find strong or even objectionable language on some of my other Blogs, you will find only quality info and images related to mission work and humanitarian efforts here.
I know what has worked for me and countless others. I believe that you do not have to have any religious beliefs to succeed in mission work, although I have found that it sometimes helps. I have chosen to practice in my own way, that’s nobody’s business but my own, and I will continue to do mission work.
Successful short-term missions don’t just happen. You need to think through the various issues and plan your mission trip carefully to make the most of the experience.
Are you looking to travel and experience other cultures? Do you want to do something ‘real’ to help others around the world? Are you looking for a new experience that will stretch your faith? Do you feel a sense of calling to do mission work and want to find out more?
There are many valid reasons for wanting to go on a short-term mission trip.
Do you have a certain amount of time available for your short-term mission trip? How short term is short term? For example, will this be for a few weeks over a holiday or maybe for an entire year?
Generally, the more time you can give to your short-term mission trip the more impact you will have and the more valuable the experience you will have gained.
It is important to consider what impact going on short term mission will have on other areas of you life, such as your studies or work commitments, your family, your financial or practical responsibilities, or any health issues you may have.
Have the needs of a particular place or people touched your heart? Is there a region or country that fires your enthusiasm or interest? Do you have a preference for hot or cold countries?
Once you have a region or country in mind, it’s good to find out all you can about the place and people. This will help you prepare for your mission trip.
What sort of work would you like to get involved in on a short-term mission? Do you want to do front-line evangelism? Maybe you are more interested in practical or medical work? Do you already have skills or abilities that you want to use?
For me personally, it’s medical work, but if I get where I’m going and they need a painter instead, then that’s what I’ll do! Real Men aren’t afraid of hard work! Real Men do these things and don’t complain, it’s part of the deal. Moreover, don’t expect praise for anything you do on a mission trip, that too, is part of the deal!
So far, I have had the privilege of traveling to Africa and Haiti on mission trips, including disaster relief in Port au Prince after the devastating earthquake in January 2010.
Feel free to browse through the images, stories and essays here, and by all means, share with your friends. More pages and links will be added regularly, so come back often.
