Spiritual preparation for a mission project is the most important aspect of getting ready to go. Without it, you’ll be unprepared for the stressful situations that happen during your assignment. With the help of our friends at the International Mission Board, we compiled these four tips for being better spiritually prepared to serve:
1. PRAY
All missionary work begins with prayer. Prayer softens the hearts of people and also helps us be sensitive to God’s guidance as He directs us to those who need to hear the good news. (See Ephesians 6:18-20.)
2. GET IN THE WORD
If you don’t already have a consistent time during the day when you meet with God, commit yourself now to daily Bible study and prayer.
3. IMITATE CHRIST
Becoming like Christ — being conformed to Him in mind, faith, and action — will not happen during a Bible-study cram session the week before your trip. It takes time, discipline, and your willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and shape you into the image of Christ.
4. DEPEND ON CHRIST
Life on the mission field is physically, spiritually, and emotionally demanding. His strength is sufficient to meet every need you have, however deep, however immediate. (See Zechariah 4:6.)
Interested in serving with the International Mission Board’s Hands On team? Here are a few facts you’ll want to know:
• Hands On provides individuals or teams of 18- to 29-year-olds to serve on an international mission trip for 4-12 months alongside experienced missionary mentors.
• A $3,950 fee covers the cost of approximately one-third of your experience, including international airfare, visa, insurance, housing, food, and work-related transportation during your assignment.
• A $200 non-refundable deposit is due May 1st for fall applicants and November 1st for all spring applicants. Want to know more? Visit
imbstudents.org/handson for details.
Visit imbstudents.org/prepare for more missions preparation resources.
