The Rich Reward of Mission Trips

By Jim Micheff -  January 1, 2025

 

The Rich Reward of Mission Trips

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we hold a profound responsibility and privilege to share the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, His sacrificial death, His victorious resurrection, and the glorious promise of His second coming.

 

This blessed hope is not just a belief we treasure; it is a gift meant to be shared with a world longing for peace and purpose amidst its turmoil.

The Bible reminds us not to hide our light but to let it shine brightly, reaching out to all nations and making disciples in His name. Here in the Michigan Conference, this calling takes tangible form through a variety of initiatives. Programs like Youth Rush, Emmanuel Institute, and Adventist Community Services are testaments to our commitment to local ministry. Yet, our mission extends beyond our borders. Through foreign mission trips, we aim to touch lives globally, fostering transformation both in the hearts of those we serve and those who go.

ShareHim Mission Trips: Mentoring the Next Generation

One of the most impactful ways we fulfill this global mission is through ShareHim, an initiative that pairs evangelism with youth mentorship. This program invites young people aged 18–35 to experience firsthand the joy and challenge of sharing the gospel in foreign settings. Accompanied by their local pastors, these young missionaries step out in faith to lead ten-part evangelistic series in assigned churches over two weeks.

For many participants, it is their first time preaching a sermon, let alone an entire series. ShareHim provides sermon materials and guidance, but the real growth happens through the mentorship of pastors, who walk alongside these young disciples, encouraging them to trust in God's provision—even when delivering messages to audiences who speak a different language.

The results are inspiring. Over the past year, several Michigan pastors and young adults have participated in ShareHim trips to El Salvador and Panama, resulting in numerous baptisms and deep personal growth. One young missionary shared that the experience stretched him and prepared him to serve more effectively at home. "God can take any effort you make and turn it into a blessing," he reflected.

The financial burden of these trips is eased through support from local churches and the conference, making this transformative experience accessible to more young people. By stepping outside their comfort zones, these participants discover the power of the gospel and return home with a renewed zeal for witnessing.

Sharing in Muslim Cultures: Service in Turkey

In July, another group of dedicated individuals, led by Pastor MC Shin of Living Word Fellowship in Berrien Springs, journeyed to Turkey to minister to displaced citizens and Syrian refugees. Sponsored by Michigan Adventist Community Services – Disaster Response (ACSDR), this trip addressed critical needs in a region marked by both natural disaster and conflict.

Turkey, a predominantly Muslim nation, presents unique challenges to Christian outreach. Yet the team's mission was clear: to serve in Christ's name through acts of compassion and care. Working closely with Red Crescent—Turkey’s Red Cross—they ministered to earthquake survivors and refugees living in dire conditions.

The scope of their work was extensive. A medical team, including dentists and doctors, treated conditions ranging from malnutrition and parasitic infections to hypertension and diabetes. Volunteers distributed 12,000 hygiene kits, thanks to Michigan ACSDR sponsorship and anonymous donations. These kits, filled with essentials like soap, toothbrushes, and diapers, brought relief to those who had lost everything.

Though they could not openly preach, the love of Christ shone through their service. As Pastor Shin observed, "It is not always our place to work in the heart. Our calling is to plant the seed." And seeds were indeed planted, as grateful recipients witnessed the kindness and care extended by this Christian group.

The True Blessing of Mission Trips

I am continually inspired by how mission trips bring blessings to those we serve abroad and the individuals who step out in faith to serve. These trips embody the heart of Christ’s ministry, blending acts of compassion with the gospel's transformative power.

The first blessing of mission trips lies in their impact on those we seek to reach. Whether it is someone attending an evangelistic series, a child receiving a much-needed dental exam, or a refugee gratefully accepting a hygiene kit, the love of Jesus is made real through these efforts. These simple acts of kindness communicate hope and the assurance that God has not forgotten them. We may not always see the full fruits of our labor, but we can trust that the seeds planted through these efforts will grow in God’s timing.

The second blessing—and one that often surprises those who participate—is the transformation that occurs within the missionaries' hearts. When individuals return home from these trips, they often describe a renewed gratitude for life’s daily blessings. Tasks or inconveniences that once seemed burdensome—like fixing an old bathroom sink—are now seen through the lens of God’s abundant provision. Their focus shifts from personal needs to asking, "How can I serve others more fully in my daily life?"

Mission trips also build unshakable confidence in God’s ability to use us, no matter how inadequate we might feel. I’ve seen young people return from their first mission trip, their hearts on fire after preaching an evangelistic series for the first time. They marvel at how God spoke through them to touch lives and lead people to Him. That experience changes their perspective—witnessing no longer feels intimidating but instead becomes an exciting opportunity to see God work. Their faith deepens, their comfort zones expand, and a passion for soul-winning is ignited.

Ultimately, the blessing of mission trips is the reminder that we are partners in God’s work—His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Him. They reaffirm our calling and renew our vision for how we can reflect His love here in Michigan and beyond.

As I reflect on the experiences shared by those who have gone, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for what God is doing through these efforts. I pray that we will allow the Holy Spirit to impress upon our hearts how we might engage in this sacred work, whether by going, giving, or fervently praying for those who serve. Together, we can continue to extend His love and truth, trusting that the blessings we give and receive will echo into eternity.