Mission Finder is a web site dedicated to coordinating various projects from widely diverse sources and locations: http://www.missionfinder.org/.
One group that provides information on short-term mission projects is the Fellowship of Short-Term Mission Leaders. Their web site is: http://www.fstml.org/about_description.php. Several conferences and workshops are held regularly to emphasize the needs of mission work. This web site -- http://www.nstmc.org/default.asp -- provides information on the National Short-Term Mission Conference.
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Youth as well as adults are being challenged to think beyond their own comfort levels. Youth Specialties, for example, provides information and conferences for young people interested in mission trips: http://www.youthspecialties.com/events/
Travel out of the country requires a passport. The web site from the United States Department of State provides vital information on obtaining a passport and other valuable information on various locations around the world: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Several travel agencies serve travelers with mission projects help. Raptim Travel, for example, is especially helpful with pricing and other information. Register at their site: http://www.raptimusa.com/index.php. Dozens of other sites can help travelers get all their arrangements from one location. Ones I like include these: www.cfares.com; www.sidestep.com; www.cheaptotravel.com; www.discountairbrokers.com; www.mobissimo.com; www.expedia.com; www.hotwire.com; and www.travelocity.com.
Obtaining insurance is always a good idea before heading off on a mission trip. Brotherhood Mutual Insurance can provide policies for overseas work, or you might check with your own insurer also. Speaking of insurance, you will want to consider travel insurance in case you buy expensive tickets and then need to cancel at the last minute due to an emergency.
My son is in medical school at the University of Miami. For two years he has gone with a group of doctors and students to Nicaragua to do medical missions. It has changed his entire outlook on life in other nations. The poverty and despair he saw there still affect him.
Many people who go away from home, either nationally or internationally, find themselves changed when they return home. They discover that the event has deepened them and opened their eyes to needs around them.
Someone once asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” We are still learning the answer to that question. The neighbor may be half a block or half a world away. Either way, Jesus said, “Go.” Just be wise when you do.
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Don M. Aycock is Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Palatka, Florida
