Where to start
It can be confusing, finding where to plug in to missions - and navigating the maze of missionary opportunities that are out there. If you are a student, chances are you have a long summer break during which you can get involved in some short-term summer missions. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Check out the list of missionary societies offering short-term missions opportunities by clicking on the map.
- Talk to your church leadership - there is probably an elder with responsibility for missions, and (s)he could well be able to offer you helpful advice.
- Save money! Missions cost. Time and cash. You need to save during the year, or raise some support to be able to take time off to serve. But remember not all missions cost a lot for you to go. There are plenty of beach missions, youth camps, etc available in the UK - possibly even in the town where you live...
- Pray! Where does God want you to go? Mongolia or Margate? Aberdeen or Zimbabwe?
- Are there others in your church or CU with whom you can form a group to go? Previous teams from Carrubbers have gone to Mozambique, Romania, Mexico...
In Carrubbers, the person to talk to is Steve Packwood - he is our Missionary Convenor. But there are so many young people from the Centre who go on summer missions projects each year, a short conversation with the Index Ministries leadership is also likely to be helpful.
Questions you need to ask yourself
- Am I spiritually prepared to go?
Have I "kept the faith"? How is my "Quiet Time" and prayer life? It might be helpful to talk to your pastor or small group leader for example.
- Am I physically prepared to go?
This will vary according to where you are planning to go, but remember that a developing world placement might have a more physically demanding schedule.
- Am I financially prepared to go?
Have I been careful enough with money to go, or will this just send me deeper into debt?
- Am I psychologically prepared to go?
In some places you may come across extreme poverty, disease or danger. You must be prepared for this. Take advice from those who have gone before, and pray much.
- Am I prepared to GO?
What if God calls me to long-term full-time mission? Can I face giving up the luxuries of life in the West? Am I prepared to say "Here I am, Lord, send me!"? Only you can answer this. Short-term missions projects can give you an excellent "taster" for missionary life - but bear in mind that God may call you to give your life to it!
