Six Aids to Effective Short Term Missions Planning

Planning an effective short term or summer mission trip can be a difficult task, especially if that isn't the extent of your job description. Some find it so daunting that they prefer to scrap the idea of short term missions altogether. Why not leave missions to those committed to long term missions? Aren't they more effective? Unfortunately, that "leave-ministry-to-the-paid-experts" attitude has left the American church with too many pew-sitters and too few laborers. Reduction in resources going to short term missions doesn't necessarily mean more resources are spent on long term - or career - missions. Fortunately, there is help for planning short term and summer missions.

Here are six things that can help:

MISSIONS TRIPS

1. Prayer. Let's begin with the obvious first step. "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God," is from James 1:5. But prayer is much more than a request to the Grandpa-in-the-Sky. It is seeking to know and align ourselves with God's will. So what does he have planned for the people you shepherd? What are the obstacles he sees in their lives? What does he plan to do about it? God has a plan and you can ask him to tell it to you.

But ministry isn't just about where but also when. God's timing is always perfect, even if it doesn't make sense to us. Missionaries from William Carey to Jim Eliot can attest to how crazy God's timing seems sometimes. So before you start planning, the first question to ask is should your team go on a summer mission or not? That is a fair question, and one you and your team need to ask.

2. Experts. Short term missions has changed so rapidly in the last twenty years that I don't know anyone who can claim to be an expert in it. But there are many people with a great deal of helpful information. A long term missionary in the area you are going can give invaluable advice on what to expect, what to wear, and how to act to minimize cross-cultural barriers. And don't overlook your brothers and sisters who are native to the country. Good communication with the locals is invaluable in any mission either long or short term. There are also experts in travel and travel insurance that you can consult for those needs. Agencies that specialize in short term missions combine some of these expertise. Your job is to make sure that you get what you need.

3. Long Term Relationships. The spiritual health of those going and of those receiving short term missions depends on developing long term relationships. The days of month-long trips on ships to spread the gospel are long gone. Today there are few places on the earth that can't be reached in 24 hours, if you have the stamina for the trip. The internet and e-mail have further reduced the true distance between friends. Now the challenge is are we willing to cooperate with and learn from each other? Your church may not reach many countries, but are you willing to get involved with one?

4. Discipleship. Visualize yourself looking out over your congregation and asking, "How many of these have been discipled? How many know what they believe and could share it with someone else?" In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us to make disciples as part of his Great Commission. Short term missions can be part of the process both for those going and for those receiving, but it has to be intentional. People can't be disciple by osmosis; otherwise Jesus would not have given it as a command.

5. Training. In addition to discipleship, other types of training may be required. Everything from how to understand a different culture to skills like drama or construction may be needed. Even the proper way to clear brush or trash so as not to be injured must be taught. Getting along with team members is so crucial to a successful trip, that special attention must be given to help members learn how to resolve conflicts. The experts may be in your congregation. Find out who they are and get them to volunteer their time. Your job is to make sure all who go on the trip understand their job, how to do it and how to do it with others.

6. Humility. Humility is a misunderstood and overlooked virtue, yet without it the world would fall apart. Humility on a summer mission means that we seek to minister with - and not to - our brothers and sisters in Christ. Humility means that we pursue peace with team members, quickly resolving conflicts and doing those things that lead to harmony and unity. Humility means we seek to learn as much as we seek to teach.

Six Aids to Effective Short Term Missions Planning

MISSIONS TRIPS

Planning a Great Fishing Trip

Fishing is one of the oldest sports in the world, and for millions of people it is one of the most relaxing and fulfilling hobbies out there. If you are one of those millions of people who enjoy a good fishing trip, you are probably counting down the days until your next great fishing outing. As much fun as a spontaneous trip to a local river can be, taking an extended fishing vacation can be an experience of a lifetime. In order to make the trip a success, be sure to plan carefully.

First, find out where you want to fish. Ask your friends or a trusted fishing expert what fishing location they would recommend. Research online and see if there are any angling forums where people can chime in with their fishing recommendations. Once you've picked your location, find out what regulations are in place in that area and what kind of license you will need to fish there. If you're going out of state, get your documents in order before you leave if you can. Next, you'll want to find a place to stay. One of the best ways to enjoy a fishing trip is to find a cabin rental near the area you will be fishing.

MISSIONS TRIPS

An out-of-the way motel might require a long trip to your fishing spot, so a rental cabin can be the best way to be close to your fishing spot while enjoying the outdoors in comfort. Next, talk to people who have fished the area and see what kind of gear to take with you, where to find the bait, and what the fish are biting that time of year. After you've done a little homework, you will be free to relax outdoors and enjoy your trip without any hassle.

Planning a Great Fishing Trip

MISSIONS TRIPS

A Fundraising Road Trip - Planning & Achieving Your Goals

Do you ever daydream about going on a great vacation? It's fun to think of all of the great sights and things to do once you get to the destination. But usually there's lots of planning involved, such as planning around schedules, getting tickets and placing reservations. It can be quite an ordeal. But once you're on your dream vacation, boy is it worth it.

Oddly enough, creating fundraising goals is itself a little like going on a trip.

MISSIONS TRIPS

Here's how...

The Destination: Long Term & Yearly Goals

What's the first thing you do when you decide to go on a trip? Yes, that's right - choose the destination. Is it Disneyworld or New York City? Will you camp at the local state park or Yellowstone? Starting a fundraising program without a predefined goal is like getting in your car at the beginning of a vacation and saying, "I don't know where we're going, but I hope we get there!" (Doesn't make much sense, does it?)

Your yearly goal is the final destination that your group should be striving for all year long. Whether your organization follows the calendar year, school year, fiscal year, or whatever the case may be, you still need to set this long term destination goal.

Budgetary requirements generally guide the financial goals that are needed for your organization. What are the total expenses for the year, and how much of those expenses need to be covered by fundraising efforts? Write down this "big target" number that needs to be reached by the end of the year.

The Roadmap: Project Goals

Now that you've decided on a fundraising destination, the next step is to break down that number into smaller, more manageable goals.

Imagine your organization's individual fundraisers such as events, raffles, or candy sales as the highways you will take to get to your final destination. Therefore, each individual campaign or event has its own fundraising goals. The combined goal amount should equal or be greater than the yearly goal.

Having too many fundraisers that appeal to the same audience can become burdensome and reduces the effectiveness of your efforts. By forecasting the amount of funds needed, you'll be able to plan the right amount of individual fundraisers.

The Pit-Stops: Fine Tuning Your Fundraising Goals

During the course of the year, periodically review your fundraising goals. Have your fundraisers met their individual targets? If not, the "pit-stops" are times when you can do some fine tuning to your list of goals and objectives.

Consider ways that you can earn more on the remaining fundraisers

1. Increase attendance at your event by adding something unusual, like a door prize drawing, a contest or a "celebrity" appearance

2. Place calls or send letters to get more prizes donated for your raffle or auction

3. Add an additional source of revenue to already planned

4. Add an easy fundraiser that doesn't require much time from volunteers, such as an online magazine fundraiser

Reaching Your Destination

Your group has worked hard to raise funds for your cause. Be sure to celebrate along the way, thanking donors and volunteers. Each year evaluate what programs worked best, how you can improve upon them, and ways that you can become more efficient in planning the fundraising programs.

A Fundraising Road Trip - Planning & Achieving Your Goals

MISSIONS TRIPS

Tips for Planning Perfect Beach Vacations

You should take a few beach vacations if you often dream of summer breezes, cocktails at sunset, and want time to catch up on your reading. You don't have to spend a lot of cash in order to have a great, relaxing time on the shore. You can visit the beaches that are nearest to your area, and you just have to find the time to get there. Find a short weekend getaway near your home if you don't want to go on a long trip.

You can take beach vacations on beaches that are closer to your home than you may think if you live in the northeast. You can visit the lovely beaches in Rhode Island, Maine, and New Jersey. There is always an option that you may not have even known about, no matter where you live. You may probably know where the best beaches are, if you live in the west. There is a beach within an hour of where you live if you make your home in Florida. You can also find some great options for beach vacations with the help of an online search.

MISSIONS TRIPS

Another option would be to call a travel agent to arrange your beach vacations. You can use all the discount sites to find the best deals on airfare and hotel specials, if you are good with using the Internet. You may even run across a package deal for beach vacations that you simply cannot pass up. You can save a lot of money on your trip if you go during non-peak times.

You can start planning once you have decided which one of the many beach vacations you have found will be the best for you. Remember that you still have to make arrangements for your pets and find someone to keep an eye on your home, even if you may not have to go very far from home. Try to make sure that each person makes their own list, and that way nothing is left behind if your entire family is going to the beach.

It is also important to bring some special items you that need for your beach vacations. Make sure you have some beach toys for the kids, plenty of towels, and extra sunscreen for the beach. Remember that saltwater can be hard on your hair and skin, so you should pack a good conditioner for your hair, and good lotion for your skin.

Tips for Planning Perfect Beach Vacations

MISSIONS TRIPS

Planning Your Summer Trip to San Diego

San Diego is a hot summer destination for many travelers. If you are considering a trip to San Diego for the summer, you should start planning now. Here are some tips to consider.

Any trip to San Diego is going to include some serious beach time. It is, after all, pretty much what we are known for. The interesting thing about the city is the beaches come in many different types and offer a wide variety of experiences for visitors. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are for the younger, party crowd. Beaches farther north in Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Encinitas and Leucadia are for a more relaxed crowed who are primarily interested in loafing, baking and getting in the water.

MISSIONS TRIPS

While the beaches may differ, there is one thing you definitely need to know about if you are scheduling a visit. From the middle of May to the last week of June, all the beaches tend to suffer from cloudiness. This is known as "June gloom" by the locals. A haze that would make Oregon proud just sits on the coast for much of the day. You might get a couple hours of sun during the middle of the day, but that is about it. If you want to sit on the beach all day during your visit, July, August, September and October are better months.

Many visitors to San Diego also like to take a day or two in Mexico. As any map will show you, San Diego sits right on the border, so a day trip is simple and a good bit of fun. Unfortunately, Mexico is going through a very tough time at the moment. The problem is narcotics. The government is fighting narcotics groups. The narcotics groups are fighting each other and...well, it is just a bit of a mess. For the first time in a very long time, visitors have been getting hassled and some robbed. If you are considering including a trip to Mexico as part of your vacation, make sure to keep up with the news before you go.

All and all, it is pretty hard to go wrong on a trip to San Diego. The biggest issue, ironically, is the weather. Make sure you plan for June Gloom or you could be a bit disappointed if you want to sit on the beach all day.

Planning Your Summer Trip to San Diego

MISSIONS TRIPS

Planning a Day Trip For Adults and Children

Whether you are planning a trip in the summer, winter, spring or fall. Day trips are a lot of fun but they do take a bit more planning than a week long vacation. If you are planning a trip with the family then there is more planning involved as opposed to planning a day trip with friends.

Let's say you want to take a day trip to a ski resort for the day. You need to get together your skis, boots, and change of clothes and maybe pack a lunch depending on how far you are from the resort.

MISSIONS TRIPS

A summer day trip could be anything from a day to the beach or a day in the country where you can go hiking or having a picnic. A great day trip if you have kids is a trip to an amusement park. Some place like Six Flags, you need to plan the directions, pack a lunch, bathing suits, camera and a change of clothes for the kids. If you choose a day in the woods, you can pack a picnic, get your hiking boots or if you plan to ride bikes you can take mountain bikes.

Aquariums make great day trips; you can take the kids and pack up for the day. You can spend the day doing the aquarium and seeing all of the animals and shows, the kids will love it. The Zoo is a great day trip too. There are so many animals to see and there are sideshows like the aquarium. The zoo can be very educational for your kids. They will love it.

If you are looking for some adult day fun, then take a day trip to your local casino. If you live near Atlantic City then you should plan a day trip, get your bus ticket so you don't have to drive and enjoy the ride. You get to spend 7 or 8 hours in a casino before coming home, hopefully a winner. Wine tasting is a great day trip for adults. You may need a designated driver or plan on taking a bus tour where you don't have to drive.

There is much you can do in a day trip if you plan out what you want to do and where you want to go. Planning is the key to a great day trip. Sometimes you just need to get away and the perfect way is to take a day trip alone or with the family. It makes a great gift for a boyfriend or girlfriend. Or for a romantic excursion.

Planning a Day Trip For Adults and Children

MISSIONS TRIPS

Tips for Planning Mission Trips Overseas

Many youth groups of all denominations in the United States regularly travel overseas for mission trips and outreaches. Perhaps you are building orphanages in Uganda, or ministering to street kids in Romania, or constructing housing in Guatemala - each of these trips is a unique opportunity for teenagers to serve others in an environment which takes them out of their comfort zone and forces them to evaluate their life from a global context. If you as a youth pastor or volunteer are planning such an excursion, here are a few suggestions to help you make the event a success:

1. Define your goals. What are you hoping to accomplish? Will the focus of your energy be through your team to the natives (outreach and evangelism) or are you primarily concerned with the maturation of your students (spiritual growth)? Obviously, you would like your team to grow as they serve others, but you as a leader need to know what your priorities are in advance so that you can spend your limited resources most effectively.

MISSIONS TRIPS

2. Incorporate the trip into your long-term strategy. Do not look for an easy location where you can easily get in and get out. Look at the various opportunities available to you, talk to your students and volunteers, and commit yourselves to an organization that aligns with your goals and values. This commitment will allow you to develop a special bond as you partner with the ministry throughout the year. Developing a long-term relationship with this organization will make even fundraising an enriching opportunity.

3. Coordinate with a local. Find a native or missionary in the country you wish to visit and ask for their help as you create your itinerary. They will know the best places to stay and eat (and avoid!). It should also help you when you are applying for visas to the country, if that is necessary. Many missionary organizations can put you in contact with someone already established in the country you wish to visit.

4. Plan ahead. Give yourself at least six months to plan, recruit, and raise money for the trip; if you have never done anything like this before, give yourself more time and ask for help from people with experience. There are lots of details and when you are dealing with international matters, lots of bureaucracy. Make sure your students have passports, or guide them through the application at least two months in advance.

5. Get insurance. Non-profit organizations like churches are often notorious for neglecting insurance, but when traveling with multiple minors overseas, prayer may be just a part of the overall coverage you need. International group insurance will be invaluable if one of your students becomes ill and requires hospitalization or transportation home.

No matter where you choose to serve, be smart and do not take unnecessary risks. Outreaches can be life-changing events; your job is to insure they are positive changes.

Tips for Planning Mission Trips Overseas

MISSIONS TRIPS