Becoming a Christian Missionary: A Guide to Fulfilling the Great Commission

Mission trips change lives. Whether it's a few days or a few weeks, time invested on a foreign field can increase your faith and give you a heart for missions that lasts a lifetime. Even if you can't go yourself, you can encourage others with some thoughtful mission trip gift ideas. After all, mission trips mean leaving what's comfortable and normal. But while flexibility is the first rule of missions, you can make sure some of the basics are covered.     7 Mission Trip Gift Ideas It's awesome to consider the needs of missionaries. And sending a care package to someone who's serving on a foreign field is absolutely awesome! Of course, a lot of missionary needs will depend on the length and location of the journey. Spend time doing some research and talking with your missionary about what needs might come up. That also might help you avoid getting a mission trip gift that won't work at all. Having said that, a few go-to items stand out on most lists of mission trip gift ideas. Below, we've listed seven possibilities. None of them are fancy, and most can be found in minutes through a simple online search. But they all will enhance the experience—and faith—of your missionary! 1. Journal. One of the greatest ways to make a mission trip "stick" is to record the events and experiences as they happen. That makes a journal a great mission trip gift idea. Whether used as a daily diary or to reflect on spiritual milestones, a journal can keep the most important parts of the trip alive long after your missionary is back home. (Tip: Add a pack of nice pens or highlighters to the gift!)   2. Electrical adapters. It's no secret that most of the world delivers power differently than the United States. That makes adapters and converters a must. They'll need something to keep their cell phones, computers, and other electronics up and running. It's an extremely practical mission trip gift and one that your missionary—especially a first-time international traveler—will find invaluable.    3. A book about the nation they are visiting. Honestly, your missionary might already know a lot about their host nation. They may even have a heart for that particular culture or people group. But it also helps to know more about their destination. Plus, it reveals shows humility to keep learning.    4. Encouraging notes. This is an inexpensive mission trip gift idea, but its value cannot be overstated. Write a note for each day that your missionary will be gone, and place each note in a different envelope. That way, they will have a touchpoint from home every day of the trip. If the short-term trip involves weeks instead days, just write enough for one or two per week. (Tip: Make sure to include plenty of encouraging Bible verses to provide a lift on days that are tough.)   5. A backpack with supplies. Every world traveler needs a backpack, so that makes it a great mission trip gift. But you can go the extra mile by including some special items. On the practical side, you could pack a flashlight or a first aid kit. You could also add a water bottle with a built-in purifying system. But, most importantly, don't forget to include some of your missionary's favorite snacks and candy!   6. A foreign-language dictionary. Career missionaries take language classes to get ready for their assignment. While your short-term missionary won't have that kind of time or training, they can take advantage of a dictionary that helps them communicate with locals on the field. You can even highlight some of the most common phrases they'll need to know, like "thank you" and "good morning."   7. Something to leave behind. While your missionary may want to return with some souvenirs, it could also be great to leave something behind. This is especially true if they are living with a local family during the trip. It doesn't have to be fancy—maybe a game or a book or a toy—but it can open doors and make a lasting impression on the folks they are helping. It's a simple way to say "thank you" and to show love in Jesus's name.   Give the power of prayer Before He went back to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). You can do that in three basic ways. First, you can go on a trip yourself. That would be a great opportunity to be Jesus's hands and feet, and it could help you see your faith differently even after you get home. Second, you can give. That could include financial support or words of encouragement to someone else on the field—like your short-term missionary. The mission trip gift ideas listed above are a piece of that puzzle! Beyond those, you can pray—and that may be the greatest tool in your mission's toolbox. Along with your mission trip gifts, promise to pray daily for your missionary while they're gone—and follow through on that promise. They will need it, and it can be a blessing to you as well. Prayer is something everyone can do, so make sure to give that gift to your short-term missionary.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.

You have a heart for the nations. It may involve a longing to pack your bags and settle on the other side of the planet, or it may be a call toward short-term mission work. Whatever the case, God has His hand on you. Your next step will be to filter through a list of Christian missionary organizations and find the one that’s right for you. You’ll need to identify the right partner, the team that will support you and equips you to be the most effective representative of Jesus Christ possible. And, when it comes to Christian missionary organizations, you have a lot of options.   Knowing What A Sending Organization Can Offer Christian mission organizations often serve as the bridge between missionaries and the people they serve. Some could be classified as sending agencies, while others focus on support and networking. These missionary organizations can provide training and logistical support for those called to the mission field. In some cases, they also may assist in areas like placement and fundraising.  Christian missionary organizations can be great allies. But you need to find the one that best fits your calling. In the list below, we’ve highlighted ten trusted Christian missionary organizations. The first five primarily focus on medical missions, while the second half of the list focuses more on general missions. Since many medical mission agencies also enlist non-medical volunteers and many non-medical agencies are open to medical professionals, all ten might be a potential mission agency for you.   Medical Missions Agencies If you’re interested in Christian missionary organizations that emphasize medical opportunities, these are reliable options to consider:   Medical Missions Medical Missions is affiliated with the Global Health Missions Conference, which is held every year in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to the conference, Medical Missions provides information and networking opportunities for individuals who feel a call toward medical missions. This includes a job board, information on dozens of sending agencies, community groups, and a blog filled with helpful articles and videos.   MAP International While medical missionaries have an abundance of the skill and compassion necessary to make a difference in the world, they often run short on one thing: medical supplies. Whether it’s equipment or medicine, medical missionaries need help getting these basic tools of their trade. MAP International is a Christian missionary organization that stands in this gap. The group’s mission is to provide medicine and supplies to people who need it, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.   Blessings International Like MAP, Blessings International focuses on providing resources for medical missionaries in the United States and around the world. For more than 40 years, Blessings International has worked under the premise that healthy individuals create healthy communities. By providing medicine, vitamins, and other resources, Blessings International helps medical professionals fulfill the Great Commission and expand the kingdom of God.   Cure International In so many corners of the world, children suffer from conditions that could be remedied by a relatively simple surgery. Cure works through a network of eight hospitals in Africa and the Philippines to provide free life-changing operations for children while sharing the good news of Jesus. Cure also works within communities to support families and strengthen healthcare options for underserved regions.   GO International If you’re looking for a Christian missionary organization that specializes in short-term opportunities, GO International might be a great option. GO works within communities overseas to plan and provide mission trips that address a variety of needs. These experiences include medical missions, disaster relief, church planting, discipleship, clean water projects, feeding programs, and children’s ministry.   Samaritan’s Purse You may be familiar with Samaritan’s Purse through its Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry, but this mission organization does so much more to spread the hope of Jesus. Through its work in medical missions, doctors and other healthcare professionals minister to individuals around the world. The goal is to provide relief and comfort for those dealing with disease, natural disasters, wars, and poverty. Like its namesake character from Luke 10, Samaritan’s Purse strives to meet the physical needs of outcasts—all to earn a hearing for the gospel.   Non-Medical Missions Agencies If you’re looking for Christian missionary organizations that are more general in nature, these are proven groups that are making a difference in the world:   Youth with a Mission (YWAM) This non-denominational mission organization was founded in the early 1960s andfocuseds on bringing glory to God by sharing the gospel with the world. Its goal is to empower young people to serve Christ. Today, in addition to providing mission trips around the world, YWAM also offers an in-depth, six-month Discipleship Training School that includes classroom training and field experience for college students and young adults.   Operation Mobilization (OM) In 1957, a group of friends began passing out Scripture and Christian literature in Mexico. From that simple start, Operation Mobilization (OM) grew into a steadfast Christian missionary organization. As a trailblazer in overseas missions, OM began working in Muslim and Communist countries in the 1960s. Today, the group sponsors short-term experiences around the world, including through its OM Ships ministry.   CRU Originally known as Campus Crusade for Christ, CRU was founded in 1951 by evangelist Bill Bright. This missionary organization currently has a presence in 191 countries around the world. While CRU originally focused on discipling college students, it now provides mission trips for a variety of age groups with a variety of interests. Trips range from a few weeks in length to a few months and seek to find common ground through things like sports, media, humanitarian aid, and more. CRU also offers internships, study abroad, and career ministry opportunities.   World Venture Founded in 1943, World Venture has stood the test of time among Christian missionary organizations. With ministries in the United States and around the world, World Venture focuses on a variety of needs, including church planting and evangelism. World Venture also shares the gospel through sports ministries, education, and marketplace missions. Short-term and career opportunities are available.   Send International As the name implies, Send International serves as a missionary sending agency that focuses on mobilizing believers and planting healthy churches. In its mission, Send highlights the role of the local church in identifying and commissioning missionaries. They also emphasize cultural and language training so missionaries can live out the gospel in meaningful ways wherever they serve.   Although this list isn't exhaustive, you now have an idea of which type of Christian missionary organization might work best for your calling.   Discover Medical Missions. Medical Missions serves to connect your professional skills and biblical calling to the largest database of healthcare mission organizations, professionals, and thought leadership. Join us at the Global Missions Health Conference to find your Medical Missions calling. Or, browse our full list of partner organizations to find the right mission for you.