In-Person short-term mission trips are slowly resuming. Volunteers are registering with the STM desk and getting used to the online registration system which has been in place since January 2020. Volunteers are making sure that they receive the necessary orientation sessions prior to departure, and are prepared emotionally, spiritually and physically to be the hands and feet of Christ cross-culturally. Thank you everyone for contacting the STM desk many months in advance, so we can provide the God-centered quality support you have been accustomed to. If you are new to the registration process, or need a reminder, please click on this link which will give you additional information: https://internationalministries.org/short-term-mission-stm/

Many volunteers who have recently returned from their short-term mission trips have beautiful testimonies, reflections and messages to share. We could write many books, but here are a few excerpts of what the staff at the Short-Term Mission desk has captured:

“It was an amazing blessing to have a front-row seat to your work and that of other global servants. I was personally amazed at the amount of ministry you are currently carrying.” (from a team member who served in Thailand)

“We were all blessed on many different levels…  I was able to renew the Kingdom perspective, and I am very grateful for that.” (from a team member who served in Thailand)

“This recent trip taught me how to be flexible, be open, be present and seek to accompany others and be accompanied in ways I did not know I needed.” (from a team member who served in Hungary)

“I discovered the power of a smile.” (from a team member who served in Hungary)

“Our young people have so much more in common than I realized. Being part of this Discovery trip has opened my ears to listen better. (from a team member who  participated in a summer Discovery trip to Asia)

“I want to see more of God’s imprint.” (from a volunteer who served in Europe)

These testimonies remind me of these lyrics from a song by Chris Rice entitled, Go Light Your world,

“..Cause we are a family whose hearts are blazing, So let’s raise our candles and light up the sky.., Make us a beacon in darkest times…”

May we be touched and remain devoted to another in love, as Jesus asked the disciples and is asking us today. The Apostle Paul spoke of it in his letter to the Romans “Love must be sincere…Honor one another above yourselves. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” (Romans 12: 9, 10, 13)

If anyone feels called to serve and be part of a short-term mission trip, the staff at the Short-Term Mission desk will be happy to help you as you say “Yes Lord, Use Me.” You can reach us at volunteers@internationalministries.org