Mission Trips That Matter: Embodied Faith for the Sake of the World

Have you ever thought of going on a mission trip as a kind of modern-day pilgrimage? Richter suggests that mission trips should be about more than just going and doing good work (whether it be construction or community outreach). Like pilgrimages, mission trips should be about transformation. Written primarily for those that will be leading short-term trips, this book challenges leaders to be intentional about helping team members reflect on their experience before, during, and after the trip occurs. He suggests seven areas of reflection (mostly centered around the five senses) that include: attentive eyes, attuned ears, sturdy backs, beautiful feet, open hands, courageous lips, and conspiring noses. This book does not contain a "how to" for leading trips (no to do lists, packing suggestions, or ways to better arrange travel plans and mission partnerships), but is geared towards helping leaders reflect about the nature of short-term mission trips as extensions of God's ongoing mission in the world. It is about incorporating intentional contemplation as a part of preparation and as an integral practice for the trip itself. Leaders must find ways to help team members reflect on their experience and see how everyday activities can have spiritual significance. Only through such reflection will the long-term success and impact of these short trips take root and truly transform the lives of those involved. As a leader and participant on many short-term trips, I found that the most helpful part of this book lies in the questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. These questions, to be used before and during the trip, challenge team members to look for the face of God, hear the voice of God, and see the presence of God in each element of the trip. I plan on using many of these questions for our group's next mission trip. Also very helpful is the challenge to create on-the-field liturgies that grow out of the daily experience of the group. Richter includes a variety of prayers that will be very helpful for our group as we seek to design meaningful and life-giving worship experiences while on the field as well. All in all, I would highly recommend this book for those seeking to lead short-term mission opportunities and those seeking to be more than just a coordinator - those who want to be spiritual guides, using mission trips as powerful catalysts for spiritual growth in the lives of their team members.

This book gives great perspectives and tools to help not only organize a trip, but make your trip Christ-centered. Don uses his experience to allow others to create meaningful experiences for youth, adults and all who are served. I just came back from my first trip that I planned with a youth group, and this book was an essential tool! Thanks Don!

Following Jesus and actively living out our Christian faith is at the heart of "Mission Trips That Matter." Through scripture, personal stories, insightful questions, and prayful activities, leaders can guide others to a deeper understanding of Christ's incarnational ministry. Whether you are leading a one-day mission service event or a week-long mission trip, this resource can assist leaders with deepening one's spiritual experience with God. As a pastor and Christian educator, I highly recommend Don Richter's insightful book on missions and faithful discipleship.

I am planning my third adult mission trip, and I found this book to be extremely helpful. It offers very practical advice, great stories, prayers to use on the trip, preparation ideas, and reflection suggestions. I highly recommend this book for anyone planning a mission trip for youth or adults. Thank you Don for this wonderful tool.