Mission Trip Checkup: A Prescription for Spiritual HealthParaugs

Scripture’s Aid

As you prepare to pack your bags for your mission trip, what items are you thinking to take? On your must-have list are probably items like clothes, toiletries, supplies, and maybe gifts. Is a first aid kit on this list?

First aid kits, for some, are a standard travel supply. Have you ever noticed that the people on a team who are most likely to pack first aid kits are those who appreciate their value, possibly because they’ve needed one in the past or because they consider what could happen if there wasn’t a kit in a time of need?

We prioritize these life-savers based off our estimation of their value and use. We can pack Scripture the same way. 

As simplistic as it may sound, packing Scripture into your mind and spirit is one of the most essential parts of every Christian’s mission. When you most need it, memorized Scripture sustains you. When you most need a sword, an anchor, a ray of hope, a word of life, Scriptures packed in advance will be your aid. 

What Scriptures are you packing? Which ones are you relying on for your times of need? 

It’s impossible to know what circumstances you will face on your mission trip, but that’s why we pack the essentials. And while mission trips are planned months in advance, Scripture can be packed years ahead of time. Making a foundation of Scripture a high-priority—and through it, a better understanding of God and His nature—will greatly aid your mission trip.

Practical considerations:

• For the next few weeks, begin forming a new habit by replacing podcasts or music with audio Bible readings on the Bible app. 
• Set a goal to memorize 1-3 Scripture passages a week in the lead-up to your trip. 
• Join with a team member in Bible study and/or verse memorization. 
• Share with others the verses you’re internalizing so that you can remember them better.