Sent With Purpose: A 14-Day Devotional to Prepare for Short-Term Mission Sample

As you make your final preparations to begin your journey, let the words of Acts 1:8 (NIV) fill you with purpose and anticipation:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

These words from Jesus hold a profound message for your mission ahead.

The Promise of Power

Jesus' promise to the disciples, recorded in Acts 1:8, speaks of a divine empowerment. He assured them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them—emphasis on the word “when”. That simple word was filled with assurance that it wasn’t a question but was a fact that a greater power was coming to them. And this power was not for their own sake but to equip them for the work ahead.

As you embark on your mission trip, remember that the same Holy Spirit who empowered the early disciples is with you today, ready to fill you with His wisdom, courage, and strength. Rely on His guidance and empowerment in every step of your journey, whatever you encounter.

Witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the Ends of the Earth

This command to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth might have made the earliest disciples scratch their head, and here’s why: In Jerusalem, Jesus faced execution by an enraged crowd, Judea rejected His ministry, Samaria was often seen as an inhospitable land inhabited by those deemed impure, and, in the farthest reaches of the world, some Jews of that era regarded Gentiles as destined for the depths of Hell.

Nonetheless, God had a divine purpose to send messengers to all these places, and the Holy Spirit would endow them with the strength to fulfill this mission.

Just as the disciples were instructed to be witnesses in Jerusalem, your mission often begins in your own "Jerusalem"—your local community, church, or circle of influence. You are called to be a witness for Christ right where you are, sharing His love and truth with those around you.

Then, the mission field extends beyond your immediate surroundings. The disciples were also called to be witnesses in all Judea and Samaria—regions that were nearby but culturally different from Jerusalem. Similarly, your mission may take you to places with distinct cultures, languages, and challenges.

And finally, the scope of the disciples' mission expanded to the ends of the earth, and so does yours. Whether you are traveling to a neighboring country or a remote village, your mission trip is part of the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan for the world.

Approach these experiences with humility and a desire to learn. Be open to the diversity of people and communities you encounter. Your role is not to impose but to share the gospel in a way that resonates with the hearts and needs of those you meet.

Remember that God's love knows no boundaries. His message of hope is for all people, regardless of their location or background. Embrace the opportunity to be a witness to the ends of the earth, and trust that God's Spirit will go before you, preparing hearts to receive His grace.

A Life of Witness

Acts 1:8 is not just about a specific mission trip; it's about a lifelong calling to be a witness for Christ. Your mission trip is a significant chapter in that journey, but your witness continues long after you return home.

As you embark on this trip, know that you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Jesus Christ. Embrace each moment as an opportunity to share His love, and may your journey be a reflection of the transformative power of the gospel. Begin to pray for this now.