Mission Trip Checkup: On MissionSample

Feel That?

Patients who go to their doctor for pain in their right shoulder are often perplexed when the doctor examines their abdomen. The patients may become irked and doubtful at this inexplicable treatment. After all, that’s not where it hurts!

However, a shared nerve between the diaphragm and right shoulder causes what is called referred pain. Treating whatever is affecting the patient’s diaphragm is what will relieve the shoulder pain. So even though it’s tempting to soothe the shoulder, proper treatment addresses the source of the pain.

Emotions are a lot like referred pain. Anger can be caused by repressed fear, for example, and anxiety can be caused by misplaced trust.

While every emotion’s cause is unique to the individual, taking time to consider that there is a deeper reason for everyone’s actions right now during this mission trip—when emotions may run high—will allow margin for graceful reactions…for yourself and others.

By now, you may have noticed a variety of emotions on your team and even in yourself. It’s not unheard of for people to experience homesickness, anxiety, frustration, and jetlag right now, just as some people might experience excitement and exhilaration.

Your body is going through a lot, your settings are entirely different, and you’re probably experiencing things that are outside your comfort zone. Add team dynamics and a dozen other factors for your unique situation, and it can equal a hodgepodge of emotions and actions.

Ask the Holy Spirit for grace for any “pressure cooker” situations. Your battle is not against flesh and blood. If you look beyond the symptoms, you may just see opportunities to show Christ’s mercy and love and to perceive the situation as a part of God’s bigger story. After all, every moment of this mission trip matters—use the highs and lows to see and show Jesus.

Practical Considerations:

• Every emotion has an action that comes out of it. It’s okay to feel hesitant, excited, concerned, fearful, etc., but not every emotion serves the people around you. You are in the driver’s seat of your feelings. Recognize what you’re feeling and why, and then choose what you will focus on and how you will act.
• If you’re feeling homesick, focus on the people you’re here to serve. Being present will open you up to the wonders happening around you.
• Adopt a team motto that unites everyone. One of our favorites is, “Be patient, be flexible, be unified.”