Mission Trip Checkup: On MissionSample

Knowing You Don’t Know

“I don’t know what I don’t know” is a well-known phrase, but did you know that knowing you don’t know is also known as humility?

Just as Jesus embarked on history’s greatest mission trip, coming in the humble form of a human we could relate to, washing feet, and serving the lost, sick, and unseen, so we must model after Him. However, Jesus knew everything and still remained humble. How much more so should we approach our mission trips with the humility of accepting that we don’t know everything.

Thermometers can tell you whether you have a fever, but only in-depth understanding can help lower your temperature. If an infection is causing the fever, a doctor would treat it differently than if the fever was caused by the flu.

As you take the temperature of the conditions where you are serving, go slowly. Ask the Holy Spirit with all humility to show you what would best serve the people spiritually and practically. Talk to the locals and listen closely to what they tell you. Listen for how to help, but don’t assume your ideas are the best solution—or even that a solution is necessary. Remember that culture can be an invisible barrier, and it must be respected. Trust your leaders and the local missionaries who have invested countless hours of prayer and dedication to the cause that you’re dropping in to help with. Remember: the permanent missionaries will continue the work of building bridges long after you’re gone.

The fact that you’re on a mission shows that you have a heart to serve. That’s wonderful! Serve your heart out with all humility and watch what God does in you and in those you serve. And if you don’t see results right away, keep serving! You don’t know what God is actually doing.

Practical Considerations:

• If you’re supporting other missionaries’ work, respect their authority and the groundbreaking work they’ve done without you. Honor them with respect and consideration. Seek to give more than you receive.
• You will probably be very uncomfortable at times on your trip. Food, accommodation, and transport may all be very different than what you’re used to. Before you speak up, take a moment to consider whether adapting to the discomfort will actually be better for the greater mission. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Exercise wisdom when choosing either.
• Humility puts others first. Regularly ask yourself how you can be of service to the team, the crew, and the nationals.