Ah, the first signs of spring are emerging. Ok, ok—so it hasn’t quite warmed up enough to shed the jackets. But in no time, the birds will be chirping and the warmer weather will sneak in. And when it does, you’ll want to be out in the great outdoors.
But instead of using the much-needed outdoor time to focus on your tan, you could spend it making a difference for others. You could travel near. You could travel far. But wherever you go, there’s somebody out there who needs some help. Take a mission trip to do good and you’ll feel great about your time spent amidst the great outdoors.
Normally when you think of mission trips you think of a weeklong event to a faraway land with hard, intensive labor. But your mission trip doesn’t have to fit the stereotype. Instead, you could choose a nearby location and a weekend trip. There are people everywhere who need a helping hand.
So, how do you choose?
You’ll feel more in tune with the cause if you feel a connection to the work you’re doing. Think about the different organizations that you’re currently involved with and the ones that you’d like to try your hand at helping in the future. This is the perfect opportunity to get started.
Also, look for a trip where you can utilize special skills that you already possess. If you’re used to construction work, find a trip that would allow you to work with your hands constructing and building. Disaster relief could be a great job for you. If you know how to sew, knit or crochet, look for a mission trip where you’ll need to make clothes or other fabric-related products. Whatever your skill, there’s a mission trip out there for you.
No matter what your niche of helping, once you find it, it’s time to hit the road. Maybe for a week, a month or an extended stay. Whatever you choose, you’ll feel great knowing you had the opportunity to help somebody else achieve a mission.
Remember, you define the mission. You define the trip. Go by your own rules. Gather up a group of friends and hit the road, because there’s help needed out there.
