When we think about mission trips, we often picture the ones boarding the plane, loading the vans, or stepping into unfamiliar neighborhoods to serve. They are the visible hands and feet of Jesus in that moment; but mission trips were never meant to be solo assignments. They are Kingdom partnerships.
I grew up in a church that was faithful at sending and supporting mission trips and long-term missionary work. From a young age, I watched our church family give generously, pray intentionally, and eagerly wait for updates from those who had gone.
I saw firsthand how much supporters loved hearing the stories afterward – the testimonies, the answered prayers, the changed lives. They didn’t view themselves as spectators. They were invested.
After college, I had the opportunity to serve as a semester missionary myself, and I can honestly say, I cannot imagine walking through that season without the church back home. I knew they were praying for me, they sent cards and letters, and asked my parents for updates about the work.
There is something strengthening about knowing you are not alone, that there are people lifting you up before the Lord, cheering you on, and believing God for what He is doing. It was an incredible blessing then, and it continues to shape how I view missions today.
Not Everyone Can Go — But Everyone Is Invited to Participate
There are seasons when we can go… and seasons when we cannot. Some are home with small children, have work responsibilities they can’t step away from, are caring for aging parents, or are limited by health or age. None of those seasons disqualify a person from ministry, however.
Scripture reminds us that we are the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), and that every part of the body matters. The one who goes and the one who sends are participating in the same mission.
In 1 Samuel 30:24, David declared that those who stayed behind with the supplies would share equally in the victory with those who went into battle. God has always recognized the value of supporters!
A Word to Those Who Are Going: Don’t Go Alone
If you are preparing for a mission trip, here’s something important: Don’t unintentionally exclude others from the blessing of supporting you.
It can feel uncomfortable to ask for financial help, and awkward to request prayer, but when we avoid inviting supporters in, we may be robbing others of the opportunity to participate in what God is doing. The Apostle Paul regularly invited others into partnership:
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ.” — Colossians 4:3
“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Missions is not a private calling; it’s a shared one. When you invite others to support you, you are not asking for charity — you are offering partnership.
Financial Support: Fuel for the Mission
Mission trips require practical resources: transportation, lodging, food, supplies, ministry materials, etc. Financial supporters make it possible for many to go who otherwise could not. Giving can be done directly to those going or through your church.
In Philippians 4:15, Paul thanked the church for entering into “partnership” with him in giving and receiving. That word matters. Giving is not passive. It is active participation in Kingdom work. When someone gives, they are investing in eternal impact.
Prayer Support: The Greatest Covering
While financial support is important, prayer support is essential. Mission trips often involve:
- Spiritual warfare
- Physical exhaustion
- Unexpected obstacles
- Emotional weight
- Sensitive ministry moments
- Travel demands
Those who go are stepping into spiritual work and they need covering. Paul simply wrote:
“Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:25
Research in psychology consistently show that people who know they are being supported (emotionally or spiritually) demonstrate greater resilience, reduced stress levels, and increased confidence in challenging environments. Social support is strongly linked to improved coping under stress (Cohen & Wills, 1985, Psychological Bulletin). When missionaries know people are praying for them back home, they serve with greater boldness and peace.
Prayer prepares hearts on both sides: the hearts of those going and the hearts of those being ministered to. Support from home strengthens ministry on the ground.
Not Sure How to Pray? Here’s a Simple Prayer
If you’re unsure how to pray for a mission team, you can pray this:
Father God,
Thank You for calling people to go and share Your love.
Please protect the team physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Give them boldness, wisdom, and compassion.
Prepare the hearts of the children and families they will minister to.
Let Your Spirit go before them and work in ways they cannot see.
May Your name be lifted high, and may lives be changed for eternity.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Even a short prayer prayed in faith carries eternal weight. Pray also for our going and coming.
To Our Supporters: Thank You 💜
To everyone who is supporting our daughters’ & my Spring Break Mission Trip: Thank You! Thank you for giving and/or buying from our bake sale, thank you for praying, and thank you for encouraging.
Every Bible club led,
Every child prayed over,
Every conversation about Jesus,
Every act of service in that neighborhood –
You are part of it.
You may not be physically in Memphis, but your faithfulness is woven into every moment of ministry taking place there. We are deeply grateful — not just for your generosity, but for your partnership in the Gospel.
We Are In This Together
Missions has never been about who gets the spotlight. It has always been about obedience. Some obey by going., some obey by sending, and some obey by praying. But all of it matters.
If you are supporting someone who is serving: thank you. You are making eternal impact in ways you may never fully see this side of heaven.
If you are preparing to go, don’t forget to invite others into the blessing of partnership.
The Kingdom of God moves forward not through individuals working alone, but through believers working together… and that is a beautiful thing. 💜
The Growing Hale 