Sister Olga Ramos Marcano reports about a recent short-term mission trip her team made to the Dominican Republic. Here is what she says “This short-term mission has made us more sensitive to the needs of others, including the people around us….  Our relationship with others cannot be the same. We will strive to be better human being; treat those around us with love, respect, better understanding, patience and be more tolerant.”

Visit by Rev. Dr. Karyn Carlo to Bo-Waterside Baptist Fellowship in DeVos village, in Liberia to join in the celebration of the 8th church anniversary. Rev. Dr. Carlo preached on Isaiah 58:9 and reflected with the leaders on the “yokes” in the community. Continued relationship building took place after church service while sharing a delicious meal.

A special short-term mission opportunity took place in July 2019, where cross-cultural relationships were built between youth living in the Central Region in the US and youth living in Costa Rica.

In the book of Acts there are many obstacles (topes) that must be overcome for the Gospel to spread.  Fear, language, prejudice, funding, geography, opposition… and the list goes on.  One can easily make the case that these same obstacles still challenge mission today. But as we learn from Acts, there are no barriers to the movement of God’s Spirit! God’s work, God’s will, will be accomplished.

Embarking on a short-term mission trip for two weeks, three months or a year without adequate emotional, spiritual and physical tools and preparation will create big “Oops & Ouch” that can have negative impact on the ministry you intend to serve. The Short-Term Mission team can help equip your hands and heart to serve God alongside global servants and/or IM partners in cross-cultural settings.

Nora and Pieter are regional missionaries serving as coordinators of short-term mission (STM) with the European Baptist Federation. They facilitate life-changing mission experiences by matching the interests of volunteers with the needs of the 50+ Baptist conventions in Europe and the Middle East.