September 2018 - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

Leaving a Legacy through Short-Term Missions

What does it look like to leave a short-term missions legacy? One short-term missionary shares six lessons she learned from her experience.

Sep 27 2018

I was reminiscing with my former missions leader when she said something unexpected: “The ministry area in South Asia still talks about your team as ‘the Dream Team.’” “The Dream Team?” Four years ago, a group of us had gone to serve in South Asia. We were there for four weeks to help a missionary couple, Isaac and Sandy, build houses for widows. “Yes,” my missions leaders said, “you guys had brought so much joy to them, which is why they still talk about you!” My missions leader’s words still echo in my heart. When we served in South Asia…

As a missionary, what does it look like to really deepen your relationship with God? Keep reading to discover ways to rest in His grace.

Sep 24 2018

I listened as a seasoned missionary, more educated than myself, shared from his heart. He leaned forward and asked a question I wasn’t expecting: “Mike, what does it really mean to be loved by God?” I fumbled for a moment under the inner pressure to respond with just the right theological answer. Thankfully, I hesitated and replied honestly: “I’m not totally sure. I am still learning that myself.” The missionary leaned back with a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you. I was so afraid you were going to give me a formula.” Since then, I’ve met with many successful…

If you're a fan of food that's both sweet and spicy, you'll want to try this missionary's Peruvian recipe for Aji de Gallina!

Sep 21 2018

I first tried aji de gallina (hen’s chili) when we visited Peru for our vision trip in 2013. We then had this U.S. version with a Peruvian family from Oregon while we were raising support. This is an adaptation of the Peruvian meal due to the difficulty of finding aji amarillo, a medium-hot chili, in the States. (Pro tip: If you want the authentic taste, you can order jars of aji amarillo paste from Amazon or occasionally find it in a paste at a Latin foods store.) My favorite thing about aji de gallina has to be the spicy yet sweet taste,…

Do short-term trips lead to long-term service?

Kiersten knew she was called to missions. But that meant facing her fears in order to get there. Read what God taught her throughout her missionary journey!

Sep 17 2018

Kiersten Hutchinson was the perfect missionary candidate: She’d gone on short-term mission trips for years. She attended the Urbana missions conference, not once but twice. She led her church’s mission board and ran missions conferences. “If anyone asked about me, it was, ‘Oh yeah, she’s well on her way to missions,’” Kiersten says. “You know, no questions.” And that’s what Kiersten thought, too. Until it was actually time for her first two-year assignment. Suddenly, the confident 20-something was gripped with fear that wouldn’t budge. Two years in Zimbabwe was simply too much. And soon, she called her sending agency, TEAM,…

Read how five individuals prove that anyone can become a short-term missionary — regardless of life stage. Photo courtesy of the David and Jan Fitzgerald.

Sep 11 2018

A recent college graduate, a young married couple and a nearly retired couple wouldn’t typically have a lot in common. Gen Z-ers are just starting their careers and learning how to live as independent adults. Millennials are navigating buying houses, settling down and maybe even starting a new family. Baby Boomers are considering what life looks like after retirement and trying to decide how they will spend their post-career years. And yet, they do share one big thing: God is using them in short-term missions. A Couple with a House, Careers — and a Calling Going on a short-term mission…

As we celebrate 50 years of short-term ministry at TEAM, please ask God to provide more short-term workers for a long-term impact.

Sep 04 2018

Eight years ago, TEAM missionaries in Tokyo leased the site for what would become the SonRise Cafe. The vision was to create a missional coffee shop, where people could feel welcome — and get to hear the Gospel. But the only structure that stood there was a concrete shell. They needed pretty much everything, from floors and ceilings to kitchen cabinets. How would they get it all done? Their time was eaten up by other ministries. And then there was the matter of funds. It was impossible for them to accomplish on their own. That’s when five men from the…

Archive - September 2018

Leaving a Legacy through Short-Term Missions

Why Missions Can’t Fix Your Relationship with God

TEAM Eats: Recipe for Aji de Gallina

When It Comes to Missions, God Can Use Your Baby Steps

What Do College Grads Have in Common with Retirees?

Can Short-Term Ministry Have a Long-Term Impact? [September Prayer Focus]