Katie Back Salmon, Author at TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How to Choose a Short-Term Mission Trip

With thousands of mission trip opportunities available to you, how do you find the best fit? Here's some practical advice to help you choose a mission trip with confidence. Photo by TEAM

Feb 07 2017

A new interest in missions is often accompanied with an urgent desire to just go. But choosing a mission trip isn’t always easy. Where will you go? To do what ministry? And when? As you process through the thousands of opportunities available to you, here’s some practical advice on how to choose a mission trip. Pray About Three Topics It sounds like a Christian platitude, but really, the first thing you should do is pray. Prayer can help you discern your direction, but more importantly, prayer centers you on God’s direction. Here are three prayer topics to pursue as you…

Taiwan's culture is a captivating tapestry of old and new traditions. Here are seven facts about Taiwan you should know before you see it for yourself. Photos by TEAM

Jan 30 2017

When the Portuguese landed in Taiwan, they called it “Formosa,” meaning “beautiful island.” And appropriately so. Taiwan teems with natural wonders like cascading rivers, hot springs and the highest mountains in Northeast Asia. Today, this natural beauty is the backdrop for some of the world’s most technologically advanced cities. Here are seven facts about Taiwan you should know before you see this tapestry of ancient and new for yourself. 1. It’s the size of Belgium with the population of Australia. Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries on the planet. It is only slightly bigger than Belgium and home to…

The majority of Europeans identify with the Christian faith. So why is there a need for missionaries there? Photo by TEAM.

Jan 25 2017

When you think of mission work, what comes to mind probably isn’t someone in France discussing theology with a neighbor over cappuccinos. But the reality is, Europe critically needs more Christian missionaries to make disciples. There are several reasons we leave Europe off the map when we think of spreading the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” The most glaring one being that the gospel has already been spread there. In the New Testament, we read about the gospel’s early adoption in Europe through Paul’s letters to the church in modern-day Greece, Italy and Turkey. Marble statues, massive cathedrals…

Christmas Traditions From Around the World

Learn 9 ways cultures around the world are celebrating Christmas this season.

Dec 21 2016

From colorful piñatas to 12-course meals, Christians around the world celebrate Christmas in ways as unique as their cultures. Read to discover 9 global Christmas traditions you might not have known about. Midnight Mass in Brazil Tropical temperatures in Brazil mean churchgoers don’t have to bundle up to attend Missa do Galo (“Rooster’s Mass”) at midnight. After services, fireworks illuminate the skylines of large cities, and families hurry home to enjoy a large meal together and exchange gifts. The Yule Cat in Iceland Children and adults alike in Iceland hope to unwrap a new set of clothes for Christmas. Traditional folklore…

People in northern Pakistan have been known to travel for hours to be seen by doctors at Bach Christian Hospital. And it's not because Bach is the only hospital around. Photo by TEAM

Oct 17 2016

Most mornings, Dr. Luke Cutherell’s alarm rings at 4:30 a.m. — that is, if he wasn’t already awake operating all night. After a quick run, Cutherell studies his Bible over breakfast, and by 7:00 a.m., he’s at Bach Christian Hospital in northern Pakistan, making rounds with inpatients. An hour later, he gathers with a multinational staff of 225 nurses, physicians and surgeons to pray for the healing work ahead. Then he’s off to the clinic, where 300 to 400 people are eagerly waiting to receive treatment for everything from kidney stones to cancer. These patients have traveled distances ranging from…

What happens on a vision trip? Recent trip participants reflect on their experiences and how it helped them explore their missions calling. Photo by TEAM

Oct 11 2016

This summer, 15 people set out on TEAM Vision Trips across the globe. Teams traveled to Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Guatemala to catch a glimpse of how God is building his church in each place and explore how he might be calling them to be a part of building it there, too. Unlike a traditional short-term mission trip, a vision trip’s purpose is not ministry activity, but rather to explore the challenges and opportunities for long-term ministry in a different culture. This year, participants spent time with long-term missionaries to ask them candid questions about missionary life and work….

Around the world, teachers are making disciples by sharing the love of Christ in the classroom. Photo by TEAM

Sep 22 2016

‘Remember your promise’ When Tim and his wife moved to Asia, they had a plan. They would serve as Christian educators for a few years in Hong Kong, then move to teach in another more spiritually deprived country. But soon, two years in Hong Kong turned into 11, and Tim and his family never made the move. In 2009, Tim found himself saying goodbye to a dear friend and mentor who served faithfully as a missionary to those with little spiritual witness in East Asia. Before Dave passed away, he charged Tim one last time. “God has called you to…

Discerning if you're called to missions can seem mysterious, but it doesn't have to be. Six workers share how they knew God was calling them to serve.

Aug 18 2016

How can you know you’re called to missions? Especially when the very concept of “calling” can seem vague, mysterious and even painstaking to figure out? Sure, it’s nuanced. But confidently knowing your missionary calling is not impossible, either. Read six workers’ unique testimonies of how God called them to serve. Open Doors “Our calling to missions started by Susan and I both saying that we would never be missionaries, and that kind of got God’s ear,” says Scott Downing, a worker in Chad. Scott and Susan both grew up as missionary kids in Africa but never considered a life…

A care package is a tangible way for the church to remind a missionary that they are cherished and supported.

Aug 09 2016

Missionaries pack their bags eager to forsake familiar comforts for the sake of the gospel. Even so, when weariness sets in, a well-timed care package can be the encouragement your missionary needs. Read through these tips and tricks to curate a care package for a missionary you know. Before You Send Your Care Package International shipping is nuanced. So, before you spend time and money, ask your missionary to answer these questions: What is your shipping address? Find out from your missionary exactly how to fill out the shipping label. Be sure to note if the address should be in English…

Every mission trip is different, but there are few essential items every short-term missionary shouldn't leave home without.

May 12 2016

Whether you wait until the eleventh hour or have been packing and re-packing for months, here’s your comprehensive mission trip packing list. Download the checklist here to cross off items as you pack them! THE ESSENTIALS Don’t pull out of the driveway without these items in your bag. Bible and Journal Keep your journal handy to record your experiences and what God is teaching you. If you are serving in a security-sensitive area, like the Middle East, check with the long-term missionaries there before you bring Christian materials. Cash and Debit/Credit Card Find out how to best obtain the local currency when…

Author - Katie Back Salmon

How to Choose a Short-Term Mission Trip

7 Facts You Should Know About Taiwan

Does Europe Need Missionaries?

Yule Cats and 8 Other Global Christmas Traditions

In Pakistan, Being a Doctor is More Than Medicine

What Happens on a Vision Trip?

Looking for Missionaries Who Can Teach

How Do You Know You’re Called to Missions?

9 Things Your Missionary Wants in a Care Package

The Essential Guide to Packing For Your Mission Trip