Long-term missions Archives - TEAM Christian Missions Blog

How Long Should I Be a Missionary?

How do you know if God is calling you to long-term missions? Who are the best candidates for short-term mission trips? We’ve got answers.

Jul 27 2021

The journey of pursuing missions is unique for each person. God is personal and above all, and He is able to orchestrate all the details of a missionary’s life for His honor and glory. And yet, as you pursue cross-cultural Christian missions, you might find yourself stuck on this question: How long should you commit to overseas missions service? Is there really a valuable difference between short-term missions or a mid-term assignment? Should you just jump into long-term missions and commit your foreseeable future to overseas work? As a TEAM missions coach, I regularly help people walk through these questions,…

Jocelyn and her parents have found ways to maintain their relationship, even after her parents moved to Zimbabwe for missions as a second career. Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Potter

May 10 2019

If Jocelyn Potter and her boyfriend didn’t get engaged and married in the next four months, they would have to wait years to try again. That is, if they wanted Jocelyn’s parents to be there and not just watching the video in the Zimbabwean bush. Jocelyn’s mom and stepdad, Cheryl and Dave Jereb, were TEAM missionaries on home assignment. They had about four months to visit friends and family and then return to Zimbabwe. So, Jocelyn and her boyfriend got engaged and planned the wedding in three months. “We scheduled the wedding for a Friday, and their plane ticket ……

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…

Who is Generation Z and how will they impact the future of missions? Find out as we uncover traits of these upcoming world-changers.

Aug 13 2018

Have you ever been fearful about the future of missions? Anxiously wondered if these next generations will carry on the vision God has so clearly given? We all know those worries and fears need to be given over the Jesus, to acknowledge that the work is being done by the Holy Spirit and we aren’t in control. But sometimes it’s helpful to be encouraged in our doubts and questions. It helps us refute the lies of the enemy, and it allows us to participate in God’s work with this next generation through prayer and mentoring. I serve as a missions…

If God's calling you to long-term missions, you've probably wondered, "What do I do now?" Find out how you can begin preparing today!

Jul 26 2018

Feeling the conviction to serve in long-term missions is an exciting time in any Christian’s life. It may come during a short-term mission trip or an engaging sermon at church. It may shock you or feel like exactly what you’ve been waiting for. But however you felt led to long-term missions, you’re probably wondering, “What do I do now?” My calling to serve God in missions came at the age of 14, in the form of an unmistakable inner conversation with God that I couldn’t ignore. That started me on the path of preparation. Since then, I’ve not only served…

Care packages and emails are a great encouragement to long-term missionaries. But what if the best way to support your missionary is giving them yourself? Photo courtesy of Beth Barthelemy

Jul 17 2018

Last fall, my family had our first visitors since arriving on South African soil a year and some months ago. After months of anticipation, our pastor and friends from our Chicago church arrived to spend a week with us. They didn’t come as a short-term team, with a particular ministry focus. We had no projects lined up for them. They didn’t come to “check up” on us, to make sure we were worth their investment. They didn’t have a list of questions with which to assess our effectiveness or success. They came with a simple purpose: to be an encouragement…

Tag - Long-term missions

How Long Should I Be a Missionary?

When Missionaries Leave Adult Children Behind

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

What Do College Grads Have in Common with Retirees?

Is Gen Z Ready for Serious Missions?

5 Ways to Prepare for Long-Term Missions Service

Why Churches Should Visit Their Missionaries