Reverse Mission Trip, pt.1

With economic times being as they are in the States, I wonder how that will affect short term mission trips or humanitarian trips this next year? I know in Europe their currency is relatively strong(er). But here is another idea.

Want to try something different?

Each year we always have friends here in Europe who wants to send their students to the states to be immersed in English and the US culture. It is really a ready-made opportunity to be salt and light to young people from an unreached population. I have also had business people who have asked me if they knew of a family that they could live with for a month in order to learn English. If you cannot go on a trip why not try this way?

There are some really good inter-cultural exchange programs and organizations out there. We recommend Summer In the USA, a program that focuses on students from the Basque region of northern Spain. We do not always need to recreate something. Many programs, such as those found in local universities, even help offset the costs of hosting a student with a weekly stipend. Pray about whether the Lord might be leading you to a certain people or place. If you know of a worker in a particular place that you support or your church does why not start there? Do a google search on the topic and see what you find out. Then find a good match for your family.

Better yet, collaborate with other members of your church to make this a “reverse mission trip.” Prepare as through you were going on a trip to whatever place you feel led. Learn what you can about culture, history, language, and geography. Make contact with nationals, believers, missionaries, and expats living in that place. Ask for insights, ideas, and warnings. Then, instead of going on a trip, prepare your homes to host an exchange student.

You could work together to handle things like local transportation, excursions, and events. Be intentional. Share life. Teach. Learn. Love whoever God brings to you.

Many times, you’ll find that the relationships built through this sort of program turn into lifelong friendships. After the student returns to her home, follow through with emails, letters, and phone calls. You may be able to visit them in their home country someday.

We’ve seen lives transformed through the power of personal interactions like this. People have come to faith, and churches have been planted overseas as a result of this sort of intentional engagement.

Let us know how your experience goes!

Adapted from Larry McCrary, with permission