Mission trips are an amazing opportunity to experience new things and see the world in a whole new way. As you know, mission trips are so much larger than just the team doing the mission work. You’ve got friends, family, and fundraiser supporters who are anxious to receive updates about your trip. When you volunteer abroad, consider these tips on what to include in your reports to your family and friends.

  • Focus on the highs and don’t hide the lows. Mission trips come in all shapes and sizes. Youth mission trips and long-term mission trips are much different, but any mission work is going to run the gamut of emotions. Your family and friends are anticipating the range of feelings that you’ll go though while you volunteer abroad. Focus on the amazing things that God is doing through your team. Mention the struggles you’re having, but don’t dwell on them.
  • Be concise when you tell stories. It might be difficult to even find time to write home while you’re on your mission trip. Therefore, make the most of the opportunity to share fun stories about the trip. If you’re serving on long-term mission trips, then you’ll probably find a way to call home from time to time. Your phone time will be valuable, so focus on being detailed and succinct
  • Keep it personal. This might seem like a selfish thing to do, but your family and friends care about how you’re doing. If they know other people serving with you, then you can update them on those friends too. Mostly, your family wants to know how you’re doing, especially for those on youth mission trips. You can share stories about other people on the trip when you get back.
  • Have a thankful attitude. Even if you’re having a discouraging time, be sure to keep a thankful attitude when you’re reporting home. Tell your supporters how grateful you are to be doing mission work. Mission trips are full of ups and downs. Your discouraging moments will soon pass. Either way, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to volunteer abroad. Let your supporters back home know that.

There are many things you’ll want to include when you report home about your mission trip. The important thing to remember is to focus on the highs, be concise, keep it personal, and have a thankful attitude.

Read what others have to say about their time on a Mission Discovery trip. When you plan a mission trip with Mission Discovery, you’ll be set up for success. You’ll have plenty to write home about when you travel with us!