Why You Should Go on a Mission Trip in 2025
Living as disciples of Christ means answering His call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). At Mt. Bethel Church, we take this command seriously, partnering with 19 missions organizations worldwide—nearly half of which are international. While financial support and prayers are essential, our mission partners also need us to join them in their work. Short-term mission trips offer a unique opportunity to serve alongside these partners, living out the Great Commission in transformative ways.
But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from participants who went on mission trips in 2024 and discovered how these experiences changed their lives and strengthened their faith.
1. It Will Change Your Life
“Don’t go if you’re not looking for it to change your life because it will,” said Walt Davis, who served with our missions partners, S.I.F.A.T., in Ecuador in July 2024.“Go on mission if you want to witness something remarkable, if you want to strengthen your faith.”
Others echoed this sentiment, highlighting how mission trips opened their eyes to God’s work in the world. “Now that I’ve seen what a difference intentional gestures to build relationships can make, I want to be more encouraging here at home,” said Hannah Hammond after serving with Deborah House in Romania in Summer 2024.
2. You’ll Grow Spiritually
Paul Cardell (second from left) teaching at an ILI History Makers conference in Romania
“Short-term missions experiences encourage our faith, challenge our cultural assumptions, and open our eyes to the joy of reaching out,” shared Paul Cardell, who has decades of experience serving in Romania, including leading a trip in July 2024. “They give us perspective on how we live and inspire us to live on mission daily.”
Greg Arnold (second from left) serving food during a Thanksgiving Community Meal in Welch, West VA.
Greg Arnold, who went on a mission trip to Welch, West Virgina. right before Thanksgiving emphasized the spiritual blessings of serving: “What I’ve experienced every time I’ve been willing to go is that God is faithful to prepare the way and show me blessings. You will be more blessed than the people you serve.”
3. You’ll Make a Difference
“There’s nothing that can replace the beauty of going and serving,” said Shelley Ray, after serving with Project 82, our missions partners in Kenya, in November “Whether locally, domestically, or internationally, God calls us to serve others. The profound effect it has on my own heart far outweighs anything I could ever do in my service.”
Sophia Allison, who served as a Camp Hope counselor this year, saw God use her to make a difference in young lives. “I got to help them have fun and not be scared to be themselves. They are beginning to see how God made them, and it’s really sweet.”
Shelley Ray serving with Project 82 in Kenya
4. You’ll Build Lifelong Relationships
“Go—and go with a servant’s heart,” urged Spencer Underwood after serving in West Virginia. “You’ll make relationships on this trip that will last a lifetime. Be flexible and let God work.”
Mission trips often create deep connections with those we serve and with fellow team members. “I loved meeting the campers, getting to know them, and watching them loosen up,” shared Olivia Cheeley after serving at Camp Hope.
5. You’ll Be Inspired to Live on Mission Daily
For many, the experience doesn’t end when the trip is over. “All of our trips have had one thing in common,” said Paul Cardell. “They inspire us to live on mission when we come back home.”
The mission team Gaylyn Kelly led to India in March 2024
Gaylyn Kelly reflected on how her trip with Kimmi Lochner and other ladies from Mt. Bethel Church to serve with our missions partners in India shaped her life. “This mission trip opened our eyes to so much need and hunger for the Lord. It’s increased our urgency to share the gospel with our friends and family back here in the States.”
Ready to Go?
Mission trips are an invitation to step out of your comfort zone and into God’s calling. Whether you go to the other side of the world or serve locally, you’ll witness how God can work through you. Will 2025 be the year you answer His call?
Contact our missions directors, John Williams (john.williams@mtbethel.org) or Brooke O’Harah (brooke.ohara@mtbethel.org), to ask about upcoming mission trips YOU can serve on!
Need more convincing? Order and read Shane Bishops “That’s Good News: How to Overcome Your Fear and Evangelize,” as well as tune in on January 12, 2025 when we begin a new sermon series based on his book.