We can measure a lot when it comes to a Sports Ambassadors short-term missions trip. 194 kilometers traveled. 19 basketball games with over 3,000 spectators. 11 basketball clinics with 780 participants. 6 church partnerships. 900 responses to Christ.
What can’t we measure? How a two-week mission trip changes your life. How it changes the lives around you. And how the Lord will use these games, and clinics, and testimonies to transform the Philippines and beyond.
The transformation is in God’s hands, we say “yes” to the opportunity to be transformed.
God at Work in the Philippines
God was at work from the beginning on this recent trip to Central Visayas, Philippines.
“I saw God working throughout the entire process of the trip. Especially from the start,” says OC mission worker Jonathan G. “We met with our team via Zoom and phone before landing in the Philippines. Then, I witnessed how God was molding us and strengthening the team through prayer, fellowship, and encouragement beforehand. This made a difference and helped us develop team chemistry and trust.”
Chemistry and trust are important parts of any ministry team, but a short-term team has less time to develop it and you’re together 24-7. There isn’t much space when you travel, eat, sleep, and play together. But these young men were up for it all.
“A true highlight was watching the young guys (high school students) boldly share their personal stories and the gospel bracelets every chance they got,” Jonathan says.
Intentional Short-term Ministry
A mission trip often changes you more than the people you came to serve. This reality doesn’t limit how God chooses to use you, or how he impacts the people who are being served. But this understanding does drive One Challenge’s commitment and partnership with local churches.
“The team developed relationships with the local pastors and witnessed to a large number of kids and adults who attended the camps and games,” Jonathan says. “We hosted numerous basketball clinics that lasted 3 days at a time. This allowed us to build relationships with the campers on a more intentional basis, and then later share why Jesus is so important in our lives.”
A mission trip has a beginning, middle, and end. It’s intense and exciting, and you see God do great things. God’s work is infinite — in you and in others. We don’t know the eternal impact, but we know that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” Philippians 1:6.
Kelli, Journalist, US-Mobilization Center