HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MISSIONAL VACATION?
Families must have a plan, particularly if you intend to partner with an existing ministry. Missionaries have a lot of insight to the community or people group they serve so be sensitive and seek to meet their specific needs, not the needs you may think they have.
It is important to prepare spiritually for the trip as a family. “Remember that you will be trying to impact the lives of the lost and unchurched so be prepared to have your comfort zone challenged,” Gore explains.
Ivey encourages families to “consider the gifts and passions of your family. If your children are younger, look for projects that would allow their involvement. If they are older, consider letting their gifts and interests direct where and how you serve.” He encourages a family meeting to come to consensus about where and when to serve, then pray fervently about the opportunities God might bring.
Don’t forget to schedule down time, though. Ivey says, “Families on a mission trip together need some family time. Plan extra time for that if your children are younger.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
A vacation with a purpose may simply mean you interact with the folks you meet as you vacation. Gore offers several suggestions:
❏• Camping: Talk with the folks camping in the same area as you, visit with others sitting around the pool or lounging at the beach.
❏• Skiing: Engage in activities in a central lodge.
❏• Touring or Cruising: Spend time mingling with different folks as a family.
Ivey gives other avenues:
❏• Contact local associations or churches. You don’t want to go to a campground prepared to offer a day camp for kids if one is already planned!
❏• Host a one-day kids activity in a campground, resort or even in your hotel, offering family-friendly activities in a public area (face painting, crafts, balloon animals, etc).
❏• Volunteer at a food bank, a senior center or some other local ministry.
❏• Conduct a service project (pick up trash, pass out bottled water, etc.), light construction and home repair, creative arts (music, clowns, drama, etc), and Scripture and tract distribution.
• Remember the opportunities are limited only by imagination. Your children will probably be the biggest help in brainstorming how you can serve.
32 Fall 2011 •
onmission.com
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