My friends poke fun at me when they see my pictures of toilets from various mission trips. I DO NOT have a twisted fascination of bathroom fixtures. I DO HAVE a burden to help others cope with a cross-cultural shock that I, myself, experienced because no one spoke about this topic prior to trip departure. Let’s break the wall of silence endorsed by western social modesty and publically herald the free speech of toilet etiquette!

My first encounter with a “horse of a different color” came during my mission trip to Russia. There before me was a bowl without a seat – totally perplexing, somewhat unnerving but still manageable. Previously unacquainted with summer camps or woodland activities, my only exposure to “roughing it” was the portable toilets brought in for the annual city celebration. So on the very same trip, my next shock came as I faced a wood platform with cut out holes placed above a deep abyss. Pressing through my inadequacy, I soon learned how to balance and aim quite well while choosing to use my soft 2-ply toilet paper brought from home instead of the provided small circular coffee filter.

Additional mission trips educated me on more water closet diversities. In Latin America, it is mandatory to discard used toilet paper in a basket beside the toilet in lieu of the bowl. Manual flushing is a simple technique of emptying a pail of water into the bowl, not the tank, and letting gravity do the rest.  Privacy can be as little as a shower curtain between you and the next person in line.  Two toilets in the bathroom, the second one being a bidet, can be intimidating even for the most courageous.

You may encounter the same or other VERY different circumstances on your mission trip. Ask your trip leader what you should expect or do your own research so you can prepare both mentally and physically before departure. One thing that is certain, God does not want you to become sidetracked from fulfilling your purpose on the trip because you are obsessed about your personal hygiene. Jesus was quick to point out a similar misguided focus to his contemporaries, “…you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too.” (Matthew 23:25a-26 NLT) Jesus explained it this way to his disciples using a different example, “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body. What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come…” (Mark 7:18b-19; 21a) Yes, it is important to practice sanitary measures so that you do not become ill and be totally removed from participating in your outreach program. However, when you choose to concentrate too much on external conditions, you allow yourself to become vulnerable and your ministry efforts are weakened.

KESHER TIP (connection): An Ounce of Prevention…
Benjamin Franklin didn’t have a mission trip in mind when he completed this thought with the words, “is worth a pound of cure.” But I’m sure he would agree that hand sanitizers are less intrusive than a round of strong antibiotics for unwanted intestinal germs. Purchase bundles of baby wipes (without the plastic containers) along with small zip-lock bags, which is more cost effective than individual packets. Once at your location, you can load/reload your baggies for each day’s use. When using your gel disinfectants after ministering to the nationals, remember to apply it out of their sight so there won’t be a misinterpretation of your actions. Although alcohol-based sanitizers are the best, you may want to check with your destination country to see if they may be confiscated in customs. 

The Russian volunteer leader assigned to our cabin of Russian youth and American mission team began to share her story. She spoke of when her husband was sent to clean up after the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. He was not part of the first wave of emergency workers but was still exposed to the radiation fallout.  After he returned home, they conceived and had a child, the one sitting on her lap that she tightly embraced in our view. This mother went on to explain that her son was below average on the growth chart for his age. She feared it was a direct result of her husband’s contact with the nuclear waste.  Her heart broke for her son’s health and future.

During the altar call of a women’s ministry conference in Mexico, a wife came forward for prayer. Through an interpreter she told me that her husband physically abused her and supported a mistress. She didn’t know what to do and sought God’s wisdom and direction. Her heart broke for the Godly marriage she didn’t possess but desperately wanted to experience.

An opportunity was given that anyone who wanted our mission team to pray for them should come up to the front. The children in attendance at our VBS program in Guatemala lined up to relay their prayer requests to our team leader who spoke Spanish.  A small child wearing tattered clothes and sporting a dirty face didn’t ask for prayer for herself but instead for her daddy. She wanted God to help him stop drinking and becoming drunk so he could get a job. Her heart broke for her father and her family’s welfare.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”  (2 Corinthians 3-5 NIV)

You are not on this mission trip by accident. You are here at God’s appointed time to share comfort with someone who needs to know that there is hope despite the current situation. You may have experienced the same thing they are going through and are able to share how God carried you through a tough time. On the other hand, the circumstances are unfamiliar to you, but you can speak encouraging words about God’s love and compassion for them. Choose daily to observe your surroundings and be sensitive to the people you encounter while on your trip.  Someone is waiting for God to respond to his heart’s cry. You can be the answer.

KESHER PRAYER (connection): Lord, thank you for those times “when [I] run into problems and trials, for [I] know that they help [me] develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens [my] confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For [I] know how dearly God loves [me], because he has given [me] the Holy Spirit to fill [my] [heart] with his love.” (Romans 5:3b-5 NLT)  I am excited to now share this wisdom with those who are looking to You for consolation and guidance. I ask that you give me great boldness and clarity of thought to speak Your words. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

I was privileged to observe a Christian leader modeling humility on my mission trip to Mexico.  Though she was the pastor of our women’s ministry and had seniority over the pastor leading our trip, she yielded (relinquished one’s possession of position of advantage or point of superiority) to the leader who had positional authority over the mission group.  She insisted on being treated like any other team member and being called by her first name without her pastoral title.  She put on silly clothes and makeup in order to be transformed into a clown for the children’s ministry program.

Sadly, I have also witnessed the opposite. Assigned to our mission trip to Argentina, the director of video production in our church struggled to yield his control to the trip leader. He expressed his frustration at having to wait at the connecting airport until the whole group was present for instruction from the leader.  He opted out of the first night of in-country team briefing where valuable information about the next day’s schedule was discussed. He ventured off from the team to capture background video footage without informing the trip leader. Happily, I can report that through the love and example of our team members, this person had a turnaround moment half way through the trip.

As a child, Jesus yielded to his parent’s authority. “And he went down with them [Joseph and Mary], and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them…” (Luke 2:51 NKJV)  He understood that God had set up a structure of authority on earth. Because Jesus was always obedient to the Father, He submitted to the positional leadership of this part of his life as a pattern for us to follow.

Your trip leader takes his responsibility very seriously. He is accountable to church leadership for your welfare while on the trip whether you are a pastor, director, elder or church member. He wants to be able to say exactly what Jesus said to God, “While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost…” (John 17:12a CEV)

KESHER PRAYER (connection):  Lord, I choose to honor my leader on this mission trip, which is Your work. He labors hard to ensure I am physically and spiritually well on the mission field. I will yield to my trip leader, show him great respect and wholeheartedly love him because you have placed him in authority over me on this brief journey. Amen. (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Being on time is being early. This was the motto of the Christian ministry from which I had the blessing of learning professional conduct and business etiquette. As I waited with the rest of the mission team for the bus to arrive and transport us from our lodging to the designated ministry location, it became obvious the driver was going to be late. My anxiousness turned into anger. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t the driver know we have a schedule to keep?” Even though I was primed mentally to be flexible, the continual “hurry up and wait” occurrences on the mission trip took a toll on me emotionally. I wrestled with my own conditioning that punctuality was something to embrace. However, as I soon discovered, other cultures value the event over the task completion.  They daily live out the yielding of something that has temporal worth (time), for something of eternal merit, an investment in others (relationships).

Are you are feeling frustrated as a result of time conflicts encountered on your mission trip?  “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 KJV)  The phrase “be still” comes from the Hebrew term “raphah” meaning to be weak, to let go or to release.  God desires that you yield (relinquish one’s possession of position of advantage or point of superiority) your own efforts to the Holy Spirit so He can fully empower you both in your personal life and your work in God’s kingdom business. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a NLT)

Heed Stephen’s remarks to those who are resistant to the Lord’s voice, “You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts to God, nor will you listen to him! You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you…” (Acts 7:51b NCV)

KESHER PRAYER (connection):  God, thank you for giving me eyes to see that my inner struggle is your method of molding me to become more Christ-like.  Please give me ears to hear your voice of instruction in the midst of my conflict so I will know where I need to yield my perspective of the world and take on your heart’s view of it. “Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path…” (Psalm 27:11a NKJV)

Standing in a circle with our national counterparts, we listened as the missionary host briefed us on the day’s activities. Questions arose concerning the traffic flow of those who would be attending the outreach event. The administrator discussed logistical options and guided his staff to a conclusion; however, it occurred to me that there was an even better solution to the problem. Simultaneously, I realized I was only a guest of the organization and if I spoke out in front of everyone, I would harm the host’s leadership of his team. I kept silent. After the meeting was over, I pulled my mission team aside and reminded them that our visit was only temporary while our host’s residence is long-term. I went on to tell them that though we may see a better way of doing something, we should first pray and then privately discuss the idea with our missionary host so his ministry influence in the community will not be jeopardized. In essence, I was asking them to yield (relinquish one’s possession of position of advantage or point of superiority) to the local covering and authority of our mission trip.

Peter was in a parallel situation except he made an adverse decision. Reference the story in John 18:1-11, Luke 22:47-51, and Matthew 26:47-54. As Jesus was in the process of being arrested, Peter impulsively reacted out of good intentions without taking time to consider the repercussions of his actions. By cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant, he endangered God’s plan (Matthew 26:54), forced Jesus to correct an unnecessary and grave error (Luke 22:51) and perhaps fostered more mistrust of Jesus’ ministry among the crowd who were gathered to observe the event. Peter did not yield to the one in authority over the circumstances.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17 NIV)

KESHER PRAYER (connection): Abba, Father, thank you for giving me a new revelation of what being yielded to you is by showing me the need for self-control of my mind and my actions. I will “submit [myself] for the Lord’s sake to every human authority…for it is God’s will that by doing good [my example] should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:13a,5 NIV) I will be diligent to practice self-control for in doing so “in increasing measure, [it] will keep [me] from being ineffective and unproductive in [my] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8b NIV) Amen.

I don’t own a skirt! Do I still have to hide my tattoo if it is a Christian symbol? But it’s going to be hot so why can’t I wear shorts? I am never surprised when these types of comments and questions come up during pre-trip training. At least one team member, if not more, wants special dispensation from the cultural restrictions established for ministering internationally.

Perhaps, this is the day you will have to dress according to the customs of the country. Maybe it’s removing jewelry from various body parts, putting on a long-sleeved shirt to cover tattoos, wearing a below-the-knee skirt, or donning pants instead of jeans. You groan out loud expressing your inward discomfort at having to yield to archaic traditions. There’s that word again, yield, meaning “to relinquish one’s possession of position of advantage or point of superiority.”

Jesus experienced the same situation. He put on clothes of a different culture in order to minister accordingly. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14a KJV). Christ willingly yielded His position of advantage so His mission objective could be successfully completed. “…[Christ Jesus] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8 NIV)

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” (Luke 9:22-24 NKJV) Therefore, following Jesus’ example, surrender your rights and privileges for the sake of ministering and seeing others come to God by saving grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) Do so “…not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

KESHER PRAYER (connection): Oh Lord, thank You for exposing an area of my life that I need to surrender to You. “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try [strive] to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22 NLT)

Lord, “Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your power is made perfect in my weakness [yielding].  I am glad to boast about my weaknesses [submission of my will], so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV, NLT) Amen.    

As the semi-truck navigates into my lane, I quickly calculate that it isn’t going to clear the front bumper of my car. Following through on my first reaction, I swiftly place my foot on the brake pedal and yield to avoid a collision. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, “yield” means “to relinquish one’s possession of – as a position of advantage or point of superiority.” Though I did not have the largest vehicle in this situation, I did have the right of way which I willingly relinquished in order to prevent physical harm.

Everything may seem to be business as usual when you are traveling along on your mission trip until an intrusion veers into your path. The interruption may appear to be a hazardous driver, but in reality it is a strategically placed object lesson that jolts you to see from a different perspective and compels you to react accordingly. God wants to use this and similar opportunities to transform you into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18). He will ask you to voluntarily surrender, or yield, your will in the circumstance for a favorable outcome for everyone.

Over the next several trip devotions, we will highlight some of the impositions found on a mission trip and explore how God reveals Himself through them. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”(2 Peter 3:18a KJV)

KESHER PRAYER (connection): Dear God, thank you for placing me in a position away from the distractions of my life to be sensitive to your leading. Please give me eyes to see You in the midst of today’s intrusion(s) (Mark 4:12). I want to increase in Your grace and extend even more love for others as I learn to yield my will to Yours (Luke 22:42). Amen.

My closet is full of colorful silk-screened mission trip t-shirts. Each one chronicles the date of the trip, country visited and type of ministry. Even years later, when I wear one of them special memories and tremendous moments from the mission field rush to my mind.

In addition to having a cool (or maybe not so cool) souvenir from your international experience, there are other advantages as well as disadvantages to wearing team shirts.

Matching tops foster unity and team spirit among the individuals. The trip leader can easily track team members at the airport or at stop-offs during bus transportation. The in-country hosts can distinguish the group at the destination pick up. Being visibly identified as a mission group capitalizes on natural opportunities such as conversations about Christ or receiving blessings (cash donations or prayers) from total strangers.

To the contrary, security agencies would argue that a group wearing identical shirts becomes an obvious target for begging, pick pocketing, kidnapping or other criminal actions. Airport custom officials may pull the team and their luggage aside seeking bribes or for extra inspection suspecting ministry supplies are being brought into the country.

If you decide in favor of team shirts for the mission trip, you may want to contemplate a few other things before placing your order:

• Fabric thickness. For the sake of modesty, ladies might have to wear an added layer beneath a lightweight material causing a warm environment to be even more unbearable.

• Color selection. Depending upon your country destination, some hues may be gang-related or have a political affiliation.

• Words and symbols. Some Christian verbiage and images as well as American slang do not translate well in other languages and can offend rather than attract people.

Still on the fence or have any doubts? Consult with your local hosts for their valuable input towards deciding to travel conspicuously or inconspicuously.

Remember the clothing that is non-negotiable…“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NIV)

KESHER TIP (connection): My Cup Runneth Over
Extra team t-shirts make wonderful thank you gifts for those who have helped you on your mission trip. Missionary hosts, bus drivers, translators and others will feel included and truly part of the team. Truthfully, how much room do you have in your closet? Think about leaving behind your own t-shirt to bless someone who would wear it more often than you.

“We’re here! Where’s the lumber?” exclaimed Chris’ mission team. It is frustrating to show up after sitting on a plane for hours and eager to begin work on the mission project when the supplies are nowhere to be seen. Besides the small window of time, there is the added aggravation that an internationally comparable Home Depot or Walmart is miles away from your project site.

Everyone agrees that flexibility on a mission trip is essential, but it doesn’t have to be at the hand of poor planning. In Chris’ case, the misfortunate situation could have been averted by working with a trusted organization in the destination country or by sending an experienced team member a few days ahead of the group to ensure the construction supplies arrive on location.

Leaders, it’s good to have a Plan B already worked out long before the day of trip departure. If you know you are arriving during hurricane season, there’s a good chance your mission endeavor could be rained out. Or maybe due to last minute government crackdown, your materials might be delayed in customs. Discuss worst-case scenarios and strategies with your team during pre-trip meetings. In doing so, members won’t be taken by surprise and can quickly put your Plan B into action with confidence and unity. Also, in advance of your trip, discuss with your national hosts some potential alternative assignments that could utilize the team’s talents and strengths if your Plan A doesn’t materialize.

“Human plans, no matter how wise or well-advised, cannot stand against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30 NLT) That’s what we call “Plan G” – God’s plan. When you experience resistance or bumps in the road on your mission trip, the first thing you should do is circle up the team to pray. Seek God to provide the breakthrough for the obstruction or the redeployment plan for His greater purpose. The Lord wants to use these situations to help team members discover something about themselves and expand their faith. Additionally, there is an indescribable joy in knowing that you have become the answer for a previously unknown but now immediate need.

KESHER TIP (connection): Forewarned is Forearmed
Register your mission group with the U.S. Department of State through the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). Your trip coordinator may opt to receive updates on travel warnings, travel alerts and other information for a particular country that can be beneficial to your team’s logistical and spiritual trip preparation. Click here for more details: Travel.State.Gov

“Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.” (Deuteronomy 22:10 NIV) In the physical sense, these two beasts of burden have different body structures, strengths, speeds and purposes for use. Therefore, when they are paired together to work the field, the ox, having more resolve for the task of plowing, will pull its teammate along and bear the extra weight of the donkey. Consequently, uneven row depths and crooked furrows will occur resulting in less than optimal seed growth, which leads to low harvest yield.

Chris experienced this phenomenon first hand on his mission trip. His team consisted of an unequal ratio of not so able-bodied men and physically fit ones. Additionally, they were faced with the daunting goal of completing construction of several shed-like houses in a limited amount of time. The vigorous guys worked tirelessly, taking up the slack, in order to fulfill the promise of adequate shelter for the selected families before the group had to leave. Although they were elated to be able to get the job done through Christ’s strength, the heavy load led to exhaustion and even resentment by some.

“Without oxen a stable stays clean [empty], but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.” (Proverbs 14:4 NLT) Leaders, if you are totally committed to building 20 homes in 5 days, it’s important you make the right team selection for the job. Not only is the quantity of participants important but also their physical capabilities. “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the grey head.” (Proverbs 20:29 KJV)

On the other hand, if project completion is not as important as providing a mission work experience for members who have various skill levels, be sensible and readjust your objective. Think about scaling back on the number of houses built and supplementing the project with a few repair activities so that all participants feel a sense of accomplishment without being overburdened.

If you have gaps between team qualifications, time constraints and project goals, another suggestion is to consider tag teaming with other Christian churches. Coordination between different people of faith models a powerful picture of commitment and unity to those being helped and those who are watching us, Christ’s ambassadors, closely.

KESHER TIP (connection): The Sharpest Tool in the Toolbox
“…but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.” (Proverbs 11:2b AMP) Yes, humility is the sharpest tool a leader has for coordinating a mission trip. Cutting through the “I alone can do this” attitude, a wise leader enlists the skills and experience of others for certain projects on the trip. For example, if your trip is a construction or medical endeavor, intentionally recruit someone in that profession who can oversee the specific work and the assigned team from start to finish. Allow this person to exercise his/her leadership skills in his/her area of expertise but request regular progress reports.