Short-term missions trips can be life changing. The first time you go and experience ministry in a different culture, you learn and grow in ways you might not have expected. But the influence of going on a missions trip extends far beyond a single experience. When we venture into different cultures—whether it’s a rural village in Africa, an urban center in Asia, or even our local communities in the US—we encounter a broader understanding of what it truly means to make disciples of Jesus.

While Haiti is our mission field at C2M, the scope of missions work around the world is incredibly diverse. Unique cultural norms in one country might require different strategies, and local customs can influence every aspect of ministry, ranging from logistics in daily planning to interpersonal communication. But at the heart of every ministry, the focus remains the same: sharing the hope of Christ.

One of the most significant challenges missionaries face is how to communicate the gospel in cultures where Christianity is less familiar. Building genuine relationships is fundamental for this reason. When we have first shown Christ in our actions, by meeting needs in a community or helping individuals in tangible ways, we gain an opportunity to share our faith that might be more difficult otherwise. As we engage with people’s daily realities, meeting them in their need, we can share the gospel not just as a doctrine but as a true source of hope. Read more about our four principles of ministry here.

Whether we find ourselves sharing the gospel in a country halfway around the world or in a mission field right at home, the differences between ministry contexts pale in comparison to the shared mission of making disciples and serving others as Christ serves us. Each setting presents unique challenges and cultural nuances, but the core of our calling remains the same: to embody Christ’s love, share His message of hope, and build relationships rooted in faith. By dedicating ourselves to understanding the needs of those we serve and demonstrating compassion, we reflect the heart of Jesus in all we do. Ultimately, it is this commitment to discipleship and selfless service that unites all Christian ministry.

No matter where we are, we are all called to make disciples—loving others sacrificially, as Christ has loved us.

To learn more about making missions a reality in your life, check out Greg Barshaw’s book, Go, Engage, Invest: Touching Lives with the Hope of Christ.