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7 Keys to Effective Mission Trips

For over 35 years, Forward Edge has mobilized more than 20,000 individuals on nearly 1,600 mission teams to many parts of the U.S. and 34 countries. Over this time, we’ve learned tried-and-true principles that allow short-term teams to help without causing harm.

1. Support programs that are directed, designed, and implemented by nationals.

While there are worthy programs overseas directed by missionaries, it is best to support programs directed by nationals. Nationals know their own culture, and how to effectively function and minister within it. Native-born church and government leaders, as well as program beneficiaries, also view programs directed by nationals more favorably.

2. Don't do things for people that they can do for themselves.

This may be the most common mistake made by short-term mission teams. Short-term missionaries can help with needed projects, but they should always serve alongside local people. In many cases, local people should even be financially compensated for their efforts. Doing things for people that they can do for themselves robs them of their dignity, and fosters a never-ending cycle of dependence.

3. Focus on empowering people vs. creating dependence.

A key to mission teams bearing fruit that remains is a focus on empowering vs. enabling. And the best way to empower people is to equip them to be more effective in their God-given callings and professions. Teams that include pastors, health-care professionals, businesspeople, and schoolteachers can have an enduring impact on the mission field if they focus on equipping those they go to serve.

4. Build long-term partnerships.

Sending churches that have the most positive impact in the lives of those they seek to serve — and those they send — are the ones that invest in the same location for an extended period of time. It’s all about relationships, and real relationships can only develop over time. Long-term partnerships also allow for a clearer understanding of what kind of assistance is truly needed and helpful.

5. Make sure your financial investments are used as intended.

Sending churches have a responsibility to ensure that their financial support of churches or ministries in the field is being properly stewarded. Partnering with a credible mission agency that already has accountability, policies and procedures in place can be a wise solution to this very important need.

6. Send teams that are well prepared.

Too often, mission teams are sent without being properly prepared. Sending effective mission teams requires more than lining up a project, recruiting team members, and making flight arrangements. To be effective, short-term missionaries need to enter a foreign country with the right motivations for service, an awareness of cultural differences, and an understanding of how to work together as a team.

7. Help team members see the connection between their mission-trip experience and the rest of their lives.

Before and shortly after returning home, short-term missionaries need to be given opportunities to process their experience, and to prayerfully consider how it relates to the rest of their lives. A short-term mission trip should be more than a fond memory. It can and should be a catalyst for ongoing ministry in one’s home church and/or community.

Picture of Joseph Anfuso
Joseph Anfuso
Joseph Anfuso is the Founder of Forward Edge International. Joseph has spent the past four decades leading mission teams, pioneering new ministry locations, providing encouragement and support to Forward Edge field staff, and helping thousands of Jesus followers discover and pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
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In the heart of Kenya, where many children face the daily struggle of hunger, a simple meal can be life-changing. At Forward Edge, we’re not just filling plates—we’re filling lives with hope, strength, and opportunity. Our programs in Kenya provide nourishing meals that empower children to focus in school, grow in their faith, and dream of a brighter future. Discover how something as simple as a meal is transforming lives and bringing lasting change to communities across Kenya.

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Christian Charity in Action

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This blog is a part of an ongoing series on Forward Edge’s Pearl Partners. Check out our highlights on Cuba and Haiti and enjoy this interview with Jane Wathagana.   20 years ago, Jane Wathagana was a successful businesswoman in Kenya, the Director of Animal World Safaris and Elangata Luxury

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One Week to Find Joy

Looking For Joy? Have you ever felt like you were on a hunt for joy? An 18-year-old boy was surprised to find it surrounded by people who had very little. He found it where you’d assume you’d find sadness. He went on a trip unsure of what he would experience

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Collaboration

Two Countries, One Purpose

Relationships are everything. And it’s not just those in the U.S. reaching out to other countries; it’s the entire Global Church engaging with and learning from each other. As an organization, we seek to foster and steward those vital relationships. Recently, the director of our Uganda children’s program, Bonny Lugayizi,

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Ka wula (hello), my name is Comfort

  • location

    Ghana

  • 16 yrs. old

    02-03-2009

Entered the program: November 2025

Comfort lives with her parents, 5 siblings and 2 other extended family members in a four-room mud house with a thatch roof and dirt floor. It houses 10 people.

Comfort comes from a Christian family. Her father is a small-scale farmer who cultivates maize, rice and cassava to provide for the whole family. Despite his efforts, he struggles to produce enough to meet all their basic needs especially education. Due to the financial hardship, Comfort dropped out of school for about three years because they could not afford her school fees. With help from CHG, Comfort aims to get back on track at school and fulfill her dream of becoming a midwife.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.