What is a Missions Trip?

So, I've been asking myself for easily a month now, What is a missions trip and what is not? What matters to Jesus when I go on something called a missions trip? What is the purpose, goal, reason?

My most recent trip was not what I would have thought of as a missions trip. I mean, it seems so often that we are told a missions trip is a trip somewhere where you go out, share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and bring home a plaque with all the names of the people you saved. OK, that was a bit facetious, but seriously there is a grain of truth in that.

Anyway, my last trip was none of those things. I pretty much served. I was a gardener, a painter's assistant, a wood stacker, a Kindergarten/1st grade English (ESL) teacher, and maybe a few other things I can't think of right now. I was a prayer servant. I was also fed many wonderful meals by people with beautiful hearts; I was given the opportunity to experience something of a different culture.

So, I began to wonder, why am I here and am I really doing what I've been called to do on this trip? What am I called to do on this trip?

I went back to basics: I'm here to faithfully serve under the person who is in authority on this trip. I'm here to faithfully serve the other members of my team. I'm here to faithfully serve the other people with whom we come into contact. I'm here to love, to pray and work with whomever the Good Lord chooses to send my way.

I'm not here to complain (drats! I'm so good at it). I'm not here to judge others (another skill which I possess way too well). I'm not here to push my agenda forward.

So, basically, it seemed I was there to be whom I have been made to be--an encourager and a proud member of the team.

Thanks, everyone, for letting me be on the team. Thanks, Father, for letting me play in that game for that time.