In the past I have made a number of mission trips. I know many of you have as well. Mission planning is very specific. Before going you need to know where you are going and what need you will be addressing. Then you are able to prepare for a successful mission. I have been to Haiti a number of times. Originally our purpose was general surgery. So we had to recruit team members with the needed skills and gather appropriate surgical supplies. On other trips we built cabinets, laid tile, painted, plumbed, etc. Each time we identified the need we would meet and we prepared with the necessary skills, tools, and supplies. That preparation made all the difference between a successful, productive trip and frustration.

Think with me. What if we were planning a mission to the Salem community? What are the needs of the people who live within a five mile radius of Salem United Methodist Church? What are the specific needs that we have the skills, expertise, and facilities to meet? What preparations do we need to make to meet those needs? How will we organize ourselves for the work? This is the kind of preparation that makes for a successful and productive effort. If we were to take the same steps preparing for our ministry at home that we do when we are making a mission trip somewhere else it just might make a significant difference!