Short term mission. Package Deal OR Do it Yourself?

“How in the world am I going to lead a short term mission for my church?”, you ask.  And, on top of that you are concerned about leading a Vacation Bible School (VBS).  And, on top of that, the VBS will be overseas!

Let not your heart be troubled.  The task may not be as daunting at it seems.

You actually have a choice, an important choice.

The choices?  

 1.  Do an internet search of “short term missions” and discover the many packaged  VBS and other types of programs available.

OR  (are you ready for this one?)

2.  Conduct your own VBS trip overseas.

Wait, don’t dismiss that idea.  Lets look at what each choice offers.

The Package Deal

Right away let me say that there are many excellent programs and almost all people choose this option and are very satisfied with their choice.

Here’s why.

1.  You do an internet search and find some sites that look interesting, that offer an opportunity to join a VBS overseas.

2.  You do some follow-up with the VBS missions that looked the most promising, considering dates, cost, available assignments  —

3.  Eventually you make a decision. You sign up, make your deposit and await more information.

 4.  Information arrives.  They handle the airfare, plane reservations, pick up at final destination, transportation to final site, lodging, meals, orientation meeting, mixers, and assignments.  You didn’t really didn’t have to do much.   Go with the flow.

5.  What can be better than having everything handled for you.  You are enthused and ready to do God’s work.

6.  You come home with a satisfaction of been important in people’s lives, that you have done something to help bring more people to Jesus.  You literally can’t wait to do it again next year.

Do it yourself! Conduct your own VBS mission overseas.  When I say YOUR, I mean YOUR CHURCH.  This will not be your VBS mission overseas, it will be as a part of your church’s mission overseas.

Before you read further, know right up front – this will be a lot of work. READY?

How to develop and operate your own VBS overseas is a topic to discuss another time.  Right now, lets look at advantages of having your own overseas VBS program…

• You (your church) is invited to conduct a VBS at the host church overseas.

• You control the content of your program – Most important.

“There is a part of you invested in each VBS in which you participate.”
Warren Jaycox 

• You control the operation of the VBS program.

• You select the dates in cooperation with host church.

• You can encourage financial support, both individuals and as a church mission project.

• You build your own team and have a team spirit right from the start (vs. being put with a group of strangers and like most groups no matter what type, determine the “pecking order.”

• You establish your own training for host church volunteers to make them feel a true part of the VBS team.

• You work with a church that has made a commitment to continue to present a VBS next year based on your training and support.

• You make lasting relationships with the youth and volunteers and the church as a whole as you work with them, play with them and worship with them.

• The host church will remember you and your church team for what you have done to bring children closer to Jesus Christ.

You can contrast these two approaches and make a decision.  One is an easy way. The other is a lasting way because there is a part of you invested in each VBS in which you participate.  This is where you can really feel you made a difference.  This is where you decide to do it again year after year.

Is this God’s plan for you?

 

Next week:  10 Reasons to Conduct Your Own Overseas VBS