11 Essentials for Your Packing List
We thought we'd share some "what-to-bring" tips for anyone who's heading out on a mission trip. Some of them may seem like no-brainers, but read on – we've spent years packing for mission trips
11. Phrasebook
There's no pressure to master a new language, but learning a few phrases goes a long way to show people that you care about them. Podcasts, translation apps, bookstores, and your local library have language-learning resources, but once you're on the ground, nothing beats a good phrasebook for initiating a friendly (if poorly-pronounced) conversation.
Look for a phrasebook with:
- well-organized content that's easy to reference.
- pronunciation guides.
- cultural pointers
10. Earplugs
See Also:
9. Cash
Skip the travelers checks and don't count on an easily accessible ATM or credit card machine. Though it varies from place to place, we tend to find it easier to just use cash for personal spending.
Bring:
- crisp new bills – many exchange places won't accept torn or marked ones.
- small bills – in situations where your home currency is accepted, you'll still be given change in the local currency.
- a money belt or pouch – carry larger quantities safely under your clothes (and your passport, too).
8. Photo Album
This isn't just in case you get homesick – it's a great conversation starter, and helps establish common ground when you're building a relationship. The culture you're visiting may have a strong emphasis on family ties, so pictures of your own family can demonstrate that you're sent with their blessing.
Tips:
- Keep it small.
- Make sure the photos don't include anything that could potentially be offensive or confusing in the culture you're visiting.
- Unless the average income where you're headed is equivalent to yours, avoid having a digital photo album on a mobile device – print 'em out.
7. Travel Adapter/Battery Pack
Our phones and devices not only help us to stay in contact with each other, but they can also serve other purposes. Camera, alarm clock, currency converter, and translator are just some of the useful features that a phone can pack. To make sure they're charged, bring some converters or a portable battery pack. Of course, phones and devices should never be a distraction when we're on a mission trip. Never substitute a screen for real interaction or ministry.
6. Hand Sanitizer
5. Deodorant
Other Hard-to-Find* Items:
*depending on location
4. Water Bottle
3. Clothes
Of course you know (we hope) that you're supposed to bring clothes on your mission trip! But did you realize that the way you dress directly impacts your ministry? Most of us westerners are accustomed to an anything-goes approach to style. We wear pajamas to the store, tacky sweaters to parties, and whatever we want to church – and we're proud of it.
But the culture you're visiting may have an entirely different idea of what is neat or modest. And since our goal is to minister and serve, it's important that we remove any hindrance to the Gospel, even if it cramps our style a bit. Find out what's culturally appropriate to wear in the country you're headed. And be thorough – don't be that missionary showing up for church on Sunday in a frumpy dress with tennis shoes when all the locals are immaculately coiffed.
Don't Forget:
- flip-flops for sketchy showers
- good shoes
- a travel umbrella
- a razor (sorry, guys, but No Shave November probably won't translate)
Please Forget:
Your suitcase full of junky T-shirts. Unless you're on a work site 24/7, you'll need something more presentable.
2. A Bible
"It's a mission trip! Of course I'm bringing my Bible!" Yeah, we know – but a few things to consider:
Is my Bible huge? Space is money. Leave the bulky study Bible at home and bring something that will easily fit in a purse, backpack, or pocket.
Is my Bible readable? If you want to share something from scripture with someone who speaks English as a second language, you'll do a lot better with a version that's easier to understand – even if it isn't what you usually prefer.
Is my Bible "well-loved"? By all means, study it to pieces – just make sure the condition it's in won't be a hindrance in the culture you're visiting. Muslims, for instance, treat the Koran with tremendous respect and care; it would undermine the value of our message if they saw our favorite Book underlined and dog-eared.
Tips:
Bibles with snaps or zippers are easier to keep compact and looking nice.
A parallel Bible in both your language and the language of your destination will help you follow along in church services (and it's a great gift to leave with a new friend when you go home).
