The Surprising Impact of Short-Term Missions

OCTOBER 8, 2024   |   3 MINUTE READ
KELLY SOLHEIM, MISSIONARY IN HONDURAS

"We don't feel like we did enough." This heartfelt comment from one of our team members during the debrief with our recent short-term missions team, Team Lighthouse, really struck a chord. The sentiment is all too familiar—a whisper from the enemy that can cloud our mission and diminish the powerful influence of our service. But the impact of short-term missions goes far beyond what we see in the moment.

There is often great debate among churches, mission organizations and missionaries regarding the efficacy and value of short-term missions. And over the years, we've certainly experienced our fair share of frustration, struggle, and disappointment hosting these teams. But we've learned that, when done well, short-term mission teams are essential to our long-term victories on the mission field. The truth is that we're excited about the lasting impact that Team Lighthouse has had on our ministries in Honduras!

Here are some ways that short-term mission teams support our long-term ministry goals:

• Providing Supplies and Love from Home: Teams often bring us supplies and gifts from home, which serve as a tangible reminder of the love and support from afar. These offerings symbolize a connection to the broader body of Christ and can uplift our spirits, reinforcing the idea that we are part of something much larger.

Team Lighthouse's suitcases came stuffed with ministry supplies and gifts from home.

The team provided all the supplies for all of their mission activities, including craft supplies, mountains of candy, stickers, and even gifts for our missionaries and their families.

• Opening the Doors to Ministry Opportunities: Short-term missions often serve as a catalyst for new relationships. When team members engage with local individuals, they create connections that can lead to deeper ministry opportunities. Overcoming language and cultural barriers may feel impenetrable. But these often awkward interactions can build trust, opening pathways for ongoing discipleship and support.

Kayla (pictured with Milagros) and Mya connected deeply with two students we’ve struggled to engage, helping them feel truly seen and loved in just a short time together. This breakthrough allows us to start meaningful conversations with these hard-to-reach kids.

• Equipping Us for Ministry: Short-term teams can also bring fresh resources and ideas to the field. By sharing their skills, knowledge, or even translated materials, they prepare local leaders and missionaries with new tools that can be used long after the team has returned home. This exchange of resources fosters growth and innovation within the local ministry context.

Peggy, leader of Team Lighthouse, conducted a workshop on 4 Chair Discipling at a local church and provided translated copies of her Student Link discipleship program for us and our colleagues to use and share freely.

• Encouraging and Supporting Missionaries on the Field: Having a short-term team around can be a huge boost for long-term missionaries. Their support and active participation remind us that we're not alone in this work. This kind of encouragement is so important for keeping the fire alive!

Team Lighthouse shared their hearts for God in a special devotional time with our teen missionary kids each day during retreat.

Annabelle has a heart for children and worked with one of our youngest missionary kids during retreat.

Peggy led our missionary devotionals each day at our retreat. Her reflections led to many important discussions about our lives and ministries together in Honduras.

• Reminding Us of How Special Honduras Is: The enthusiasm of short-term team members can reignite a love for the culture and people we serve. Their fresh perspective reminds us of the beauty and uniqueness of our community, encouraging us to cherish and celebrate it. Our call to Honduras is confirmed as we see it through new eyes again!

It was truly inspiring to see the team immerse themselves in the local culture, building connections and embracing the community with open hearts.

Our Ministry to the North American Church: Did you know that 100% of World Gospel Mission missionaries first experienced missions as part of a short-term missionary team?!?! It's a statistic that is largely replicated throughout the global missionary community. Additionally, many of Team Solheim's current prayer and financial partners have short-term mission experience. This highlights the profound impact of short-term missions, as those who participate often go on to actively support and engage in the Great Commission throughout their lives. Helping individuals discover their calling in missions is a vital part of our ministry, fostering a lifelong commitment to spreading the Gospel and supporting global outreach efforts.

We're excited to see how God will continue to use Team Lighthouse to grow His kingdom in Honduras, the U.S., and around the world.

As we reflect on our time with Team Lighthouse, we are reminded that the impact of their service extends far beyond what we can measure. While we may feel like we didn’t do enough, we trust that God is using every moment, every connection, and every act of love to further His kingdom. Together, we are part of a much larger story—one that is woven through the lives we touch and the relationships we build. 

ACTION STEPS

GO: Just like Team Lighthouse, you can make an impact cross-culturally by taking your team, office, small-group, or even your family on a short-term trip with WGM! See how you and your community of believers can make an impact today!

Missionary Bio: Kelly Solheim and her husband, Steve, serve as missionaries in La Esperanza, Honduras, with World Gospel Mission. The purpose of their ministry is to build meaningful and genuine relationships with children and youth so that they have opportunities to speak God’s truth into their lives. They are discipling a new generation of leaders to shape the nation of Honduras for the glory of God.