April 22, 2021

As more of us are vaccinated, we’re getting back to normal. Galilee has asked what steps we are taking as we dare to dance again. How about a mission trip?

We can and are going on mission trips! However, right now they will be virtual and educational. We can’t go physically—but we can learn.

Bishop Lewis of the Virginia Conference has asked that churches not schedule mission travel through August of 2021 for the safety of both missioners and host communities. Our hope is that by next year, we’re back to scheduling the sort of meaningful mission trips our congregation loves.

Meanwhile, a virtual mission trip offers something critical: education. Maybe we think the important part of a mission is the ability to swing a hammer for the greater good or the fortitude to sleep on a mattress on a concrete floor for a week. These are important experiences, but the most valuable part of a trip isn’t the physical aspect. It is the building of relationships for the kingdom of God.

We build relationships by meeting others, coming to understand their culture and history, and learning what life is like in a new place among new friends. 

This May we’re excited to be partnering with Helping Children Worldwide for virtual mission trips that retain this critical aspect of mission. We’ll be “traveling” to the Child Reintegration Centre and Mercy Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone on a tour to learn about the work that is being done, the challenges our church family in Sierra Leone faces, and how we can come alongside the people there.

It’s a great opportunity for anyone who desires to learn more about Africa and the church abroad, even if you don’t think travel will ever be right for you. Mission work always involves more than those who travel many miles away. It takes all kinds of people to make a mission trip happen.

Dare to be a part of it! And it’s free.