Mexico Mission Trip to Cancun, MexicoSaturday, March 11, 2017 – Saturday, March 18, 2017

LOVE SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD SERVE

Why We Mission: Jesus tells us to… “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). It brings glory to our Father in Heaven when we care for others. Our brothers and sisters are in need. There are families who cannot afford to send their children to school. We are blessed with resources to help nurture this loving community. Won’t you join us in this mission?

This annual mission trip is a joint venture with Grace Point church here in Dubuque. Our mission is to help Pastor Felipe Buenfil – you can find him and his church on Facebook. He is a church planting pastor in Cancun and is in the process of building a church in the depths of the non-tourist part of Cancun. We will work hard to help assist in the building of the Dios Es Amor Presbyterian Church.

For more information about our mission trip please contact Kenneth Godwin at kgodwin@dbq.edu or Pastor Dana Perreard at dperread@dbq.edu

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Mexico Mission Trip ApplicationPlease return by January 31st 2018

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the Lord” (New International Version, 1 Corinthians 10:31).

As you fill out this application, you are agreeing to commit to have full participation in this service learning mission trip to Cancun, Mexico. Some of the responsibilities are as followed:

Participate in each training session prior to departure Bring a positive attitude to spread the love of Christ Work hard and cooperate as a team Engage in nightly devotionals as a group

This is a working mission trip in partnership with Grace Point Evangelical Presbyterian Church along with Westminster and First Presbyterian churches here in Dubuque. They have been traveling to Cancun every two years to help in the building of the Dios es Amor Iglesia Presbyteriano. We will have some hot, sweaty days working at the church in Cancun with Pastor Felipe Buenfil. This trip will involve physical labor as we continue to build the church. There will be mixing of cement by hand and carrying it in 5-gallon pails to pour ceilings, floors, and walls. There is digging, raking, cleaning, and plenty of other hot, sweaty work. It will be hard, dirty, heavy labor at the work site. Training sessions will begin every Saturday morning at 10 AM for an hour, 3 months prior to departure, at Grace Point Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Personal Information

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________

Telephone: ________________________________________________________Home Cell

E-mail: ____________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________________________________________

Church Affiliation: _________________________________________________

Who is Jesus Christ to you?

Why do you want to participate in this mission trip?

What are your hopes for this Spring Break Mission Trip to Cancun, Mexico? What are your fears?

Do you have any prior experience with service? If so, explain what it was and how has the experience(s) affected your life?

Schedule

Time Activity6:30 AM – 7:30 AM Breakfast at the hotel7:45 AM Depart for the work site8:00 AM – Noon Hard, dirty, heavy labor at the work site. Most of the

work we did was cement work, mixing and hauling cement for foundation work, and building block walls

12:15 PM Depart work site for lunch at the host church12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Lunch1:15 PM Depart back to hotel1:30 PM Arrive at hotel to shower, change, and get ready for

beach.2:00 PM Head to the beach. We went to a different beach

every day and had a fun time bonding and exploring Cancun

6:00 PM Head back to the hotel to shower and change for dinner

7:00 PM Head back to the host church for dinner7:15 PM – 8:00 PM Dinner8:00 PM – 8:30 PM Devotional at church with Pastor Dana Perreard8:30 PM Head back to the hotel8:45 PM – ?

Remember, we get up bright and early for work the next morning. There is no curfew, until you need one.

Free time. You are free to take a cab to the hotel zone or back to the beaches for an evening swim. Some of us who have vehicles might be willing to drive some place if there is a large enough group.

Signature: _________________________________________________

Your signature is to confirm that you will participate in the above schedule.

Please return completed application by October 31st, 2018. Thank you!

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Prayer for the People: Leading Congregational Intercessory PrayerThere is something so special about praying aloud. To speak words of concern or praise,

to our Heavenly Father who cares for it all. The Bible says to, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (New Living Translation, 1 Peter 5:7).

Within the contexts of leading a time of prayer with your congregation, it may take some practice. First, you will need a participating congregation. It takes a courageous individual to share a prayer request in a group, so encourage them through the process. There is no one right way to do it. Here is a layout I have found to be successful.

1. Transitiona. In a worship service setting, there is usually some aspect of the service that

happens before a time of prayer. For instance, after the last worship song has been sung, there needs to be a smooth transition into prayer for the people.

b. Ex. “Amen. You all may be seated as we enter into a time of prayer.”2. Explanation

a. Have an appointed prayer person to lead the intercessory prayer. It may also be comforting to have a backup point person in case it gets emotional or the prayer needs to be handed off to a second person.

b. This prayer leader will explain to the congregation how they will begin a time of prayer and encourage the church to raise their hand if they wish to share a prayer request or praise. Ex. “If you have a prayer request or a praise to share, please raise your hand, I will call on you, then I will lead us in prayer.”

3. Listena. When a member of the congregation raises their hand, call on them, giving them

eye contact as you listen closely. It is crucial to hear the intensions of the individual’s heart. Pay attention to the feelings and emotions shared in order to provide a personal and genuine prayer.

b. Ex. “Thank you for sharing. Let’s pray…”4. Collect

a. Don’t be afraid to take a few seconds to collect your thoughts before you jump into the prayer. Take a deep breath, reflecting on what was just shared, and focus your mind towards bringing that offering to God.

5. Praya. This isn’t a time to rush into prayer by word vomiting. Start your prayer by

acknowledging who you are praying to and stay rooted in Scripture. Ex. “Merciful Lord, you are the creator of the entire universe, yet you care for each one of us, knowing the number of hairs on our head…”

b. Second, address the individual’s request. Every request is different and unique. After thanking God for who he is, begin to have a conversation with him about the person’s concern or request.

c. Our hope comes from the Lord and we can do nothing out of our own strength. Therefore, we should ask God for his guidance in a circumstance where we need discernment, for healing in an area of someone’s life, or for patience and wisdom to persevere through a trial, etc.

d. Use feeling words to connect the congregation into a deeper, more intimate experience in prayer. Our God is a romantic, who loves us, provides for us, and takes care of us. If someone is experiencing pain or loss, you can pray, “Loving Father, wrap your arms around (so and so) in a comforting embrace to assure them that you will never let them go during this painful time. You weep along with us… (expand on the specific situation), etc.”

e. Another example of prayer for someone who is discerning would be, “Generous Lord, grant (so and so) your peace that passes all understanding. Hold their hand as you guide them through this journey of discernment, leading them towards which direction they should go. If it is not your will, let it slip from our grasp.”

f. The Serenity Prayer can also be comforting in many circumstances. It goes, “God, grant me (or so and so) the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Amen.” No one has the perfect words. As long as we are intentional about caring for one another, praying for each other can be a wonderful time of encouragement.

6. Repeat a. Continue this process as the allotted time in the service permits, being mindful that

this process is an act of worship, glorifying to God.b. Ex. “Heavenly Father, we thank you for who you are as our Father and Lord. With

each request shared today, along with the many unspoken, we lay them at the foot of the cross, casting our cares on you, the one who cares for us so deeply. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Amen”

Feel free to customize this formula to fit the needs of your congregation. Always make it personal, intentional, and genuine.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up on meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one

another” (New International Translation, Hebrews 10:24-25).

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

“Come Alive (Dry Bones)”By Lauren Daigle

o This song analysis and Bible study is made for a fellowship group activity and discussion, often led by a mentor or student leader.

o It gives an opportunity for the group to share together to get comfortable with naming God through the song, the Word, and then identifying Him in their own lives.

o It helps to have the mentor or leader share their personal story for the last group discussion question. o Sharing about our concerns for a loved one’s salvation gives us the chance to go deeper and open up to

each other, sharing our faith that God will use us as His vessels as He reveals Himself.o This activity is an intentional way to strengthen more intimate bonds with each other as you grow closer

to God together.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XAeyFagceQ

Read Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/laurendaigle/comealivedrybones.html

Bible Study: (Ezekiel 37 & Luke 15:11-32 & 1 Chronicles 29:11) How are these passages mentioned in the song?

How else does this song reference the Bible?

Group Discussion Questions: What is the song saying?

What does this song mean to you?

How do you feel when you hear this song?

Is there a “wayward son/person” in your life that you hope would come back to the Lord? Share with the group and then take time to pray for this person(s) together after each individual shares.

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

10 Days of Growing in Humility

1. 3 Gratitude’s

Day 1: Growing in humility through the acknowledgement of blessings with a grateful heart.

a. Take time, before laying down in bed, to journal three things that you are grateful for, specifically from that day. Start with writing what it is you are grateful for, then expand on why you are grateful for it, acknowledge the great privilege it is, and end with journaling a pray of thanksgiving to God for each Gratitude.

b. Ex: “Today I was especially grateful for my boots. They keep my feet warm in the winter and through the snow. There are so many people without proper footwear to protect their feet. Most Gracious Father, there is nothing too big or too small for You. You care for it all and I thank You for the things I easily take for granted day by day. You care about Your children’s feet. I pray for my brothers and sisters who do not have adequate protection for their feet; that I may always put on my shoes with a grateful heart. Amen.”

2. Experience Rejection

Day 2: Growing in humility by diminishing the fear of humiliation.

a. It is normal to fear rejection. As followers of Christ, we ought to step out in faith by living outside of our comfort zone. The challenge for today is to do something with the intention of getting rejected. Sound crazy? Here’s an example. Commonly, we don’t like to be given the answer, “no.” Ask someone a question that you’ll receive a “no” to.

b. Ex: If you’re at the grocery store and see someone checking out, ask them, “Would you like me to pick up your car for you in the lot and drive it to the HyVee door?” Most likely, you will be rejected in response to your questions. Feel free to be creative as you come up with positive gestures for this rejection assignment. The point of asking what seems to be silly questions like these, intending on getting a “no” is to grow comfortable with refusal. So often we fear dismissal or what we perceive to be failure, but this exercise can be a humbling experience to take down our pride and stubbornness to always be “comfortable”. Be not afraid, (Isaiah 41:10). We can overcome the fear of rejection. Jesus certainly didn’t let rejection define him.

c. This man, Jia Jiang, telling the TED talk below, sought out 100 days of rejection. On day 1 he asked a stranger if he could borrow $100. (You can imagine what the stranger’s answer was.) Challenge yourself to try it for a day. You may be surprised and get a yes if you continue this experiment. Learn how Jia turned rejections into opportunities here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jia_jiang_what_i_learned_from_100_days_of_rejection

3. Ask for Help

Day 3: Growing in humility through asking others for help.

a. Stubbornness can get in the way of humility. We often find ourselves tentative to ask someone for help because we are afraid of appearing naïve, unqualified, weak, etc. For this day’s challenge, it can be done similarly to day 2 where you ask the question even though you know the answer you most likely will receive. Another option would be to genuinely ask for help when

you could use it at a time you normally would not ask someone because your pride would usually get in the way.

b. Ex: “Could you please help me find…”/”Could you please give me a ride to…”/”Could you please help me carry this?” Often times what seems to be small questions can be difficult for us to ask someone because we don’t want to appear unable. Moreover, asking more significant and deeper questions may be even more of a daunting task. Ex: “I’ve been having a difficult time with … lately, could you pray with me about this?” Asking a question similar to this example may take some reflection time to decipher what is a current dilemma or struggle in your life that you need assistance with.

4. Face Your Fears

Day 4: Growing in humility by putting our faith over our fears.

a. Make a list of 3 fears that hold you back from something, whether it be accomplishing a goal, striving for a dream, making a decision, or trusting completely in God. Once you have your list, share one fear with a team member, friend, mentor, or an accountability partner. Remember Hebrews 10:25.

b. Maybe a fear you listed was admitting that you need help. If that’s the case, day 2 and 3 can go nicely together. Whatever fear you decide to share, ensure that you and your partner will give each other your undivided attention in order to listen efficiently. After the intimate act of humbly sharing with one another, discuss practical ways in which to address this fear. Are there steps that need to be taken in order to conquer it? Does a trusted adult or mentor need to get involved? How can you pray for each other?

5. Reflect

Day 5: Growing in humility by getting in touch with your feelings.

a. You’re halfway through! It’s time to be still and express our emotions. Our feelings are a gift from God and we do not have to be afraid of getting in touch with them.

b. When was a time you have been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness? Journal about this unexpected positive experience. How did that person’s actions and interactions with you make you feel? How did you respond? What is something you can do today to imitate the gesture to make someone else feel the joy you felt on that day?

6. Take the Compliment

Day 6: Growing in humility through accepting praise.

a. In C.S. Lewis’s novel, Screwtape Letters, he writes, “Thousands of humans have been brought to think that humility means pretty women trying to believe that they are ugly and clever men trying to believe they are fools.” When someone takes the time to give you praise, be intentional about expressing your appreciation. We get into the bad habit of dismissing compliments easily and quickly. Since God is the Maker of all things good, how can we deny that there is anything good in us when we are His handiwork?

b. We don’t have to deny that we have done anything good in order to be “humble”. There is a saying that says, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” Thank God for the good things He does through you, for everything is done through the power of God. Take time to pray and reflect on this today. Instead of brushing off a compliment someone gives you for leading a well said prayer, or whatever the case may be, thank them. Expressing our gratitude because we are ultimately grateful to God for creating a good work in us, is glorifying to Him.

7. Study Jesus’ Character

Day 7: Growing in humility by being Christ’s ambassadors.

a. First thing in the morning, ask the Lord, “How can I serve You today? Show me who I can love better today.” In silence, listen to God for direction. Now, live out your prayer.

b. Join together in a small group with brothers and sisters today for a Bible study of Philippians 2. What can we learn about humility from this Word? After the study, discuss what God has shown you today, especially considering your morning prayers.

8. Worship

Day 8: Growing in humility through engaging in worship.

a. Alone, listen to, “To Be Like You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl3og-fPwPkb. Bring up the lyrics to read over again. What was a phrase in this prayerful song that especially

stood out to you and why? Where is an area in your life that is especially difficult to surrender over to God? Once you have identified an area, lift your hands, palms facing up, and recite what you are handing over to God to take control of.

9. Reconciliation

Day 9: Growing in humility through confession.

a. It takes a lot of humility to confess where we need improvement. Ask the Lord for forgiveness for a specific idol in your life or a priority you have set above Him.

b. It is much easier and more comfortable to prayer silently to ourselves in our heads. It can be more uncomfortable to pray aloud, let alone profess to God our sins and what we are sorry for. In prayer, profess out loud your confession to your Heavenly Father. Once you have confessed, be at peace, for our Father washes us white as snow.

10. Rejoice and be Glad

Day 10: Growing in humility through praise.

a. How do you usually praise God? When was the last time you thanked Him for doing something you could not have done on your own?

b. Today, Praise God in a way you haven’t done before. Try shouting for joy, praise dancing, sharing your testimony, writing about a time God has shown up in your life. Then tell someone about it. End your 10 Days of Growing in Humility Challenge with a joyful noise, for our God is so worthy of all of the praise and honor!

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Team Building Ice Breakers1. Human Knot

a. This game will need 4 or more people to work best. The more people the better and more challenging the game gets.

b. With your group standing in a circle, have everyone extend their arms out towards the center of the circle. Each person’s hand should grab a different person’s hand, with each person holding 2 different people’s hands.

c. Once everyone’s arms are tangled up in what looks like a human knot, it’s time to try to detangle! This is a fun group activity that involves good communication because there will have to be people to turn around, twist, duck, climb through arms, etc.

d. The object of this game is to work together to figure out how to get untangled. There is a way to unravel from each other to create the same circle you began with. You are not allowed to let go of anyone’s hand.

e. If there are multiple groups formed, this would also be a fun competition to see which team has the best communication as they quickly try to solve this puzzle.

2. Toilet Paper a. Want to get to know new fun facts about your team in a short amount of time? Then grab some

toilet paper!b. Have your group sit around in a circle and have a leader with a roll of toilet paper to pass out.

When I experienced this game, I was at an overnight retreat and they tried to trick us by saying that we have to grab as much toilet paper as we think we will need for the weekend.

c. Each person would roll out the toilet paper to get a long strand. The reason the leader tried to trick us about the toilet paper was so that we would take a lot to help the get-to-know each other activity.

d. Each individual stood up and walked to the middle of the circle, tearing off one square of toilet paper for each fun fact they shared about themselves. If someone ripped off a lot of toilet paper, we would learn a lot about that person. It was fun to hear what people were willing to share with people that they just met.

3. Make a Sounda. No props are needed for this activity, but everyone needs to break up into pairs, preferably with

someone they don’t know well. You will need an open space to move around because participants will be blindfolded and there can’t be anything hazardous in the way. A leader would watch the participants to make sure they stay within the bounds of the designated area.

b. After everyone participating is split into groups of 2, they will need a time to chat. This is there only time to communicate with words because once the activity starts, they no longer can speak. The pairs must come up with a sound or one word they can use to communicate with each other while blindfolded. Hearing each other’s voice will be the only way they will be able to find their partner.

c. The game starts with each partner on the opposite side of the open area in which the activity will take place. A leader will say go find your partner and it gets chaotic from there. Every partner is

walking towards the middle, trying to say their word or sound the loudest and usually a lot of screaming over each other is happening.

d. I found this activity to be a good strategy developer. It focuses on developing our listening skills as well because each person is focusing on hearing that one sound or word spoken by their partner.

e. At the end of the activity, once everyone finds their partner, they can open their eyes. The leader will facilitate discussion about what they learned from this activity. Once some people share their thoughts, the leader can explain how this activity can be a metaphor for listening to God’s voice. With all of the distractions from the world and from others, it can be difficult to find God in it all. If we only be still, focus our minds on seeking God (or our partner) we will find Him.

4. Name Gamea. Learning names can be difficult to remember sometimes. Repetition helps for me and this

interactive name game makes learning names a lot more fun and memorable. b. Gather your group around in a circle standing up. Have a leader begin with their example. Each

person should come up with a word and an action. The word will be describing themselves and it should also start with the first letter of their first name. Ex: “Emotional Elizabeth” or “Charismatic Cody”.

c. The action can be any quick movement or dance pose that might help aid in the learning of the person’s name. Ex: “Emotional Elizabeth” could move her hands over her face to imitate the sad to happy miming face to resemble “Emotional”.

d. While she does her action, she would say, “I’m Emotional Elizabeth.” Then everyone else in the circle would respond by doing the action she came up with and saying, “Hi, Emotional Elizabeth!” Keep in mind, the action can be a dance move or something of the like, it doesn’t have to correlate directly with the describing word.

e. Repeat this process until each participating individual shares their action, describing word, and name. This is a quick, entertaining, creative, and simple way to learn names and a snapshot of how the person would describe themselves with their limitation of one word and action.

Debrief After Game

Gather back together as a group, following the ice-breaker game, to ask a few reflection questions on how the game went. Example questions may include:

How would you describe what it was like to be a part of a human knot?

How did you feel when you learned what you had to do for each square of toilet paper?

How did it work when you could only communicate with one sound while every other pair was making their sound too?

What would you do next time if you had to improve one of these games?

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Blanket Project

PURPOSE

The purpose of this service project is to spread the peace and love that our Lord provides for us through the warmth and comfort of a blanket. This neighborhood service project will bring the community together as a team to use our hands to work towards a common goal. We will craft together an assortment of blankets that will be donated to hospitals, homeless shelters, and members of the community in need.

PREPARATION

Many communities have a knitting club in their neighborhood library. With the partnership of the knitting clue, the local churches in the area will also be invited to come alongside the crafting of the blankets. Announcements in each church service will be given to encourage the members of the congregation to participate in this initiative. Individuals may take part through…

1. Advertisement and invitation to join this initiative2. Financial donations that will go towards purchasing the supplies and materials for the blankets, fabric,

and yarn3. Time given to create the tie blankets or use their skills of knitting/crocheting4. Prayer before, during (for the people who will receive the blankets), and after the service project

PRAYER AND SENDING OUT

During the service project, there will be a central place or church chosen to initiate the blanket making. Depending on the amount of participants and supplies, multiple site locations or churches can be used to accommodate for space needed.

Once all of the materials are used, compile all of the crafted blankets together, circle around them, and pray over them. Pray for God’s blessing on the blankets, that whomever receives one may feel the love and comfort that our Lord envelopes us in.

Example Prayer: (Reword depending on the type of blanket made.)

This blanket was made with love and care,

Each knot around the end was tied with a special prayer;

To warm you when you feel a chill,

And hold you when you’re very ill,

To give you strength and hope and cheer,

To let you know that God is near.

As you wrap it ‘round you tight,

Know that God blesses you each night.

(Inspired from, “The Prayer Shawl” by Nancy Peterson).

DEBRIEFING

After the prayers have concluded, the Blanket Project leaders will facilitate conversation among the participants. Questions to ask the group as listed by not limited to…

1. Please name one or more things that worked well. What are one or more things that could be improved upon?

2. Do you think this service project was a good use of time? Why or why not?

3. Should our churches and library continue to put on this service project? How often? Why or why not?

4. How can we use this “Blanket Project” as an opportunity to witness to the God we serve, especially to those who may not attend church?

5. What is a practical way that each of us can show someone in our community that we care about them, just as God cares for us?

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Steward Your Talents, Time, and Blessings1. Before beginning the activity below, have the leader read Luke 12:34: “For where your treasure is, there will your

heart be also.”2. Have the leader ask the group to write down 2 things they treasure and 2 things they don’t.3. Then, have each person in your group fill out the following charts with multiple answers according to their

present life situation.

What I want to do, and I need to do What I don’t want to do, and I don’t need to do

What I want to do, but I don’t need to do What I don’t want to do, but I need to do

What I want to buy, and I need to buy What I don’t want to buy, and I don’t need to buy

What I need to buy, but don’t want to buy What I don’t need to buy, but I need to buy

4. Individually, recall the answers you wrote for #2. Now look at the answers you filled out in the chart. How are they similar? How are they different?

o Ex: If you wrote that you treasure family time and don’t treasure material things, do your chart answers reflect that to be true? If you didn’t put that you wanted to visit your mother or call your sister, but wrote that you wanted to go shopping or watch the game on TV, why are these answers contradicting each other?

5. Reflect on your responses and have a group member look over your answers to have another perspective on if they coincide with each other.

6. Observe what section of the chart has the most answers and the least answers. Why was it easier to come up with a list for one section, but not another?

7. Pick one section of response in particular that you need improvement on. Go around in a circle and share what you need prayer for. Encourage one another through prayer, assigning each person to pray for another’s request. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

This exercise (when completed honestly) holds us accountable to not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. If our responses for #2 vary from the responses we placed in the tables, we must take stock of the differences.

For James 4:14 says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and them vanishes.” Let us then remember to stay on track with the kingdom’s agenda, setting what needs to be done ahead of what we may want to do.

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Commissioning Worship Service

Announcements

Acknowledge the missional purpose of this worship service.

Call to Worship

Song Selections

“Life Song” by Casting Crowns

“Set the World on Fire” by Britt Nicole

Transition: Short scripture that speaks to how God cares for each of His children and the world’s needs.

“Cuanto Nos Ama” (How He Loves Us) by Kairos

Sermon

Scripture ideas: Acts 13:47, Mark 16:15, 1 Chronicles 16:24

Offering

All proceeds will be given to the mission.

Communion

Song played during Communion: “My World Needs You” by Kirk Franklin

Prayer

“Going team” gathers in the front. Have the sending team stretch out their hands to pray over them. The team leader or pastor will lead the whole congregation in prayer of sending and for the community in whom they will be serving.

Benediction

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.

Debriefing Exercise

Opening Scripture

Read Hebrews 10:22-26

Prayer

Pray thanks to God for gathering us together for this allotted time and thank God for each other.

Plan a time to meet with each other a month from now.

Discuss the Mission

Share a memory from the mission trip where you especially felt like you were worshipping God.

Share a story of an instance where things didn’t go the way you planned. How did you see God at work or in control of that situation?

Go around the group and say one thing that you learned about yourself and about the community.

For the Future

What was something that you learned on field that you wish you knew before going?

Where could we improve or have served the community better?

Was there anything you felt you needed that you didn’t think about prior to leaving? Or did you find anything unnecessary or not useful to the mission that you brought?

How will you continue to stay connected to the community and the mission field while back home?

Prayer

Pray for the community in which you served.

Created/Written by Elizabeth Swan. Permission granted for use.