BEFORE YOU GO

by Jack Hempfling

How does it happen that two people can be experiencing the same circumstances and conditions on their mission trip, and one person is having a great time, while the other is miserable as can be?
And how can one short term mission team prepare so diligently for the practical ministry they'll be doing and be so ineffective as a group, while another team that seems less polished or skilled makes a huge mark in the culture they visit?

Could it be that the heart preparation is more important than it is given credit for?

In "Before You Go," experienced short term mission leader and trainer Jack Hempfling takes you on a 40 day journey that will bring you face to face with attitudes and issues that if not addressed, can make you or your group ineffective on the field. Get the most for your short term mission effort, finances, and preparation by getting your hearts ready. Walk with the Lord through this devotional and be equipped, informed, and made ready to joyfully pierce the darkness with all that you do.

"I wish someone had given me a copy of Jack's book when I was first starting out"
- Peter Warren, Director, Youth With a Mission, Denver

"Wonderfully done - I would highly recommend that every missionary candidate prayerfully use this devotional tool, and by so doing, avoid many difficulties, and increase their fruitfulness"
- Tom Brazell, International Ministries Director, Elim Fellowship

"Each day the devotionals keep getting better"
- Don Richter, Director, Harvest Preparation International Ministries

"I will require every future team member to purchase and read "Before You GO," before we go!"
- Pastor Carol Missik, Living Word Church and Operation Capital City

Jack Hempfling and his wife Sandy have been married for 25 years and have three children. As a pastor and Short Term Mission Director, Jack has led or facilitated many hundreds of short term missionaries into the nations. The stories, quips, and illustrations included in these devotionals are born out of real-life experiences with mission groups in a number of nations.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Faith, Christianity

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Benjamin C. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Equipping!

This book gave great insight into what to expect and how to navigate the preparation as well as the actual being there on a mission trip! Our team read this before going on a trip to Cuba and it has been very helpful for team building and individual preparation. Would recommend to anyone preparing for a short term mission trip even if you have gone before. I have been on a few mission trips but it has been a couple of years. This book prepared my Spirit, soul and body for the trip at hand.

[Greg Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for first time short-term teams

It was a good reminder of what I should be considering and how I should humbly submit to God's purpose for our team. Having been part of teams to Native American communities, Latin American countries and East African nations this trip to Europe has an undecided feel. I'm not sure what to expect.

Also recommend "Serving With Eyes Wide Open" and "When Helping Hurts" before anyone goes cross-cultural.

[Allan Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This book has been in my ebook library for quite some time. I honestly wish I had read it years ago, before many trips. The scripture used, the prayers at the end of each points of information, was very insightful. I certainly recommend it to everyone planning on a mission trip, as well as our own mission field, right here at home. Relating to those in a vastly different culture certainly does require a lot of prayer and reflection.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who has answered the call to go and share the gospel. Serving abroad is amazing and we can be better prepared before we go by reading and applying the contents of this book. I feel that the principles within the text are worthy of our time weather we are going on mission or not. I highly recommend this book.

[ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for an upcoming missions trip with my internship and it was so great for preparing spiritually! Really practical advice, which is what I find to be most beneficial. Definitely would recommend if you are preparing for a missions trip- short or long!

[Linda Van der Veer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read before a mission

Insightful for the short term missionary. Thought provoking guide to prepare your heart for mission work and a great format to guide your prayers

[Michael Schmid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good 40-day devotional specifically for people who are getting ready to go on a short-term mission trip.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for upcoming CMDE Greece Childcare mission trip.

[Bekah Lyts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredibly helpful read before leaving on a global disability mission trip! Couldn’t recommend highly enough.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

brief yet thought provoking devotionals intended for short term mission teams

[Catherine Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone considering a short term mission trip. It's full of sensible advice for both personal and team preparation, covering cultural, practical and spiritual issues. I found the final chapter on 'Re-entry' personally very useful. There is often little thought given as to how you will feel when you return home, especially if you have visited areas of enormous poverty and need. This book redressed the balance for me. It is best used as intended, as a forty day devotional.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful way to prepare for a short-term mission trip. I plan to read it each time I plan a trip because the advice and Biblical focus is very helpful. Be sure to start it 40 days "Before You Go" so you can be thoughtful and not feel rushed to just read it. The book has also encouraged me devote days to fasting and prayer as part of my preparations...something I've never done before, but found to be a powerful experience. Highly recommended.

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book to prepare a person for a short term mission trip. I really liked this book. The emphasis was preparing the heart but there was a lot of examples in this 40 day devotional about spiritual maturity, cultural awareness, team unity, expectations, the sovereignty of God, being available.

Lots of things to review and ponder.

Nothing but thumbs up from me!

[Stephanie Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to prepare for my short term mission trip with the other members of my team, many of whom I have never met and are spread across the country. Though before leaving, we aren't physically united, this devotional gave us a way to be spiritually tied together and was full of practical advice and encouragement to keep in mind as we embark on the adventure.

[Deanna Peshl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this out for a team read before going to Haiti on a missions trip. I was the team leader and we had a few first time mission trip members. This book was a wonderful tool to prepare your mind and heart before leaving, whether it be overseas trips or stateside. Each days devotional are short and not intimidating. Everyone in our group completed it easily. I plan on using it again.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful book to read before my mission trip.

[Jo-anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite read for anyone going on a missions trip but especially their first missions trip.

[Calvin Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional book for our short term mission team. Will really benefit those who are going on their first trip.

[Matthew Del Monte]

Highly recommend this book to anyone planning to go on a missions journey.

[bria isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is such a sweet way to prepare for a mission trip! Each day is filled with bits of wisdom and conviction and encouragement.