Sojourner #015: Packing for International Mission Trips

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5, ESV)

When we talk about planning for international mission trips, usually the first thing people ask is: what in the world am I supposed to pack?

Thankfully, we have all the answers to that question in this article. So, get ready to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about packing for short-term international mission trips, and more.

Beginner's Guide to Packing For A Mission Trip

Step One: Gather Information

First thing is first, you cannot make an informed decision if you do not have enough information at your disposal. When you find out that you will be traveling internationally, you should seek to learn as much as you can about your trip, team, mission, and destination. 

Now, you may be asking yourself: where am I supposed to find this information? Good question. 

For information about your team, mission, and trip, you should reach out to your pastor / elders, team leader, the long-term missionaries serving in-country, and other team members. These individuals serve as your primary source of information regarding those matters.

When it comes to information about your destination, open source information can be your friend. One great resource is the CIA World Factbook, which provides a wealth of basic information about over 265 different world entities, and can be accessed online for free. 

However, your best source of information about the specific area you will be serving in are your team leaders and the long-term missionaries who are on the ground. Reach out to them, they want to hear from you. Chances are, if you have a question, someone else does too.

Step Two: Process Information

That's right, the rocket scientists at Sojourner are telling you to process the information after you gather it. There's a reason. It is possible to gather so much information that you don't know what to do with it, so you want to filter the general information you have down so that it is applicable to your situation. Don't worry, we'll help you with that. 

Pro-Tip: "It is great to ask your missionaries if they need anything! Sometimes the comfort you bring them in the form of a letter from home or their favorite peanut butter from the states is as encouraging as your presence!! I also pack things I can give away happily to locals to create more room to bring back souvenirs!" - Tracie Griggs, IMB Trustee and Gadsden State Community College BCM Campus Minister

Here are a several important questions to ask yourself:

Where am I going?

This may seem like a silly question, but let me tell you, it is not.  Traveling to London is very different than traveling to Lebanon. On top of that, the region you travel to in a given nation will have a great impact on the type of clothing / equipment you need to take with you. 

How long am I going to be there?

Most short-term mission trips are less than a month, hence the name. How much you pack generally varies based on how long you will be staying in a certain location. Be sure to consider the time you will spend traveling to and from your destination. 

For example, if you are on a seven day trip, it is likely that you will only be working in-country for five days. The other two days are generally travel days, but you still have to plan for those days when you pack.

What is the weather like this time of year?

You don't have to be a meteorologist to know that weather will play a major factor in how you pack for your trip. Not having the right clothing for the environment you are traveling to will cause major problems, especially if you spend any amount of in the field. 

What conditions will I be working in?

If you are serving inside of a medical clinic, what you pack will be different than if you are working on a construction project outside. Depending on your role within the team, you may also need specialized equipment that is not provided by the team or mission organization you are working through. But, it is also important to remember to be flexible and ready to serve in a different capacity than previously anticipated.

Pro-Tip: "Sometimes plans change and your prior planning is not applicable to your assigned duties when in the mission field, on one trip to Honduras I carried brick mason tools to build walls, but was asked to support the Kitchen staff and clean dental tools. This may have been one of my favorite memories in the field serving as called rather than my planned trip. The good news is I donated all the tools I carried in my travel bag and they were put to use." - Jim Deale, short-term missionary to Honduras

How am I traveling to my destination?

When traveling internationally, there are numerous restrictions on what you can and cannot bring with you. Furthermore, there are additional restrictions depending on the airline you fly through, especially on what bags you can use for your clothing / equipment. Consider what travel documents you will need for your trip and guard them with your life.

What kind of accommodations will I have while in-country?

Will you be staying in the field? Will you have access to electricity and clean running water? Are there security concerns? Is it safe to eat local food? Will I be able to wash clothes? What kind of currency is accepted? These are things you should consider when packing for the trip.

Once you sufficiently answer those questions, write down everything that you will be taking with you on the trip. Make a checklist that you can use to check off items as you pack them. 

Here is an example clothing / gear list:

This list is designed for someone traveling to a nation that hosts largely tropical conditions for a seven day trip working in the field with reasonable access to clean water / electricity. The list you prepare will vary depending on your particular necessities - this list serves merely as an example to model your list off of.

Clothing:

1. Quick Dry UPF 50+ UV Shirts x 3

2. Quick Dry T-Shirts x 5

3. Quick Dry UPF 50+ UV Hiking Pants x 3

4. Quick Dry Exercise Shorts x 2

5. Merino Wool Base Layers x 8

6. Belt x 1

7. Hiking Shoes / Boots x 1

8. Hat (sun / trucker)  x 1

9. Flip Flops / Shower Shoes x 1

10. Waterproof (not resistant) Rain Jacket x 1

11. Lightweight Fleece / Down Jacket x 1

Bags:

1. Hiking Backpack x 1

2. Duffel Bag / Suitcase x 1

3. Ziplock / Waterproof Dry Bags (varying sizes) x 5

Equipment:

1. Bible x 1

2. Mission Specific Items x N/A

3. Basic First Aid Kit x 1

4. Flashlight / Headlamp x 2

5. Batteries x 1 Extra Set Per Item

6. 550 Orange Paracord x 5 (5ft sections)

7. Bandanas (Solid color, avoid [local] gang affiliated colors) x 2

8. Water Purification Tablets / Filter x 1

9. Refillable Water Bottle x 1

10. Climbing Carabiners x 2

11. Notebook x 1

12. Pen / Sharpie x 2

13. Hygiene / Toiletry Kit x 1 

14. Map / Compass x 1

15. Sleeping Bag / Mosquito Net x 1

16. Bug Bands x 5

17. Chargers / Battery Packs x [per each device]

18. Ultralight Backpacking Towel x 1

19. Lightweight Hammock / Straps x 1

Travel Documents:

1. ID Cards x 1

2. Passport x 1

3. Currency (US / Local) x [reasonable amount]

4. Mission Specific Travel Documents x [necessary amount]

Note: Make photos of each of these documents as well. Be sure to keep these items secure at all times during your trip - they are essential, and if you lose them, it is bad.

Step Three: Gather Clothing / Equipment

Now that you know what you need, you need to get everything together. Every piece of clothing, bags, all of your travel documents, etc. Get everything that you think you need in one location. Sort clothing out by the day, sort equipment by purpose, choose what bag will hold what items, etc.

Step Four: Pack It Up!

You've made it to the last step of the process. Once everything is sorted, begin packing your items into the bags. Load your heaviest items at the bottom of the bag, and load frequently used items where they can be accessed easily. Make sure you leave room for your bags to grow, you never know what you might pick up while in-country. Then, if you are flying internationally, ensure that your bags meet the proper size and weight requirements once everything is packed.

Pro-Tip: "Pack enough essentials in the carry-on bag to survive the week, just in case the checked bag gets lost (that happens)." - Mike Williamson, short-term missionary to Honduras

Closing Thoughts:

The most important thing you should take with you is a willingness to serve the Lord in humility, however that may be. Do not take to the field simply to get the t-shirt and post pictures. Arrive in-country ready to serve - as unto the Lord. Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him - by faith. Go to bed tired each day. Use the time you have been given in a way that honors the Lord. Live every moment for His glory - love one another.

We are in the midst of a great battle for the souls of people across the world, remember that when you carry the banner of Zion to the nations - they will know you by your love for one another.

Whether you find yourself in the mountains of the Hindu Kush or the rainforests of the Amazon, you have been given the incredible opportunity to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every tribe, nation, and tongue - be diligent and plan accordingly.

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