For years, we’ve heard about the amazing short-term mission trips at Mission Hills Church and the impact they make, not only in the communities they serve, but in the individuals and families who participate.

If we’re honest, it was always a “maybe someday” kind of idea for our family of five. We had never been on a short-term trip and with full schedules, busy kids, and the usual family chaos, it didn’t seem possible anytime soon. Our doubts and perceived limitations kept us from taking the leap.

Over a year ago, we started considering it more seriously after friends invited us to join them on a short-term mission trip to Mexico. We were interested, but uncertain. Then, in November, our friends David and Renee asked again if we had interest in joining them.

Somehow—and this is how we know it was God moving and not us—we instantly said ‘yes.’ The questions we had a year prior were still there, but something had moved in our hearts to take our next step in faith. God provided the rest, and in February, we had the privilege to join a group of over 40 from Mission Hills to the outskirts of Juarez, Mexico in partnership with Missions Ministries.

How God Removes Barriers to Serving on Short-Term Mission Trips

Every family faces obstacles when considering mission trips. Here’s how God addressed each of our concerns:

• Schedule Concerns: We had an unusual break in our work, our kids’ sports schedules, and our life that we couldn’t have planned ourselves. The trip itself was quick and easy with a Sunday flight, build days Monday and Tuesday, and a return Wednesday.
• Financial Worries: It actually didn’t make sense on paper, but God provided every dollar. We sent out our Christmas cards with a request for prayer and financial support and were overwhelmed by the response from family and friends. As we were told in one of our prep meetings, “You never know who will donate. Just leave it up to God.”
• Skills + Abilities: We’re not especially handy as a family, but within hours of starting, the walls went up. Our kids were hammering away, installing drywall, roofing, painting and never missed a beat. The staff was there working alongside us and guiding us the whole way.
• Language Barriers: Never once was this a barrier to communication. The love of Jesus doesn’t need a translator, but there was always one around if we did need to use words.
• Safety Concerns: We were safe at all times—well fed and well cared for by the Missions Ministries team, and never alone. Our safety was never even a thought once we were there.

The Community Impact of Short-Term Mission Trips

Our mission was simple: we were there to build two homes for two families who desperately needed shelter, hope, and healing. Along with our group and the Mission Ministries staff, in just two days we built two homes that would have generational impact for these families.

Here are a few of the stories that impacted us most deeply:

• Zayra’s New Beginning: Zayra, a single mom of three—Luz (10), Leo (8), and Akari (1)—had been living in a small cinderblock home with her extended family (over a dozen people) after selling her previous house to pay for her mother’s surgery. She now had a new home for her children, complete with beds, a stove, a refrigerator, and a new start. When our team gifted her a Bible with her very own set of house keys, she expressed that she had doubts about her faith and relationship with God, but this was tangible proof of His love for her and her family.
• Yesenia’s Second Chance: Yesenia, also a single mother, had to leave her job to care for her sick son Armando (7). Several months ago, their home burned down—not an uncommon event in that community. Today, she and her family have a safe and furnished house to call home.
• Glorya’s Faithful Service: Glorya, who cares full-time for her son Edgar who lives in a wheelchair, cooks for Missions Ministries in her own small kitchen to provide for her family. She provided meals for both of our church outreach events and is a living example of strength and faith in action.

How Short-Term Mission Trips Transform Your Family

The impact on our family was immediate and profound:

Unity in Purpose

Our family worked together toward a common goal, strengthening our bonds in ways that typical vacations never could. Even our children rated this experience a 10/10 compared to previous trips to Disneyland, beach vacations, and New York.

Perspective Shift

We saw hardship everywhere—rubble, stray dogs, and lack—but also so much joy, resilience, and hope. This has completely changed how we view our own circumstances and blessings.

Faith in Action

We witnessed firsthand how God provides exactly what we need when we step out in faith. As Luke 12:11 says, “And do not worry about what to say or how to say it, for you will be given the ability to say exactly what you need in that moment. For it is not you who will speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

New Relationships

We knew only 6 people in our group before we left. Upon returning, we had 40 friends with whom we shared laughs, hugs, tears, and worship.

Practical Steps to Join a Mission Trip

If you’re feeling the call to participate in a short-term mission trip, here’s how to move forward:

1. Start with Prayer: Ask God to guide your decision and open doors as he did for our family.
2. Attend an Info Session: Mission Hills regularly hosts information sessions about upcoming trips where you can learn more and ask questions.
3. Connect with Past Participants: Reach out to families like ours who have experienced these trips. We’d be happy to share more about our journey.
4. Consider Your “Why”: Understand that you’re not just building homes or providing resources—you’re participating in God’s mission to bring hope and restoration.
5. Take the Leap: In the end, our best advice is simple: GO. Trust that God will work out the details.

The Long-Term Impact of Short-Term Service

Two months later, that trip has remained a central point in our family’s conversations, prayers, and everyday thoughts. We discovered that we don’t need to have all the answers or carry the weight of every responsibility for the trip. It’s Jesus’s mission. We’re just joining him.

Missions Ministries is based in Highlands Ranch and started 20 years ago with one person building one home. To date, they have built nearly 2,000 homes in the community. But that’s not all. They build communities, relationships, faith, and hope including:

• Medical care with an on-site clinic and pharmacy
• A school where children receive education and tutoring five days a week
• Diapers and baby supplies to new moms
• Trade programs such as auto repair, construction, and barber shop skills
• Women’s retreats and community support to local churches

They are just one of 65+ wonderful organizations in 25 countries that Mission Hills Church partners with as part of international short-term trips.

Your Next Step in Faith

Many lives were changed forever during our trip, and you can count our family as five of them. God can do more with your ‘yes’ than you ever imagined.

If you’re considering a short-term mission trip with your family, remember this: the barriers that seem insurmountable today may be the very things God uses to demonstrate his faithfulness tomorrow. Your family could experience the same transformation we did.

The good news? You don’t have to wait!

Mission Hills Church is offering another short-term trip to Mexico in September 2025, and your family can be part of it. Just like our experience, this trip will give you the opportunity to build homes, share God’s love, and witness transformation firsthand.

Don’t let doubts or concerns hold you back. Take that step of faith today, and let God show you what he can do through your willingness to serve. Spaces fill quickly, so secure your family’s spot today!

✏️  AUTHOR CREDITS

This blog was written by the Mission Hills Church Outreach Ministry.