healing place church mission trips

In the California desert, these sacred spaces offer a chance to connect with the divine

From concentric labyrinths etched in sand to elaborate altars constructed in alcoves to a patch of garden in a private yard, sublimely spiritual in its simplicity, sacred spaces – whether personal or institutional – have been deliberately erected across the globe since time immemorial. 

More than a design element to increase property value or a metaphysical marketing ploy, a sacred space is where one goes to reconnect at a soul level. It’s a place to meditate, pray, grieve losses, celebrate gains, honor ancestors, commune with nature, implore help from spiritual guides or offer gratitude for blessings received. At its core, a sacred space provides a safe haven to replenish and cleanse mind, body and spirit. 

The desert is inherently spiritual with a vast openness that encourages quiet introspection and a muted beauty that inspires contemplation. In the words of Italian cleric Carlo Carretto: “The desert does not mean the absence of men, it means the presence of God.” It’s no wonder that desert dwellers and visitors drawn to its sweet solitude are compelled to seek out or create sacred spaces.

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Near Joshua Tree, tucked away among irregular boulders strewn about like a giant game of jacks abandoned by the gods, the Joshua Tree Retreat Center or The Institute of Mentalphysics (the center’s founding legal name) sprawls across more than 400 tranquil acres. Originally created over 70 years ago by Edwin J. Dingle, founder of the Mentalphysics movement, the center today offers “an intentional habitat for wellness-based programs, festive cultural events, environmental education and deep spiritual inquiry” according to its website. 

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In addition to austere desert beauty, the center is purportedly gifted with several energy vortices – some imbued with the spiritual marrow of deific teachers and thought leaders of the past and others organic to the land itself – and is renowned as a hallowed place perfect for spiritual rejuvenation and educational retreats. 

Dingle, who later answered to Ding Le Mei as his enlightenment moniker took hold, associated with many other thought leaders and teachers of his time as evidenced by photos of Paramahansa Yogananda – author of the best-selling classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, and considered one of the preeminent spiritual figures of the 20th century – on the Joshua Tree property. 

According to Reverend-in-Residence Jody Curtis, who teaches at the center and also maintains its newsletter and all social media relevant to the center and its curriculum, Dingle’s transformation is etched in local history and steeped in mystical lore. 

“The story that has been passed down is that Edwin Dingle (who had already started the Institute of Mentalphysics in Los Angeles) was guided out to the desert to this piece of land in 1941,” she recounts. “He saw a light come down from the sky and heard, ‘This is where you are to build, and there will be roads from the great cities that will bring people here.’ So, he raised funds with the help of his Mentalphysics students and bought the property, which was to be designed and built with Frank Lloyd Wright and Lloyd Wright’s son.” 

Boasting the original buildings spawned of the collaboration between Dingle and the famed architect, JTRC today offers sleeping accommodations for up to 250 people, according to its website. The larger expanse of the center is rich in serene vistas, native flora and fauna, and sacred meditation areas, including an elaborate labyrinth and medicine wheel, and prayer sites reflective of major world religions – all watched over by stoic Joshua trees, the desert’s indigenous guardians. Also featured on its grounds are outdoor yoga areas, pool and Jacuzzi, three large meeting halls, and a book and gift store offering a large collection of crystals and products from local artisans. 

However, to laud one section as the healing epicenter is impossible, explains Curtis. “The entire acreage is special. Just wandering around the property is healing and will bring you a renewed sense of joy and peace.” 

Curtis cites the Chalice Well pond as ideal for meditating and the Preceptor of Light (aka Noble Hall) as a powerfully healing space where groups can gather. 

“The Sanctuary is a very unique space for healing as well,” she adds. “And, of course, I love the spot where I have held my Mentalphysics breath class for years – the Lotus Meditation Building created as a memorial to Ding Le Mei’s son, Richard.” 

As for the center’s Mentalphysics focus, the website describes the practice as a “‘Faultless Philosophy of Life’ that will deepen your connection to Source, whatever your religion or beliefs.” 

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“The teachings come passed down for thousands of years from Tibetan monasteries in the Himalayas designed for the development of body, mind and spirit, and transformation of consciousness,” it continues. 

The coursework is extensive and complex, but in its simplest terms involves “breath-work practices and exercises to build up Prana, or life-force energy, in our bodies, along with meditation practices and chanting.” 

The preeminent light guiding JTRC, Curtis suggests, is to nurture the discovery of infinite human potential. “It’s simply the endless capacity to love, to live, to learn, to grow, to evolve,” she concludes. “From a Mentalphysics standpoint, it’s an ever-evolving understanding of the laws that govern the universe and the truth that, ‘Whatever the Creator is, I AM.”

Elevating a remote section of Fairview Dry Lake in Apple Valley, about 100 miles northwest from Palm Springs and 92 miles northeast of Los Angeles, to pilgrimage-worthy status is a 62-foot labyrinth seemingly in the middle of nowhere. 

While research to date has not revealed the name of its creator or creators, that hasn’t stopped spirit-seekers or the curious from making the trek to this place of wind and rocks to “clear your head and get back in touch with nature” as was posted in the blog, “The Desert Way with Jaylyn and John.” 

“Do not step or jump across the rocks,” the post continues. “Just allow yourself to follow the concentric paths to the center. Enjoy the peaceful vibes here but please do not disturb thi sspiritual place.” 

Speculations abound about the labyrinth’s creation, from extraterrestrials designing the symbol as an invocation for humans to choose peace and love over war and hate to Apple Valley locals who made it to offset a weekend of boredom. Some people living near the area believe it was built by one of their neighbors who has yet to come forward. Most say it seemed like one day it wasn’t there and the next, it was. 

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One man, Walter Feller, posted on mojavedesert.net that he “was fortunate to meet the artist who installed this. She laid it out and her brothers took a couple days to align the rocks. The design is ancient and has been used for various religious ceremonies and for meditation.” Efforts to reach out to Feller for additional information have gone unanswered. 

Nevertheless, curiosity about the large, isolated labyrinth continues to drive folks toward this enigmatic marker of hopeful serenity in an ever-chaotic world. 

Interestingly, California isn’t the only state with an Apple Valley labyrinth. An article titled “A Hidden Treasure at Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church” chronicles the presence and history of a labyrinth situated behind a church in Apple Valley, Minn. 

According to the church report, there in “an open yard surrounded by homes is a small wooden arbor, with two built in benches. Take a closer look and that arbor is actually an entryway into something spiritual – a labyrinth. In 1999, the session commissioned the creation of a labyrinth. Initially, it was mowed into the grass and, later, one of our boy scouts built the outlining brick for the labyrinth as an Eagle Scout project.” 

The labyrinth is used most often in the summer by members of the Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church, but is open to anyone wishing to take a spiritual meander along its path, according to the same report. 

Two labyrinths in two distinct Apple Valleys thousands of miles apart. Maybe it’s something in the pectin?

Creating a sacred space in the home is an increasingly popular method of spiritual self-care. While there are many websites and blogs suggesting how to go about making such a space, all stress one critical aspect: make it your own. 

In Palm Springs, longtime desert resident, photographer and business owner Gary Dorothy parsed out part of his yard for a quiet, meditative space. 

“It is my healing, creative space,” he says. “Every morning and many evenings, I sit for a time with my dogs, often in a red rocking loveseat, watching the sun rising or setting as it transforms the garden in dappled light and illuminates the mountains in breathtaking ever-changing colors.” 

Dorothy’s garden evolved over time. Growing up in rural America instilled in him the underpinnings of an environmentalist, which culminated in Dorothy majoring in botany in college and, at one point, teaching high school biology with an emphasis in environmental education. 

“When our drought became severe here in California, I knew I had to become more responsible and more sensitive to my water usage,” he recalls. 

What began as a conservation effort begun with a degree of trepidation has blossomed in three short years into what Dorothy calls his “little masterpiece” – 17 small “islands,” connected by paths, featuring a robust assortment of primarily drought-tolerant desert plants set in decorative hardscape. 

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“I wanted to make it an artistic creation with small vignettes that could be viewed separately and as a whole – a space that would allow me to relax, meditate, photograph and simply enjoy through my remaining years,” he remembers. “Plant textures and forms, heights and widths, blossoms or lack thereof, shade and open sun, a few rusty artifacts – all contribute to a diverse space that gives the senses opportunities to meander or stay still.” 

Dorothy spent hundreds of hours scouring books and nurseries for ideas and, later, in the garden itself. “I started with three trees – desert willow, palo verde and lysiloma – spaced in a triangle throughout the space which, along with the many tall palm trees I’d planted as a border nearly 20 years ago, provide a lot of shade throughout the day,” he recalls. Heat-tolerance was as important a criterion as drought-tolerance when it came to selecting plants. 

Dorothy suspects that his garden – which occupies his entire back and side yard areas – will never be finished. “I learn about our climate each year, and I make adjustments to try to optimize plant growth and dormancy when needed,” he says. “In the summer, I try to be especially aware of the watering and shade needs of each plant. And I can still be seduced by the beauty of additional plants that I then must find very specific places to incorporate.” 

But in spiritual terms, it’s the journey not the destination. Dorothy acknowledges that the ongoing metamorphosis of his sacred space provides immense and immediate pleasure. An unexpected bonus to what began as Dorothy’s very personal, private place is that the garden has also become the setting for several well-attended public events – from parties and dinners to a horticultural society garden tour. “I feel like these kinds of healing sacred spaces benefit us individually and as a community,” he observes. “The fragile beauty and hardy resilience of growing plants nourish the human spirit. 

“Whether they are large home gardens like mine, or a row of potted plants on an apartment balcony railing, a patio rock garden, a city’s wellness garden, or other self-designated and designed spaces, they provide a soothing antidote to a bustling world often gone mad.”

PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

Service opportunities assigned to each community or program are not guaranteed to be part of every trip. Fill out an interest form to learn more.

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Bring a group (1-2 weeks) or join a 1-10 month program, loving your neighbors across thecountry or around the world by meeting tangible needs and serving others.

Take part in simple yet profound service experiences

Encourage faith communities serving others full-time

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EM has ministry partners in over 25 communities, so whether you are looking for domestic or international mission trips, we would love to help you find a place to serve.

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Tips for Leading a Short-Term Missions Trip

More By Larry McCrary

Spring is here, the time when many churches are preparing for short-term missions trips. A staggering 2 million or more Americans go on these trips each year.

As a field worker for the last 20 years, I believe there are two key elements for such a trip to be successful. First, your team needs to meet regularly. Second, you should seek to serve the partner missionaries’ strategic needs.

With those priorities in mind, here are some basic tips for before, during, and after the trip.

Before You Go

The first question to ask is this: Where does your trip originate? Was it your idea, your church’s, or your partner missionaries’? There are many decisions to make: when you’ll go, what you’ll do, and how many people will participate. But this preliminary question will make all the difference.

It’s best not to do anything until you talk with your partner missionaries. Ask them how a trip could help their strategy. Be aware that missionaries often think they’re expected to provide satisfactory trip opportunities for churches or else they’ll lose the partnership. You need to assure them this isn’t the case. Instead, take their lead.

Hopefully the missionaries know their needs and how your team can strategically help. Align your expectations to those needs. For example, ask the missionaries how many people should come. Most likely they’ll prefer a smaller team, which is often more manageable and effective.

Think about how you can prepare your team to fulfill the missionaries’ strategy. How can they be spiritually ready? Can you provide opportunities to pray together about the trip? Should you provide theological, evangelistic, or skills training? How much of the language and culture can you teach them about before they go? Can you provide some cross-cultural experiences before they leave home? Most churches that do short-term trips well provide at least four pretrip meetings to equip the team.

Most churches that do short term trips well provide at least four pretrip meetings to equip the team.

While You’re There

While you’re on the field, keep your team meetings going. I love seeing teams who debrief daily so they know what is and isn’t going well. More importantly, this is a tremendous discipleship opportunity. Involve the missionaries in these times to teach cross-cultural skills. Your team will learn skills they can apply in their lives back home.

Again, be sure to follow the missionaries’ lead throughout the trip. They know the place and the people. They know potentially dangerous situations and what to do in a crisis. Listening to them and doing what they say is usually the best way forward during the trip.

To reciprocate for all the missionaries do for you, the team should go ready to serve. Missionaries often labor in difficult circumstances year-round. Are there ways you could help them during your stay? Consider offering to watch their kids one night so they can go on a date. Perhaps take their whole family to a fun place—and pay for it. The best teams that came while my family was overseas loved our children well, and our kids loved them in return. Plus, it gave our children the opportunity to be cultural guides and translators. It’s a win-win.

After You Return

Once you’re home—you guessed it—keep meeting. Continue to debrief. This can be done individually or as a group. Either way, talk about what they’ve learned and how they can apply it. God may be leading some of them to consider long-term missions.

The best teams that came while my family was overseas loved our children well, and our kids loved them in return.

Celebrate the trip with your church, whether by creating a short video, having the team visit small groups, or inviting them to share their experience at an event. This will do wonders in creating missions awareness in your church.

Find a way for trip participants to continue serving in your church or community at a deeper level. Don’t let the only next step be taking them on another short-term trip. Instead, help team members connect the dots of how to apply their missions experience to where they live.

Packing Tips

Perhaps I can best sum this up with a few packing tips. Work hard to see that your team packs things like humility, listening skills, a learning mindset, a servant attitude, and plenty of flexibility. Take care that they don’t pack pride, rigidity, or the need to be right, comfortable, and in control.

They may bring back some great “souvenirs,” like a more mature worldview, a practical understanding of how to live on mission here at home, and a heart for all nations. That’s a week well spent.

Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?

Larry McCrary is the cofounder and executive director of The Upstream Collective . He is author of The Marketspace: Essential Relationships Between the Sending Church, Marketplace Worker, and Missionary Team and the coauthor of Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission and Listen , a guide for short-term missions trip participants.

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Outdoor Activities in El Paso, TX 

Part of our mission here at Healing Place Church is to provide people opportunities for wholesome and fulfilling activities that build community, strengthen faith, and rejoice in the love of God. In addition to our services and small group activities , we often take our ministry to the outdoors. Congregating in nature and the beauties of the natural landscape is another way to strengthen our mind, spirit, and connection with God. 

Hiking Group 

The El Paso region is blessed with natural wonders and gorgeous landscapes waiting to be explored. The outdoors allows for a reconnection with ourselves and with God.  “Through Him, all things were made: without Him, nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3)

The expansive mountains, the desert terrain, the plants, and the wildlife have a lot to teach us. Engaging in outdoor activities is a great way to rejoice in the Lord’s creations. Put the smartphones away and launch yourself into the beauty that God created. Engage your body in mind in the natural world and see it open up to you. The good news is our hiking trips are appropriate for all ages. 

Nearby Hiking Trails

Our hiking group explores some of the area’s most intriguing places, including: 

• El Paso Tin Mines Trail: This trail is located within the Franklin Mountains and leads to the only tin mines in the country. 
• Aztec Cave trail: A popular trail in the El Paso area as it houses Aztec caves. This trail leads you up the mountain to the top where you can go into these ancient caves, explore, and enjoy the view. 
• Mundy’s Gap: Another favorite and more advanced trail in the Franklin State park is Mundy’s Gap. 
• McKelligon Canyon trails: This is a popular destination for hiking, running, and biking. There are several rock climbing routes and hiking trails. Among these is the Ron Coleman Trail . 

The hiking group is a way to tap into the beauty of nature and take our minds to a place that can focus on the small things and listen. When we listen, we get closer to God. It is in that quiet solitude that we can often achieve clarity for the problems that plague us. 

Shooting Group

Healing Place Church also gives people an opportunity to connect with others while sharpening their shooting skills. With plenty of outdoor and indoor ranges in the area, our shooting group encourages firearm safety and practice while connecting with other like-minded peers. Target practice is a fun activity that fosters strong friendships and shared responsibility. 

Our shooting group is led by experienced instructors and is open to everyone. If you are new to the Healing Church Family, don’t hesitate to join one of our groups, where you can make deep connections with people in your community. 

Contact Healing Place Church Today 

Ready to join a community of believers? Call us today and learn more about what we do. Strengthen your faith and get close to God-loving people around you.

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History of Mission Santa Clara de Asís

Mission Santa Clara de Asís, number eight in the chain, and founded on January 12, 1777, lies adjacent to the oldest college in California, the University of Santa Clara. It is here that Father Serra broke tradition, choosing the first woman to serve as patron saint, St. Clare of Assisi, who founded the Poor Clares order of nuns.

Like many in the mission chain, Mission Santa Clara has suffered from its share of flooding, earthquakes and fires. Originally built alongside the Guadalupe River, a flood made the mission’s location inadvisable. An interim site was used with a more permanent third location blessed by Father Serra on November 19, 1781. An 1818 earthquake severely damaged the mission, resulting a temporary adobe church near the present site. After secularization the building was purchased by the university and razed in 1867. Construction began on the fifth and final site in 1822. However, a 1926 fire ravaged through Mission Santa Clara, causing the church to be remodeled for a final time. Only this adobe wall and lodge remain after the fire.

The present church is bright and grand. The façade returned to its original one-tower design, embellished with carved wooden status of the saints. Interior walls were painted in pastel pink and blue and careful copies were made of the destroyed reredos and Augustin Dávila’s painted ceiling.

The mission bell tower uses four bells, cast in 1798, 1799, 1805, and one in 1929, a gift from Spain’s King Alfonso XIII. This cross contains pieces of Mission Santa Clara’s original cross, which stood outside the previous five churches.

One of the last churches to be secularized, Mission Santa Clara experienced a period of US occupation, before the land was given to a Jesuit order and transformed into a university campus. This school, Santa Clara University, was founded in 1851.

From Inside the California Missions © David A. Bolton

Quick Facts

• 8 th mission
• Founded on 1/12/1777
• Adjacent to oldest college in California – University of Santa Clara
• Serra chose first woman to serve as the mission’s patron saint – Saint Claire or Santa Clara
• 1926 – fire forced the church to be moved for the fifth time
• The remaining original rooms are the oldest structures on a Western U.S. college campus
• Earlier, floods & earthquakes forced relocations
• Interior is bright and grand – paint made of cactus juice
• Four bells in the façade bell towers
• Cross has pieces of the original cross which stood outside of the previous five churches
• Period of U.S. occupation, before land was given to Jesuits and turned into a college campus

Address Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053 Tel: 408-554-4023

Landmark Status California State Landmark #338

Directions to the Mission From  US-101:  Exit onto US-880 toward Santa Cruz/Los Gatos. Exit to the right onto CA-82 (The Alameda). Turn left into the main entrance of Santa Clara University. The mission is in the center of the campus.

Hours of Operation Please call 408-554-4023 for information. Note that Catholic Mass is celebrated Monday-Friday in the mission chuch at 12:05p and on Sundays at 10a, 6p, and 9p.

Facilities Weddings. Please call 408-554-4023 for information.

The Best Mission Trips

By Nick Callos

What exactly are mission trips? 

Mission trips aim to uplift people in need around the world by addressing key problems, much like volunteer abroad programs do. With your mission trip group, you’ll build houses , teach English , work at daycares , and do other tasks that help local communities. 

If you’ve been thinking about a short- or long-term mission trip, do your research first. By choosing the best mission trip organization and project, you can have an amazing experience and enact positive change. 

In this guide, we’ll cover both religious and non-religious mission trips, giving you all the vital details. We’ll also go over how to choose a program, what to expect, and how to prepare for a mission trip. 

Let’s continue!

What do you do on a mission trip? 

In general, you’ll enhance the quality of life in marginalized communities through improvements in education, healthcare , infrastructure, community governance, environmental sustainability, and other key areas. Expect to engage in tasks like building medical clinics, teaching English, cleaning up litter , and more. Be ready to work hard as a mission trip volunteer!  

What you do exactly depends on the type of mission trip you’ll join. In a broad sense, mission trips fit into one of two categories:

• Religious mission trips
• Non-religious mission trips

For both religious and non-religious mission trips, you’ll have the opportunity for self-exploration and the ability to create positive change within a disadvantaged community. And you can make lasting connections with local people and other mission workers or volunteers. 

Before you search for programs, understand the difference between religious mission trips and non-religious mission trips. This will ensure you join a project that aligns with your values, goals, and interests.

How do religious mission trips differ from non-religious mission trips?

To gain a better understanding, let’s define religious mission trips and non-religious mission trips. 

What is a religious mission trip?

Religious mission trips refer to a religious volunteer experience in an underserved community. Mission trips like these are generally taken on behalf of a church group or religious group, and include things like group prayer with the community they’re serving (which distinguishes them from other forms of volunteer travel ).

In most cases, people in the host area don’t widely practice the faith of the mission trip volunteers. Service workers strive to lead locals toward God and their religion, on top of serving the community through various tasks. Through preaching, discussion, and sharing of values, missionaries aim to convert local people to their religion. 

Note: You may get the chance to preach to community members with the hopes of religious conversion. But some programs may require that you be a long-term missionary to have the authority to preach and convert locals to your religion. Ask about that beforehand. 

Religious mission trips do go beyond sharing beliefs and inviting others to join your faith. As the name suggests, mission trips have a specific mission. Usually, that mission combines spreading the religion with a tangible project, like building a house for a poor community, caring for children at an orphanage, or improving access to education .  

In this sense, religious and non-religious mission trips do have lots of similarities. Both types of trips focus on helping and empowering local communities in need. 

However, the overarching force that drives these projects is faith. That’s why, on a religious mission trip, you’ll partake in numerous faith-based activities that you don’t on mission trips for non-religious groups. Such activities include: 

• Church service
• Community prayer
• Religious discussions
• Talking about your religion with locals

What is a non-religious mission trip?

A mission trip for non-religious volunteers mainly focuses on uplifting disadvantaged people and communities abroad. Volunteers provide their expertise, time, energy, and passion to make a tangible impact. 

Through a non-religious mission trip, you can make a difference in a large variety of ways. You can choose among lots of non-religious mission trip organizations too.

For example, GoEco , a volunteer abroad organization with more than 150 service initiatives, operates non-religious mission trips across the world, from teaching children in Fiji to community outreach in Zambia . 

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) , a volunteer abroad organization that’s been around since 2006, offers non-secular service opportunities worldwide in areas like women’s empowerment, community development, and childcare. 

As you can see, there are opportunities for both skilled and unskilled volunteers. More project examples include: 

• Offering medical services in areas without adequate healthcare access (medical mission trips are among the most popular non-religious programs)
• Building houses and schools in rural villages
• Caring for children at a daycare center
• Taking care of the elderly in need

In addition, non-religious mission trips include other types of projects you won’t commonly find with religious mission trips. Initiatives may center around wildlife conservation, marine conservation , farming, sports coaching , business development, and other types of service work. 

Beyond helping the local community, non-religious mission trips aspire to provide volunteers with meaningful experiences. These mission trip organizations want to empower you to travel with a purpose. When you join such a project, having fun, gaining new cultural perspectives, and growing as a person should be goals you have. 

Now that you know about the types of mission trips, let’s discuss going on one.

Why go on a mission trip?

A mission trip can be a powerful, life-changing experience that broadens your perspective, gives you better direction, teaches you new skills, and rejuvenates your body and mind . You can also learn about a foreign culture and meet like-minded people from around the world. And the experience could even inspire you to a life of service and volunteerism.

What’s also great is that anyone can join. Religious and non-religious mission trips suit all sorts of people, including high school students , college students, young adults, mid-career professionals, and seniors and retirees . 

Note: Certain mission trips may be designed for specific age groups and have set lengths of stay. Keep that in mind when searching for a program. If you’re looking for the best mission trips for college students or the best mission trips for adults, inquire with your church or mission trip organization. They’ll help you register for the most suitable program. 

To summarize, mission trips can transform you for the better. Go with an open heart and open mind, and you’ll see, do, and experience wonderful things. 

What are the best non-religious mission trips?

As mentioned earlier, mission trips for non-religious groups could involve any number of aid projects in areas like construction, healthcare, education, and childcare . Common duties include:

• building and repairing houses, schools, and churches
• providing basic medical treatment
• teaching English and other subjects
• caring for orphans and disadvantaged children
• implementing environmental conservation programs

If you’d like more options and/or simply wish to join a secular volunteer project, know you can choose among a plethora of opportunities. Through non-religious mission trip organizations, you can volunteer abroad and teach abroad around the world, and improve the future prospects of marginalized communities.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best non-religious mission trip organizations.

Founded in 2006 by experienced volunteers, GoEco was recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization in 2018 by GoAbroad. They carefully vet each mission trip to ensure high standards for quality and safety. 

Through GoEco, you can do good around the world, from North America to the Middle East to Australasia. GoEco’s wildlife conservation programs, like their desert wildlife initiative in Israel and orangutan rescue program in Indonesia , are particularly great. They also have high-quality medical mission trips, like their healthcare support project in Malawi.  

Read about some of the most popular non-religious mission trips with GoEco below: 

Rural Healthcare and HIV/AIDS Awareness in South Africa

Interested in a medical mission trip? Help curb the HIV/AIDS crisis as you work in rural clinics in Saint Lucia, South Africa. Your tasks include assistance with home-based care, helping families get proper support, and holding awareness workshops to educate and alleviate the stigma of HIV/AIDS. As you volunteer, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Zulu culture and learn about traditional customs. 

This is an amazing medical mission trip where you’ll see the impact of your work immediately. Click here to learn more and register !

For a full list of GoEco’s top medical mission trips, visit this webpage . 

Teach in Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal

Engage in positive cultural exchange with local monks at a monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. As a service worker, you’ll teach English to young monks, enabling them to improve their language skills. You’ll also get involved in other tasks around the monastery, such as gardening, library work, and cooking. 

Former missionary workers have made amazing memories here, like Melanie: 

“In addition to teaching monks, I got to work at an orphanage in Kathmandu. It was an amazing month that I will endlessly cherish and continue to learn from.”

Ready to experience life on top of the world —literally? Find out all the details here .

For a full list of GoEco’s non-religious mission trips, visit this webpage .

Volunteering Solutions

About the Program:  Volunteering Solutions , or VolSol, as it has been nicknamed by its 17,000 volunteers and volunteer alums, has been connecting passionate volunteers with great international projects since 2006. VolSol was founded by volunteers who wanted to help international volunteers connect to highly specialized, community-based local projects.

VolSol has a full staff of experienced coordinators who assist volunteers before, during, and after placement, providing resources such as international insurance, a connection to a network of passionate global citizens over 17,000 strong and resources on how to volunteer ethically and mindfully. VolSol is one of the most affordable programs in the world with one week projects starting at just $200 USD .

Where to Go:  Volunteering Solutions has  programs all over the world  on six continents. Volunteers can’t go wrong with projects like  Volunteering for Child Care in Cusco, Perú , where volunteers have the opportunity to work with local at-risk children to teach them to become global citizens or  Volunteering in Koh Samui, Thailand  where volunteers are lucky enough to work in local schools in one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand– and that’s saying something! Volunteers can search through programs by visiting VolSol’s project page on Volunteering Forever, where all projects are described and rated by volunteers like you.

Short-Term Volunteering in Peru

Another adventurous, two-week volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now through Volunteering Solutions invites you to Peru to  volunteer and travel to some of South America’s most spectacular sites . You’ll start with an orientation and intercultural project for your first week in Cusco, where you’ll volunteer in a rural nursery school to provide love, care, and attention to children from impoverished families.

After that, you’ll have some time to explore Cusco by yourself before embarking on a guided Sacred Valley tour, and then an amazing tour of Machu Picchu. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture while exploring the Inca Trail and bringing a smile to the face of some of the country’s neediest children.

Sports Coaching in South Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, Volunteering Solutions is offering a chance for you to  coach sports at a local primary school in Cape Town . Physical education has only recently been introduced into the school curriculum in Cape Town, so many schools are still building up their resources to accommodate these programs. As a volunteer, you’ll be a mentor to these children, assist teachers with lessons when you’re not coaching, and you’ll teach children how to stay physically fit and motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. In addition to your volunteer work, you’ll be able to travel throughout Cape Town and visit areas such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, and more to gain the most from your adventure in South Africa.

A Broader View (ABV)

Specializing in volunteer programs and mission trips abroad, A Broader View calls people from all walks of life to do something meaningful and good. ABV gets excellent reviews from past missionary workers, with a rating of 4.99 out of 5 across 263 reviews on Volunteer Forever. That’s a testament to the quality of their missionary work overseas.

Specifically, ABV’s medical mission trips earn lots of praise. Look over two initiatives below!

Medical Mission Trip to Honduras

Travel to La Ceiba, Honduras! There, you’ll provide crucial support to understaffed and ill-equipped hospitals and clinics. A lot of the local community lives in poverty and lacks access to healthcare, so your help as a missionary goes a long way in getting people necessary services. Duties include assisting in the emergency room, observing minor surgeries, running errands for medical staff, and doing community outreach. How hands-on your role is depends on your experience. 

Many former participants have had great experiences, such as Allison: 

“Volunteering in the hospitals and walking through the neighborhoods vaccinating the community was one of the most unique and life-changing experiences I’ve had. Our ABV coordinator in Honduras helped us with everything we needed during the trip.”

Interested in a mission trip to Honduras? Get all the details and sign up here !

Medical Mission Trip to Ghana

Make your way to the town of Kasoa, where you’ll work at an understaffed health center. As a missionary worker, you’ll assist staff and host community education workshops to inform locals about the symptoms and treatment of malaria, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, and other health issues. Your efforts will boost the overall health of the community! 

This mission trip in Ghana is available for healthcare professionals or anyone enrolled in a medical program at school. For more details, visit ABV’s site . 

For a full list of ABV’s mission trips abroad, click here . 

Established in 1989, Frontier has placed more than 103,000 volunteers in projects overseas. They’re known for their incredible amount of projects, from childcare to conservation to human rights initiatives. Through their non-religious mission trips, Frontier offers services workers a way to contribute to deserving communities , learn about another culture, and explore their own beliefs and faith.

If you’re looking for missionary work overseas, definitely consider Frontier’s two programs (details below!). 

Uganda Missionary Work

With dramatic landscapes and welcoming people, Uganda provides a unique experience for missionaries. Dive into life in the local community as you do healthcare outreach work, build community infrastructure, help with childcare, and host environmental awareness workshops. 

Missionary workers who’ve joined this program have great things to say, like James: 

“It was an adventure of a lifetime. I was made to feel welcome by everybody in Uganda. The work was great — hard and long but loads of fun. The culture is different from ours and it was fascinating to find out how life works for them. I would highly recommend this project.”

For more details on Frontier’s missionary work overseas in Uganda, click here .

Ecuador Missionary Work

Head to the vibrant city of Quito, where you’ll enrich the lives of disabled and underprivileged children at a local school. Duties include organizing recreational activities, running vocational training workshops, helping with medical care, and more. Along the way, you’ll get to learn about the Ecuadorian way of life!

For more details on Frontier’s missionary work overseas in Ecuador, click here . 

What are the best religious mission trips?

First and foremost, your impact as a service worker will be felt and appreciated. 

As the International Mission Board, a Baptist Christian missionary society, notes, mission trips play a vital role in supporting permanent missionaries . Short-term mission workers offer key support to long-term mission strategies. They help fuel spiritual passion in locals and empower them to live a life of religious devotion. 

Your exact role depends on what project you join and what your goals are. That’s why the best service project for you may not be the best one for someone else. 

As you learn about the best mission trip organizations, look for those that put the needs of the local community above all else. You have plenty of great choices, so do your research. You may even find the best mission trip organization for what you want to do right in your hometown! 

When searching for the best mission trips, it’s vital that you first understand your options. Generally speaking, you’ll go on a religious mission trip through your church and with other members of your congregation. Church organizers put the trips together and the adventures serve as a way to more deeply integrate members into the faith, especially the youth.

If you can’t go with your local church, or would like more choices, you can join a religious mission trip through another church in your area. Ask around and make calls to see what trips are happening. You can also search for opportunities through a non-profit regional or national mission trip organization.

For instance, Maryknoll Mission Trips offers lay Catholics around the world the chance to serve as an ambassador for the Catholic faith while engaging in service work. Through their volunteer mission trips, you can serve throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia . 

Additionally, know the mission. This way, you can understand if the trip will be fulfilling for you personally and spiritually. Religious mission trips very often focus on construction, teaching , childcare, and healthcare . 

Some of the best mission trips include:

• Bringing clean water to Haiti with Healing Haiti , a Christian mission organization
• Teaching in the Philippines with OMF International , an interdenominational and international Protestant Christian missionary society
• Building houses in India with the Fuller Center for Housing , an ecumenical Christian housing ministry
• Working at an HIV/AIDS clinic in central Nigeria with Mission Africa , an interdenominational, evangelical Christian missionary society. 

You should also know that you can participate in initiatives specific to a religious sect or join an interdenominational faith mission. The broader, interdenominational mission societies still commit themselves to bringing the news of God to locals. You’ll join in prayer, discuss religious beliefs with the community, and live out God’s words. It’s just your work won’t directly tie to your religious denomination, like it would if you volunteered through your church. 

To conclude, consider your beliefs and faith, what you want to do, where you want to go, and what mission trip organization you’d like to join. This will enable you to choose the best mission trip for you and have a truly transformative experience. 

Are there alternatives to mission trips abroad?

Yes! Through volunteer abroad programs, you can participate in community service work that’s similar to mission trips.

Below, we’ve highlighted four great international volunteer organizations that operate service projects overseas.

Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)

With volunteer experiences available in 17 countries across South America, Africa, and Asia, Plan My Gap Year offers volunteer programs in the areas of childcare, medical care, teaching, wildlife preservation, and more. Their programs range in length from one week to 40 weeks or more. Through PMGY , you could: 

• Care for disabled children in Ghana (from $624 for two weeks)
• Teach English in a slum school in India (from $579 for two weeks)
• Rescue wildlife in Bali (from $519 for one week)

To view all of PMGY’s service projects, click here !

Maximo Nivel

If you want to do service work in Latin America, Maximo Nivel has tons of wonderful programs in Costa Rica , Guatemala , and Peru . Do medical volunteering, work with kids, join an eco-agriculture project , protect sea turtles, or get involved with hands-on community development work. Maximo Nivel even has internships in fields like human rights , education, and medicine, giving you the chance to gain practical experience and do good.  

For a full list of Maximo Nivel’s volunteer abroad opportunities, click here !

Love Volunteers

Known for their affordability, transparency, and strong commitment to local communities, Love Volunteers operates in more than 34 countries. From community development work in Bosnia (from just $569 for four weeks) to medical internships in Uganda (from $429 for two weeks), Love Volunteers has a variety of volunteer projects in a variety of locations. They’re highly rated by past volunteers — a testament to their quality of work. 

To check out all of Love Volunteers’ service opportunities, see their site !

Projects Abroad

Established in 1992, Projects Abroad has become a highly trusted name in volunteering abroad. They’ve placed more than 120,000 people in programs, and have been featured by the likes of the BBC and CNN. They have projects across every continent. Through Projects Abroad, you could: 

• Support female entrepreneurs through a micro-finance internship in Tanzania (from $3,660 for four weeks)
• Coach sports in Samoa (from $3,260 for four weeks) 

For a full overview of Projects Abroad’s programs, click here !

Alai International

Alai International aims to empower volunteers to make a positive difference as they roam the globe. With 475+ programs across 41+ locations, from Mongolia to Ethiopia to Colombia , you can certainly find a suitable program, whether that be teaching at a school or environmental conservation . 

Visit Alai International’s site to learn more!

How long are mission trips?

Depending on your needs and aspirations, you could take a short-term, mid-term, or long-term mission trip. You’ll find the most options within the one-week to eight-month range, since longer trips require a greater commitment. Length also varies depending on if you sign up for a religious or non-religious mission trip (see details below).

Length of religious mission trips

Religious mission trips have a specific structure. Often done in a group (not an individual/solo trip ), mission trips maintain a very set daily schedule, with allotted time for work, prayer, preaching, reflection, cultural immersion, and entertainment. 

How long you stay depends on the organization and specific requirements of your religion. Typically, programs don’t last incredibly long (e.g., five days, one week, two weeks, or a month). With some mission trip organizations, you can serve for a few months or more. 

Long-term missions do exist and usually require that you stay at least two years. According to The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) , a global alliance of churches and missionaries, long-term missionaries are “ the backbone of ministries” and are “relentlessly committed” to living out their church’s mission. 

Do note that some denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , have followers that commonly go on longer mission trips. Those in the LDS church serve anywhere from 18 months to three years abroad.

Length of non-religious mission trips

Mission trips for non-religious groups offer you a different selection when it comes to location, activities and tasks, and length of stay. You can come individually or with a group of your friends or family . And you can travel for as short or as long as you’d like. Projects are often flexible with how long you stay. 

For instance, through GoEco , a popular provider of medical mission trips, you can stay for as short as two or for as long as 12 weeks (and sometimes longer). Each mission trip organization differs, so check in advance.  

What should I expect on a mission trip?

As long as you prepare, you’ll have a smooth experience. Ready yourself mentally, spiritually, and physically for: 

• Being outside your comfort zone : Mission trips may take you to off the beaten path destinations . Come with open eyes and an open mind —and welcome new experiences. It will broaden your perspective and even broaden your palate! As the Virginia Theological Seminary states in their blog, “expect to be challenged. Expect to be changed .”
• Staying flexible : This is an adventure! Not everything will go as planned. Come ready to adapt to unexpected circumstances. 
• Acclimating to the host culture : Study the local language , customs, and traditions. Remain humble and ready to learn.
• Time for reflection and sharing : Document your experiences and thoughts. Group reflections and discussions give you the chance to share challenges, observations, experiences, and more. 
• Faith-based activities ( for religious mission trips ): Religious mission trips center on faith, so you’ll attend group discussions, community prayers, and church services (which you won’t with non-religious mission trips). 
• Note: Some religious mission trip programs focus solely on providing aid, and don’t engage in religious conversion activities. 

Again, while you may perform similar activities on religious and non-religious mission trips, especially if you volunteer in childcare , education, or construction , where the two types of mission trips mainly differ is the religious aspect of the work. Religious mission trips call you to not only dive deeper into your faith, but also to carry out your ministry’s mission and invite others to your faith. Secular mission trips don’t have this element. 

Additionally, know most mission trips require that you sign a mission trip covenant (religious) or agreement (non-religious). This sets clear expectations for your behavior, attitude, and responsibilities. The community covenant or agreement is very important, so keep a copy with you after reading and signing it. 

Since every mission trip has different expectations and structures, take the initiative to ask questions before going. This enables you to prepare yourself properly and puts yourself in position to have a successful and life-changing mission trip.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

It depends. 

The total cost of a mission trip is similar to a volunteer abroad trip, which we estimate to range between $980 – $3200+ for an affordable short-term trip . As you can see, prices can vary dramatically. 

When calculating the cost of a mission trip, consider the following:

• Location : Some destinations cost more than others. Proximity also plays a role. If you live in the United States, airfare and accommodations to Central America will cost less than flying to Asia . 
• Length of stay : Accommodation, food, and other essentials add up over time. Many mission trips include meals and lodging with the initial costs, so you won’t have to worry about those expenses once there.  
• Program : Who’s facilitating your mission trip? They may have program fees, but will handle a lot of the details and prep work for you. 
• Financing options : Does the mission society fund part or all of the trip? If so, you may not pay much at all. Are there fundraising activities before going? That could lower your expenses. Many churches and mission societies utilize donations to fund mission trips, so that could make your adventure more affordable. 

Making the most of your mission trip abroad

A mission trip can make a lasting impact on your life and the lives of others. Many mission trips focus on spreading religion, but do go beyond that. Mission trips are also about helping communities that need it most. The core of your mission is to serve fellow human beings and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. 

Remember: The more you give, the more you’ll get . If you give of your time to volunteer, serve others, and make a difference, you’ll feel satisfaction beyond words. So, start exploring and find your perfect mission trip today!

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Nick Callos · Writer

With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.

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