Fuel Missions – Why Your Trip Was Just the Beginning
Fuel Missions are Rooted in the Mission Strategy of the Apostle Paul
“The end of your mission trip isn't the end of your mission.”
Here is Paul’s STM Trips
Long before modern mission teams ever set foot on an airplane, Paul was blazing the trail as the original short-term missionary. On three great journeys recorded in the Book of Acts, he stepped out of Antioch with nothing but faith and a letter of recommendation, no pre-planned itinerary, just the Holy Spirit’s leading. In Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch, he preached in synagogues and market squares, planting churches that would echo his teaching long after he moved on. In Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, his overnight stays turned into weeks of discipleship, as he trained local leaders to shepherd new believers. In Corinth and Ephesus, temporary visits stretched into months of devoted, face-to-face mentoring, equipping vibrant congregations to care for one another, enduring persecution, and shine as salt and light in their cities.
Each time Paul moved on, he left behind more than just memories—he left new elders, robust teaching, and personal letters to keep the flame of faith burning. His “short-term” stops became lifelong partnerships: churches sent financial and prayer support back to him, and he wrote epistles that still encourage churches around the world today. Paul’s example shows us that even a few days or weeks can transform a local fellowship when gospel truth is shared, leaders are raised up, and the Spirit is invited to do the work only He can do. In that sense, Paul truly is the OG of short-term missions—and his blueprint still works.
Like Paul’s short-term mission trip, your team stepped onto the field ready to work—arriving with excitement, rolling up your sleeves, and diving into whatever was needed. You poured concrete under the midday sun just as Paul and his companions labored with their hands in Corinth (Acts 18:3). You laughed and played with kids like Paul shared stories in the marketplace of Philippi (Acts 16:13–15). You preached through translators just as he preached “in the synagogue every Sabbath” in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-52). And you knelt beside a local pastor in prayer, echoing Paul’s habit of “gathering the church and encouraging the believers” before moving on (Acts 14:23).
When your group packed up and left, the work and relationships didn’t end—just like Paul’s visits became the launchpad for thriving congregations. After Paul walked away from Lystra, local elders kept teaching and leading (Acts 14:21–23). When he left Ephesus, churches stayed strong, guided by the Epistle, he later penned to remind them of the truths he shared face-to-face (1 Corinthians; Ephesians). In the same way, your Home Office continues to support, pray for, and send resources back to the field, keeping the momentum alive long after you’ve flown home.
That’s why we’re launching this campaign—to weave together each sending church, every serving team, the ongoing support of our Home Office, and the power of the Spirit, just as Paul’s pattern did nearly two thousand years ago. By connecting these parts, we’ll re-ignite the movement and FUEL MISSIONS moving forward, building on Paul’s original blueprint for gospel partnership.
The Blueprint: Fuel Missions According to Paul
The Apostle Paul never worked alone. His mission was team-based, Church-driven, and Spirit-led. His letters and journeys show a clear pattern: Fuel Missions by connecting the Church to the work of the Gospel.
In Romans 12, he calls us many members of one body, each with a role.
In Ephesians 4, he describes leaders as fuel—equipping others for ministry.
In 1 Corinthians 12, he celebrates the parts—essential to the body’s health.
What You Didn’t See (But Helped Fuel Missions)
It’s easy to think your church’s mission is what happens on the trip. But your trip depended on so much more:
• Missionaries supported year-round
• Partner churches coordinated in the field
• Home Office staff working behind the scenes
• Donors give before you even pack your bags
• Prayer covering every step of the journey
All of that is what Fuels Missions.
Trip participants are the fuel.
American and Canadian churches are the octane.
The Home Office is the pump.
And right now, TIME Mexico needs fuel.
The tank is low—but the mission is not finished.
________________________________________
How You Can Help Fuel Missions
Over the next 7 months, we're calling on trip alumni, church leaders, pastors, and partners to get back in the driver’s seat. It’s time to refuel—together.
Here’s how to Fuel Missions:
1. PRAY
Ask God to raise up Fall and Winter teams for Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The local churches are ready—we need boots on the ground.
2. GIVE
We’re raising $50,000 in November to strengthen the General Fund. This funds the mission behind the mission—support systems, training, oversight, and care.
3. SHARE
Post, forward, talk about it. Tell someone what the mission meant to you. Every story shared could spark another church to join in and Fuel Missions.
Paul’s plan still works today—your trip was never meant to be the finish line, only the starting line for what God will do through you and your church family. Your time on the field mattered deeply, but it’s only the beginning of your impact.
Just as Paul showed the early believers, every step of this journey involves five simple, yet powerful, rhythms. First, local churches prayerfully commission and send out their people, laying hands on them and trusting God to guide each step. Next, those teams step into service with open hands and open hearts—teaching, building, healing, and loving in practical ways that point others to Christ. Meanwhile, the wider Body of Christ stays connected: believers at home pray without ceasing, encourage through notes and calls, and share resources so no one goes it alone. As these pieces come together, the Holy Spirit moves in unmistakable ways—opening doors, softening hearts, and empowering bold witnesses. And when churches send, teams serve, the Body works together, and the Spirit moves, the gospel spreads far beyond what we could ever plan or imagine. This is Paul’s plan—and it still brings new life to every corner of the world.
So don’t stop FUELING UP NOW
Let’s keep praying.
Let’s keep giving.
Let’s keep sending.
Let’s Fuel Missions.
