A 74-Year-Old Discusses His Short Term Mission to Slovakia

Many "experts" have weighed in on the benefits of Short Term missions, but how often do we actually hear from those returning from missions trips? Bill is a senior citizen whose first mission trip took place only a year before he retired. Since then, he has served a number of short terms, anywhere from two weeks to three months, and hopes not to slow down any time soon. This is what he had to say about his trip:

Question: How did you become interested in missions?
Bill: I have always been interested in missions. I believe God has used the missionaries in my life that I communicate with to keep me motivated to pray and to retain the big picture of what God is doing around the world.

Question: How did you become involved in Short Term Missions?
Bill: My first experience with Short Term Missions was to Russia. A Russian immigrant family we knew collected good used clothing, shoes and some medical supplies to help those suffering back home. I was asked to go with the group of nine to assure that the two large shipping containers made it to their destination and were put into the right hands. Some of our work was done in the early morning hours of a cold January, but the welcome by the people was more than warm. It was a great trip, and though there were hardships involved, we met some great and grateful people. We felt we were more blessed than those we went to serve. That was shortly before I retired.

Question: Does your church encourage Short Term Missions in any way?
Bill: The church I belong to has a great hands-on missions program, sending teams to Papua and Slovakia every year. The pastor goes along on the Papua trips and other church staff manage the missions to Slovakia. When the opportunity to go to Slovakia to teach English came up, I signed up. It was such a great experience, and we made such good connections with the people. I have been there three times and may return again next year.

Question: Were there any concerns you had on your trip that a younger team member might not have had?
Bill: At 74 years old, I probably don't have the energy I had when I was younger. When you go on a Short Term Mission, the country hosts want to show you their country. I can usually keep up with a tour of younger people or when the hours are long and unpredictable. People in other countries walk more than we do. In preparation for that, I tried to be in shape by walking three miles a day before leaving.

Question: What can seniors contribute to Short Term Missions?
Bill: Short Term Missions is one of the best things a Christian can do in retirement. I think it motivates the younger generation when they see that people they consider "old" are willing to give themselves to something meaningful in serving people. We have much to offer in maturity. Life experience in general gives us an advantage over the more energetic young people.

Question: What advice would you give to pastors considering Short Term Missions?
Bill: Pastors should push Short Term Missions and go with the teams themselves. I see it motivate and enliven the whole church. A group mission needs strong leadership with good administrative skills. Short Term Missions don't just happen. It takes a lot of work to plan and prepare people spiritually and keep them motivated along the way. Short Term Missions are great recruiting tools. They open the eyes and hearts of the people that go to serve. It brings a new openness and willingness to serve again, sometimes as a career for the long haul.

Although the time is likely past for Bill to become a Long Term Missionary, he can still take Short Term trips. And Bill is not alone. Even seniors in their eighties have gone to serve on Short Term Missions. It gives a whole new perspective to retirement, but then there's no retirement in the kingdom of God. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are "being transformed into the same image [as Christ] from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

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