Have you always wanted to travel, but you’ve always found an excuse? Not anymore! Here are 11 reasons why you should serve overseas.
You’ve got this itch to see the world and you’ve also got a desire to see it impacted for the good. The World Race is a chance to do both, because you will see the most amazing places on earth while simultaneously impacting the lives of the people you serve.
As if you needed more reasons to head out on a grand adventure, here are 11 more:
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When else will you have time?
Maybe you are finishing up high school, college, or working just to work. Now is the time to get your passport, pack your bag, and go! Later on in life, you may have loans, you could be trying to have kids, or you may be in an incredible career that you can’t walk away from. The older you get, the harder it will be to say yes to this adventure of a lifetime.
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Your passport will look very impressive.
People who have passports barely use them, save for that random cruise or surprise trip to Paris. But you’re going to need extra pages sewn in because once you catch the travel bug, you can’t exactly shake it.
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You’ll never want to shop the same way again.
You will become a pro haggler and get the coolest clothes at the cheapest prices (probably after getting ripped off a few times, of course). Not to mention that the price of food will be worth your time in searching. Market ministry is thrilling, cost effective, and is a beautiful place to build relationships.
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The food is phenomenal.
You may think you like Thai food, Indian food, Ethiopian food, and any other kind of exotic food, but having it homemade will ruin you for knock off, westernized versions of them for the rest of your life. The cuisine you will have while abroad is incredible, and if you’re brave (or crazy) enough, you’ll try the crazy things like tarantula or scorpion on a stick.
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Experiencing multiple cultures broadens your worldview.
Traveling the world, building relationships, and serving along the way gives you a greater appreciation for the world we live in. Getting out of the tourist traps to see how people actually live changes you. It gives you a heart to serve over being served and to understand rather than being understood. The people you meet and the places you go will blow your expectations out of the water.
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You’ll be doing exactly what Jesus commanded.
It is kind of a no brainer. “Go into the all the world and make disciples.” Even though traveling in and of itself is incredible, traveling with a kingdom mindset makes it that much sweeter. You’ll live out your faith in a new and practical way. What could be better?
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You will see God move in the most insane ways.
In our comfort zones, it is easy to resign ourselves to a life devoid of the miraculous moves of God. While many might claim blessing in what we would consider “normal” ways, like finance or relationships, what about the full-on supernatural or miraculous? When we are willing, open, and asking for God to move in crazy ways, he does just that. It is when we put ourselves in situations where we have to trust God that his glory is most present. We just have to be willing.
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Travel of any kind will no longer stress you out. Ever.
It’s true, travel days can be a huge headache. 12+ hour flights, 10+ hour bus rides, etc. are all very trying experiences. Not to mention that hauling your pack and traveling with a huge group of people who also don’t know where they are going quickly forces you to roll with the punches. You learn how to survive close contact with strangers and truly appreciate simply having a seat on ground transportation. After an experience like this, a missed flight or an 8 hour drive don’t seem like such a headache.
9. You will learn so much about yourself.
If you are at a place where you are trying to figure out who you are, this is an excellent space to begin searching. Being placed in tough conditions and stripped of all of our creature comforts sometimes brings out the worst in us. However, this also gives us the greatest opportunity to let go of what isn’t important. It makes us more humble, appreciative, and willing to say “yes” to life.
10. You’ll fall in love!
Not in the way you think, though. The people you will serve alongside will quickly become your brothers and sisters. The people you serve will become your extended family. And each time it will get harder and harder to say goodbye to the people and countries you are giving your whole heart to. But the heartbreak is worth it to see those places and people impacted for the glory of God.
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You’ll discover the family of God is much bigger than you ever thought possible.
We can get very comfortable with our denominations in the West. But on the field, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can build relationships simply by virtue of your shared faith in Jesus. The hospitality and love our brothers and sisters across the world will pour out is truly astounding, and getting to partner with them is an incredible honor.
And that’s that! 11 reasons to serve overseas.
One last question: What are you waiting for?
Are you being called to go experience the world while serving others? Find out how you can on The World Race.
