Growth in short-term mission placements

Going on a short-term mission placement isn’t just for young people, writes Jack Skett

One of the great joys of working with Elim Missions is seeing churches and individuals take the courageous step of serving on short-term mission placements. Over the years, we’ve facilitated numerous opportunities like these and watched people return home transformed by what God has done in them and through them on the mission field.

What’s been particularly striking over the past year is the surge in interest. While we usually experience busier seasons, this year has been different.

In 2025, there was a 73.5 per cent increase in teams from Elim churches going on short-term mission placements, alongside a 25 per cent rise in individuals travelling overseas compared to 2024. It raises an exciting question – is God stirring a fresh hunger for international mission across Elim?

Short-term mission placements are often thought of as something primarily for young people or youth groups. Many of us have heard stories of teenagers heading overseas and returning with renewed passion for God. That’s still very much the case, as our new partnership with Limitless demonstrates – this year we’re planning to send teams of young people from Limitless Festival to Estonia, Romania, Cambodia and Japan.

Yet these placements are not limited by age. We’re seeing people of all generations serving across the world, and we’ve even had enquiries from families who want to bring their children with them.

Each placement leaves its mark in different ways, but the consistent feedback is unmistakable – everyone returns having witnessed God do extraordinary things through ordinary obedience.

One pastor who led a team last year reflected:

“A number of the team really grew through the experience and the opportunities given as part of the placement. It was wonderful to see them step out and thrive. Going forward, a member of the team has stepped up to become the key link person between the charity and the church. Fundraising will continue, and the link and relationship will remain.”

A team member who travelled last year reported:

“Sharing the four points of salvation with a man and seeing him give his life to Christ and then pray the sinner’s prayer was a moment I’ll never forget… I felt like just being there lifted the church’s spirits, reminding me again how love and kindness speak a universal language, far beyond words… I feel so privileged to have been part of this mission.”

What about you?

It’s always inspiring to see people willing to step beyond their comfort zones and join in with God’s mission in another part of the world.

Have you ever considered a short-term mission placement yourself? Get in touch with Elim Missions – we’d love to help connect you with the right overseas opportunity.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.