With the amount of challenges plaguing the world, it comes naturally for Christians to want to share their ministry and engage in mission work to make a difference. There are those who have spent their whole lives serving while there are those who are embarking on their first foray into the life of a missionary.

Paul McGuinness, who has spent most of his career working with churches and leading global outreach initiatives, shared that signing up for a mission is only the first step, and that making the most of the experience is another.

According to McGuinness, it is better to engage in a long term as opposed to short term mission. While it is good to raise funds and collect shoes, toothbrushes, school supplies and other things needed by impoverished communities, it is wiser to embark on a long term project such as livelihood projects that would provide opportunities and help the community overcome poverty in the long run.

McGuinness also explained that doing things with the community rather than for the community will empower them to help themselves and encourage them to take ownership of development programmes and fully involve them.

"In moments of crisis, we should be ready to do whatever we can to help. But we must learn to keep our emotions in check and remember the bigger picture. If we are truly interested in transformation, then we will stop doing for people and start doing with people," he said.

There is also a need to differentiate between building capacity and creating dependency among community members. To do this, leaders must be empowered to lead since these leaders are the keys to addressing the needs of their own communities, he believes.

With these essentials in mind, McGuinness said he has no doubt that changing the world is not an impossible goal. 

A post on HCCMIS shared some practical tips for those embarking on any kind of mission, especially those that will take place in different environments. 

In preparing for the mission, the post encouraged potential missionaries to conduct a thorough research of the organisation they are working with to better understand and align their personal objectives. 

As mission work is no picnic, they should also be aware of what to bring and what to leave behind so as not be burdened by excesses. 

It would also be handy to learn basic phrases and customs to better connect with the community, but even so, missionaries must brace themselves for culture shock as the community's culture may vary differently from what one is used to. 

Staying connected to home will ease homesickness and will make it easier for missionaries to fulfill their duties to the community. 

HCCMIS said: "No matter how ardently you prepare to be immersed in a new culture, some things will undoubtedly be unexpected and will surprise you when you are actually living in a foreign country. One of the most important things you can pack when getting ready for missionary travel is a sense of adventure! Don't be fearful of trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Accept that things are going to be much different from home and embrace the change."