My Venture Experience
My Venture Experience...
Here at Pioneers, we have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in mission and use your giftings in God's Kingdom work. We have ministry teams all around the world in all sorts of contexts who are planting seeds and sharing the light of Jesus, one person at a time. Venture is one such opportunity!
What is Venture?
Venture is a short-term mission placement that is tailor-made to you and your interests.
We have a dedicated team who will chat with you and connect you with one of our many mission teams around the world.
Though we may not be able to offer exactly what you're looking for, the trips are carefully curated so that you can experience mission in such a way that God can use you and develop you personally.
It's a great next step for anyone interested in mission, but not sure if they want to go long-term.
Hey, I'm Sophie!
One person who tried Venture was Sophie.* She had never done a mission trip before and was eager to experience what being a missionary was like in a part of the world she had a heart for - Asia. She spent three weeks with a long-term team that already knew the community and had already established good relationships. This meant she could do ministry alongside workers who had good knowledge of the culture and people, and also practical wisdom, so she didn't have to figure it all out on her own. When she came home, we asked her some questions about her experience.
Q&A
(click the + to reveal Sophie's answers)
1. Firstly, did you enjoy yourself?
Absolutely! The three weeks absolutely flew by. Even though three weeks doesn't feel like a lot, it was plenty of time to build solid friendships which really helped me have fun and get stuck in!
2. What was your main reason for going on a Venture trip?
Primarily it was to get a first-hand glimpse at what mission life is like. This was both to educate me, so I would know how to be praying, but also to help me discern whether this was God's calling for my life too. I chose this particular placement because I was interested in the team's work with the urban poor and children's ministries.
3. How easy and quick was the process, from when you first applied to getting on the plane?
The process was so much easier than I expected. I really valued being able to communicate with the Pioneers team throughout as this enabled all my questions to be answered and for support to always be there if I needed it.
4. Was the trip what you expected?
Seeing as I didn't really know what to expect, it wasn't! I guess the idea of a 'mission trip' comes with lots of assumptions. Throughout my time God really taught me of the importance of showing love and kindness to those of a different faith - this type of evangelism is just as valuable as things like street outreach! I also felt I could really mold my days around any structure I chose, so I enjoyed being independent and making my own decisions whilst I was out there!
5. Was there anything which surprised you?
Definitely how comfortable I felt so quickly. Making friends was so easy, much easier than expected, and I assumed that the friends I would make would be more for convenience. Yet I was so wrong! I made genuine friends for life and I am so grateful for them.
6. Were there any challenges you faced?
At times I slipped into the mindset that I was failing because I hadn't had a direct conversation with someone about Jesus. This was an obstacle that thankfully God helped me to overcome, after realising that God is still at work, speaking through us to people through other forms of ministry that are not as directly evangelistic as I assumed!
7. How did you find sharing the gospel or speaking with those from a different culture to yours?
I had a great orientation upon arrival which was helpful for me to understand the local culture and therefore know how to communicate with them. The language barrier was difficult, but with translators it became much easier. As for sharing the gospel, this was hard! But I think the main reason for this was language, rather than because the local people wouldn't listen - they knew we were Christians, and they didn't let this stop them from befriending us.
8. What was the best thing you experienced?
Getting to know the local people. Three weeks is enough time for locals to begin recognising you. You therefore can begin to build valuable relationships which was really cool to see! I loved walking down the street and seeing familiar faces. Another core experience was attending the local church. It was awesome to see a community of people who live so far from me worshipping the same God I do!
9. Did God speak to you during the trip?
Very much so, particularly with the things regarding evangelism, but also he was constantly reminding me of his deliverance and protection - both for me, but also for the people living out here. He had been so faithful to the community of Christians on the field, and it was awesome to see the way his power was moving throughout the neighbourhood.
10. Would you recommend Venture?
Absolutely! Whether it's to see what mission life is like, or to simply delve into a new culture, God can use the experience in such marvellous ways.
My Venture Diary
During her trip, Sophie kept a diary, sharing real reflections of her time in Asia. Here are a few snapshots (literally!) of what she wrote.
'I am so grateful to God for this experience and for all the people I have met. He has taught me so much!' - Day 20
Try Venture!
This was one person's experience on Venture, and so it won't be the same as someone else's. But hopefully this gives you a glimpse into what short-term mission is like. And so, if you are at all interested in mission, whether far into the future or much sooner, then why not give Venture a go? It may be just what God is calling you to do!
Stories
We are still called to Give, Pray, Send and Go. The question we must each ask ourselves if we’re really serious about following in Jesus’ footsteps is, "Which part of ‘Go ye therefore and make disciples’ am I meant to fulfil?"
When I was told that the purpose of the trip was to pray for the work, I thought, ‘Yes! I can do that.’ I wanted to get deeper in prayer. When I’ve been asked to go on mission trips before, I felt that wasn’t for me, but when I saw prayer, I thought, ‘I can pray.’
Over time, the process of preparing to go can become quite daunting as some of its realities begin to set in. In this four-part article we take an honest look at some of the obstacles that can be in the way of you following your calling to serve overseas, and how God is at work in the midst of it all.