I can't think of anything more adventurous than going on a short-term mission trip. Once missions gets in your blood, you can't not go. I'll never forget my first mission trip. Our church took a group of adults and youth to Houghton Lake, Michigan, to help build a new church auditorium and conduct Backyard Bible Clubs in the community. It only took that one week to get me hooked. Even though I had learned about missions at church and heard testimonies from missionaries, missions didn't become real to me until I experienced it hands-on. Not only does missions change the lives of those who are ministered to, it also changes the life of the participant. My life was forever changed after that one week in Michigan. I began to see the world and my ministry in it from a completely different perspective.

Christ's command to tell His story to every person on the face of the earth is by far the greatest challenge ever given. He dares us to look at our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth through His eyes. When we do, we see people who are hurting, hungry and spiritually empty. Jesus has given us a vision for an entire world in desperate need. When Jesus spoke of the harvest, He was referring to a vast number of people ready to receive him.  Volunteering in short-term missions is one of the most effective ways believers can mobilize to share the gospel and reap the harvest with far-reaching results.

The opportunities to serve are endless. In "Hope in the Midst of Crisis" on page 22, you'll read about Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers who responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They were some of the first people on the scene preparing meals, clearing away debris, taking care of children and offering hope in Jesus Christ to victims devastated by the storms. When disaster strikes, more than 30,000 Disaster Relief volunteers are ready to serve at a moment's notice. They respond to hurricanes, floods, fires, tornadoes, even terrorist attacks, as was the case after 9/11.

But disaster relief is just one way volunteers can make a difference. Volunteers are needed to help build churches and repair homes. Others are needed to assist church planters with community evangelism and canvassing neighborhoods. Still more are needed to participate in inner-city evangelism, special events, campground and resort ministries and a variety of other activities. In "The Ultimate Road Trip" on page 26, we'll guide you step-by-step on how to plan a mission trip.

On mission Christians have a desire and passion to go and share the gospel. Last year more than 300,000 Southern Baptists answered God's call and volunteered for short-term mission trips. Are you ready to step out of your comfort zone and join others in an adventure of a lifetime?

Carol Pipes, editor, cpipes@namb.net