By: Jessica Kortright

“And then he told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.’” 

Mark 16:15

Have you ever felt a desire to go on a mission trip?   

In 2016, I felt this urge to sign up for a mission trip to Nicaragua. I thought, “My mom is Nicaraguan. I want to do it in her honor.” I stepped into the interest meeting, and felt so intimidated and unequipped that I ran in the opposite direction. It just wasn’t my time. Then in 2018, after diving into my personal relationship with Jesus, I felt that urge again. This. Time. Was. Different.  

After my relationship with Jesus grew, I came to understand that there was nothing I had to do for my mom that would get her into heaven. She was already there. I wanted to do this for myself. I wanted to do this with Jesus. In preparation for my first trip, the team and I did life together. We met often, we broke bread, we shared communion, we prepared our hearts and we prayed.  

We learned so much in that time. The people I have traveled with are not just a team; we became a family from gathering and doing life. They are now some of my closest and dearest friends.

Mark 16:15 has been my life Scripture for a long time. It’s known as the Great Commission. Before Jesus said these words to His disciples, they also were prepared by Him. After doing life together and witnessing everything Jesus said and did, He entrusted them to go out and share the message of hope and salvation to all the world. They weren’t just disciples; they were missionaries!

You can do that, too! And guess what? It doesn’t have to be out of the country. It can happen in your neighborhood, in the grocery store or when you are out to dinner.  

I went on my first mission trip in 2019 and have gone on two more since. One thing I’ve learned is that the people I have encountered in Tampa are the same people I’ve met in Nicaragua. They are from all walks, in need of salvation and in need of the Savior. So if you are in a relationship with Jesus and are already in prayer, in communion and making a simple invite to others, then you, too, are a missionary. Welcome to a day in my life!