According to Newton's First Law, an object in motion will stay in motion, and an object at rest will remain at rest. That is, until it is acted upon by an external force. At Oak Hills Church, we believe Jesus is that force that sets us into motion—an inertia of love for our neighbors, both here at home and around the world.
As described in the Gospels, we see Jesus’ life modeling this movement and inviting us to follow. Jesus encouraged action in his disciples and sent them to share the good news. And we believe he also sends us to go today, empowering us to boldly serve others and spread his kingdom through love.
What if stepping away helped you step into your purpose? That’s the invitation of a short-term mission trip. It’s a unique opportunity to renew your faith by relying on God in unfamiliar places and cultures. Mission trips break you out of the routine of everyday life and remind you of your calling to “go.” It’s a call not to seek comfort or “conform to the patterns of the world,” but to be transformed by seeking God, pursuing his will, and building his kingdom here on earth.
God's call to “go” reminds us there is nothing worth clinging to in a place that was never intended to be our permanent home. We are meant to be always in motion. For some, the challenge of a mission trip can be a mindset of sacrifice. This may be a sacrifice in what you give up, leave behind, or a financial commitment. But in reality, the sacrifice is a chance to learn to rely on God to provide for your needs, peace, and protection. As the force of God puts you in motion, it pushes you to dig deeper into your faith and reminds you why you trust God when others might feel discomfort.
Best of all, this renewal doesn’t stop when you return home. Kara Wilson was put in motion when she traveled to El Salvador as a teen. But that trip was just the beginning. When she returned, she was inspired to start Project RED, an initiative dedicated to protecting children and healing families. And Kara’s movement has continued inspiring others. Just last year, the children’s ministry at Oak Hills Church helped raise funds for a new Child Advocacy Center car for Project RED, so that God’s message of hope and healing can reach new communities.
A mission trip doesn't just change the place you go—it changes you. When you return, you see your own community differently. You want to be a light where you are. You no longer want to stay still in old comforts but to move forward in service. As people who are called to be in motion, the movement toward God is always a call to go, even when you’re at home.
You, too, can set your faith into motion! Start simply with a prayer, asking God if he is calling you to go or to support someone else as they do. Reach out to your local church or Oak Hills to learn how you can join, serve, or support a missions team. We believe God uses ordinary people to make an extraordinary impact by transforming lives and spreading the good news to nations near and far. So go. Explore. And change the world through love by living out your call to motion.
Change the world through love by living out your call to motion.
Oak Hills Church sponsors multiple short-term mission trips each year. Some venture as far as East Africa, while others stay as close as the Texas/Mexico border. Regardless of your level of experience or sense of adventure, there is a way for you to get involved in spreading the love of Christ around the world!
Learn more at oakhills.church/STM.