Short-term mission trips
Church is not a building you go to; it’s a movement you choose to be a part of. And God uses people like us to do His work in our community and around the world. He has called us to serve others, share His love and help people experience the hope found in Jesus.
One way to do this is by going on a short-term mission trip. Serving alongside an established Wooddale global partner, you will have a life-changing opportunity to share Jesus’ love and experience cross-cultural ministry.
Trips vary in length and location. Fill out an interest form below to receive details of the trip you are interested in joining.
Thailand
January 1–30, 2026 | Adults
Mission: Build gospel-centered relationships with unreached Thai students through English education and everyday life.
At Santisuk English School in the heart of Bangkok, the classroom is more than a learning space—it’s a gateway for spiritual conversations and life-giving relationships.
During this trip, you will:
- Serve as English teachers, partnering with Thai and international staff to reach students who may never have heard Jesus’ name.
- Engage with students outside class—sharing meals, exploring markets, playing badminton or pickleball and connecting over tabletop games.
These everyday moments foster trust, friendship and natural opportunities to share the hope of Christ.
This trip suits those who love people, enjoy teaching or mentoring and have a heart for the unreached.
Guatemala Bridge Builders
February 2025 | Adults & Families
The Bridge Builders trip provides an easy entry to experience cross-cultural ministry in Guatemala. Bridge Builders works with the believers in local churches to show Jesus’ love to people in the Lake Atitlan area by establishing and maintaining relationships through ministries such as home construction, home visits, medical clinics, children and student ministries, pastoral care and training, water purification systems and addiction recovery.
South Asia
February 12–20, 2026 | AdultsMission: Experience how God is moving through Wooddale’s Legacy of Hope: Far Coalition partnership in Southeast Asia by connecting with leaders and witnessing the impact of disciple-making movements firsthand.
This Vision Trip takes you through a key cities in the region to see how the gospel is transforming lives across the region. You’ll visit house fellowships, meet local leaders from The Timothy Initiative and engage in conversations about how God is multiplying churches in some of the least-reached areas of the world.
During this trip, you will:
- Visit one of the world’s largest slums and a center of thriving industry and community.
- Meet TTI leaders who are training disciple-makers.
- Worship with local believers in house fellowships.
- Explore rich culture and history, including key historical sites.
Southeast Asia
March 7–16, 2026 | Adults
Mission: Experience how ordinary neighbors spark extraordinary change in some of Kolkata’s most challenged communities.
In communities impacted by extreme poverty and modern slavery, global partner Joyya is committed for the long term—investing in health, education, housing, financial services, job training and recreation. When just 5% of a neighborhood is changed, the whole community’s trajectory can shift. Resilience is emerging, hope is growing and communities are beginning to thrive.
During this trip, you will:
- Walk the streets, experience the culture, and engage with daily life in Kolkata.
- Meet local leaders, neighbors and those driving Joyya’s mission forward.
- See how lasting transformation takes root when people choose presence over quick solutions.
This is an immersive, equipping experience designed to shift perspectives, deepen empathy, and reframe what it means to be a good neighbor.
North America: Steiger Impact Trip
March 12–16, 2026 | Young Adults 18-35
Mission: Boldly share the love of Jesus with young people far from God by stepping into one of the world’s most influential cultural events.
This Steiger Impact Trip takes place during SXSW (South by Southwest), a massive annual festival in Austin, Texas, that draws over 300,000 people from around the world to experience cutting-edge music, art, film and technology. In this highly secular, creative environment, young adults will engage a generation often unreached by traditional church methods.
During this trip, you will:
- Share the message of Jesus with people through bold street outreach, artistic expression, prayer and intentional conversations.
- Participate in daily training, worship and deep Christ-centered community with passionate young believers from across the country.
This is not a typical mission trip. It’s raw, real and powerful—for those who refuse to let their generation live without the hope of Christ.
Guatemala City
July 25–August 5, 2026 | Family Friendly
Mission: Serve alongside one of Wooddale’s global partners by sharing Christ’s love with children and families from difficult home situations.
This trip offers hands-on opportunities to engage with students, assist with small projects, and experience cross-cultural ministry. While it will stretch you emotionally, you will be surprised at how much God works in your own life as you serve others.
During this trip, you will:
- Lead sports and creative activities with school-aged children (Pre-K through grade 9).
- Share Bible stories and the gospel with students
and families. - Assist with small service projects.
- Support and encourage the local community through prayer, presence, and relationships.
Ideal for adults or families who love kids, enjoy being active, and want to serve cross-culturally. No Spanish is required, and it’s perfect for those who have never participated in an overseas mission trip.
Can’t attend a trip? Donate now and support a trip to help bring the hope of Jesus to those around the world.
Kenya
Adults of All Ages
Through the love of Jesus Christ Heshima provides a holistic environment that includes physical, mental and spiritual support for children with special needs in Kenya. Join our Global Partners at Heshima, where you will work with the mothers and children of the center.
Contact: Email Wooddale Worldwide
Student Mission Trips
A.W.O.L. (A Work of Love)
Junior High Students and Adult Volunteers
July
Typically in the warmest week of July, junior high students pack up to live in pop-up campers at Maple Hills mobile home park in Corcoran, MN.
Partnering with Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, junior high students help plan and lead a Vacation Bible School (VBS) each morning for elementary school kids and “escape” with teenagers in the evenings for a picnic, pool party and water park visits. This trip is a highlight to the students from both churches and the kids at Maple Hills.
Contact: Email Wooddale Student Ministries
Project Colorado
9th grade students and Adult Volunteers
June
After the completion of 9th grade A.U.G. (Approved Unto God) doctrinal class, students are eligible to participate in Project Colorado: a two-week half missions, half adventure trip in Winter Park, Colorado.
Students and leaders head to the Torch Bearers School at Timberline Lodge where they serve the lodge and surrounding community by chopping wood for fire, painting, clearing brush, hauling logs, housekeeping tasks and more. Along with service projects, students have opportunity to experience the adventure of Colorado by choosing to go whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, mountain biking, camping and other exciting activities.
Contact: Email Wooddale Student Ministries
Senior High Student Trip
10th-12th grade Senior High Students & Adult Volunteers
Summer
Partnering with Next Step Ministries, experience short-term mission trips colliding with long-term community development by participating in projects selected by the community, experience engaging worship, serve alongside community members, and learn how to go beyond a one-week trip by bringing the mission home with you.
Contact: Email Wooddale Student Ministries
Short Term Trip Leader and Participant Information
Short-Term Trip Leader Evaluation
Short-Term Trip Participation Evaluation
Short-Term Ministry Trip Application Form
Short-Term Trip Leader Training Manual
Logistics Manual
Code of Conduct & Liability Release Forms
Checklist for Short-term Ministry Trip Leaders
Checklist for Short-term Ministry Trip Participants