Top 5 Christian Volunteer Programs Abroad & Mission Trips for Families

Top 5 Christian Volunteer Programs Abroad & Mission Trips for Families

Volunteering abroad on a mission trip can be a transformative experience for families looking to make a positive impact while deepening their faith. There are numerous Christian volunteer programs that offer opportunities for families to serve together, from youth mission experiences to medical and construction mission projects. In this article, we will explore the top 5 Christian volunteer programs abroad and mission trips for families, highlighting their unique offerings and the impact they make in communities around the world.

1. Cru - Short Term Global Mission Trips

Cru offers a wide range of mission trips for college and high school students, working adults, and families. Their short-term global mission trips, which can last from 1 to 12 weeks, provide an opportunity to engage with God’s mission somewhere in the world. Cru’s mission trips are designed to challenge participants spiritually and provide practical opportunities to serve, whether it’s through evangelism, community development, or humanitarian aid projects. As stated on their website, “How might God use you if you took a step of faith to engage with His mission somewhere in the world?”

According to Cru’s website, they are one of the best and most reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. Their volunteer opportunities cater to individuals and families alike, allowing participants to focus on their area of expertise or choose where they want to serve. By joining a Cru mission trip, families can serve together while growing in their faith and making a lasting impact.

2. EM - Individual Mission Trips

EM (Experience Mission) offers individual mission trips that span from 1 to 9 months. Their IMMERSION program is specifically designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 who are looking to immerse themselves in communities around the world. Through serving and growing together with a team, participants have the opportunity to explore different cultures, build relationships, and make a meaningful impact.

According to EM’s website, the IMMERSION program allows participants to humbly engage in cross-cultural settings and connect with established partner ministries. By participating in longer-term volunteer mission trips abroad, families can deepen their understanding of global issues, develop empathy for others, and contribute to sustainable change in the communities they serve.

3. Mission Direct - Volunteer Mission Trips

Mission Direct partners with organizations and churches around the world to offer volunteer mission trips that focus on practical projects aimed at meeting the needs of local communities. Their mission trips involve building schools, clinics, and homes, as well as providing medical care and support to vulnerable populations. Mission Direct has been making a difference since 2007 and continues to partner with various organizations to create lasting change.

According to Mission Direct’s website, they have built three villages in Cambodia’s capital city area in partnership with Serve Cambodia and the Fellowship of Hope (FOH) Church network. Families can join these overseas trips and participate in hands-on projects that directly impact the lives of those in need. By volunteering with Mission Direct, families not only help provide essential resources but also experience personal growth through serving others.

4. Maranatha Volunteers International

Maranatha Volunteers International offers a variety of mission trips that appeal to specific volunteer groups, including families, teens, young adults, and people looking for opportunities in North America. They organize “Open Team Projects” where volunteers from around the world come together to work on construction projects, such as building churches, schools, and water wells.

According to Maranatha’s website, their mission trips are designed to be life-changing experiences that challenge participants’ hearts and allow them to serve real needs on the mission field. Families can work alongside other volunteers to make a tangible impact while growing closer together as they share their faith through service.

5. ABWE - Launch Point Mission Trips

ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) offers Launch Point mission trips designed to connect volunteers with their teams and ministries around the world in a meaningful, life-changing way. ABWE’s short-term trips aim to inspire individuals, teams, churches, or families to get involved in missions work. They provide opportunities for participants to serve others and meet real needs on the mission field.

According to ABWE’s website, their desire is to create short-term trips with long-term impact. Families can join these mission trips and challenge themselves to make a difference in the world while deepening their faith. By serving alongside ABWE’s teams, families can gain a broader perspective on global issues and contribute to the growth of communities in need.

In conclusion, participating in Christian volunteer programs abroad and mission trips can be an enriching experience for families. Whether it’s through organizations like Cru, EM, Mission Direct, Maranatha Volunteers International, or ABWE, families have the opportunity to grow spiritually, serve others in need, and make a lasting impact on communities around the world. These programs provide structured opportunities for families to engage in meaningful service experiences, deepen their faith, and develop a heart for helping others.