10 Ways GO InterNational Keeps You Safe on a Mission Trip
When you step out on a mission trip, you want to make an impact without constantly worrying about safety. That’s where GO International comes in. We’ve been sending teams around the world since 1968, and one of the things we’ve learned is that safety doesn’t just happen—it’s built into everything we do.
Here are 10 ways we keep you safe while you serve:
1. Prayer
At the end of the day, we trust God with our safety. Every trip is covered in prayer—by our office staff, your church, and your teammates. We know we can’t control everything, but we serve the One who can. Prayer doesn’t replace preparation, but it empowers it. Prayer is not the last resort, it is the first priority.
2. Crisis Management Plan
We never expect trouble, but we prepare for it. GO has a clear crisis management plan in place for every trip. That means if something unexpected happens—whether that’s a medical issue, a travel delay, or something bigger—your leaders already know the steps to take and who to call. While it is very difficult to anticipate every problem, You don’t have to scramble or worry, we are working on your behalf to resolve the issue the best we can.
3. Solid Preparation
Safety starts long before you get on a plane. Our team spends months preparing each trip with layers of planning:
Comprehensive Administration – Flights, lodging, drivers, and ministry schedules are all vetted and double-checked. We also know flexibility is key. Plans give us direction, but they aren’t set in stone. On the field, things can shift quickly, and we hold our schedules with open hands, ready to follow God’s Spirit and adjust to the needs in front of us.
Risk Assessments – We carefully evaluate potential risks in each location and make decisions with wisdom.
Trusted Partnerships – We only work with long-term partners who know their communities and keep us informed.
Communication Plans – Teams always know how to reach each other and our office back home.
Custom Emergency Info – Each trip comes with specific emergency details for your destination, so information is readily available to our leadership team.
4. Trained and Experienced Team Leaders
Every GO team has a leader who’s been there before. They’re not just experienced travelers—they go through annual safety trainings, learning how to handle emergencies and guide their teams with wisdom and calm. You’ll never be left without leadership when you need it most.
5. Trusted Partnerships
Our partners aren’t strangers. They’re local pastors and leaders who have spent years building trust in their communities. They know the culture, the language, and the safest way to navigate their context. That kind of relationship is one of the biggest safety nets we have. We stay in constant communication with them before, during, and after each trip—checking in pre-trip, on the field, and once we return—to make sure every team member is always safe. Our partners are just as concerned about your well being as we are. They truly care and make saftety the highest priority.
6. Food Preparation Consideration
We know nothing will slow down your ministry faster than stomach issues. Our leaders and partners work to make sure the food and water you consume are prepared as safely as possible. We take food prep seriously because your health matters for your ability to serve well.
7. Clear Pre-Trip Communication
Before you ever leave home, you’ll get detailed information from us. We don’t believe in surprises. We’ll talk through what to expect, what to pack, and how to handle yourself on the field. Preparation removes fear and replaces it with confidence.
8. Emergency Cards
Every team member carries an emergency card with key contacts, instructions, and details for that specific country. If you get separated or need help, you’ve got all the info you need right in your pocket.
9. Tabletop Emergency Prep
Before each trip, our leaders walk through possible scenarios together—what to do if someone gets sick, if travel plans change, or if there’s unrest in a city. By practicing ahead of time, we make sure no one is caught flat-footed.
10. A Culture of Safety
Safety isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s part of our culture. We’re always teaching teams to stay aware, follow local guidance, travel in groups, and use common sense. We believe wisdom is a form of stewardship. By protecting you, we free you to focus on the mission.
Daily Check-ins – Teams gather for devotionals and debriefs, which also give leaders a chance to check on everyone’s well-being. Team leaders on the field are also in constant communication with the Partners to ensure everything is in order. We are thinking 24 hours ahead at all times to work toward your safety.
Financial Integrity – Trip funds are handled with accountability, protecting both you and the mission.
Going on a mission trip is about stepping into God’s story among the nations. At GO International, we want you to do that with confidence. By combining practical planning with spiritual preparation, we create trips where safety isn’t a distraction—it’s a foundation.
So go ahead—pack your bag, trust God, and join us. We’ll handle the details.
With more than 25 years connected to GO InterNational, Larry Montgomery brings both experience and pastoral heart to his role as Director of Team Ministries. Since his first GO trip in 1998, Larry has led teams across the globe, serving indigenous pastors and helping churches multiply disciples. On staff since 2016, he now provides leadership and oversight for all of GO’s ministries, both international and domestic. Anchored by the call of 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 to “be strong and do the work,” Larry guides teams with a steady commitment to Christ and the Great Commission.
Read more from the GO Blog:
