Am I Ready to Go?
So You’re Thinking About Going on a Mission Trip?
You’ve felt the tug. Maybe it’s been on your heart for a while. Or maybe someone invited you, and now you can’t stop thinking about it.
You’re not alone.
This guide was created to help you figure out if this is your next step—and to show you that you don’t have to do it alone. At GO InterNational, we’ve helped thousands of people just like you prepare for their first mission trip. We’ll help you walk through it with purpose, preparation, and peace of mind.
7 Signs You Might Be Ready to Go
You can’t shake the feeling that God is asking you to step out in faith.
You care about people beyond your own backyard.
You’re willing to listen, learn, and serve—not just lead.
You want to grow in your faith and be challenged spiritually.
You don’t feel “qualified”—but you’re willing to be used by God anyway.
You’re open to new cultures, new foods, and new experiences.
You want your life to make a difference.
Real Talk—Common Questions and Honest Answers
“What if I don’t know the Bible well enough?” You don’t have to be a theologian to be used by God. Obedience matters more than expertise.
“What if I can’t afford it?” Most team members raise support—and we’ll help you with a step-by-step plan. You’ll be surprised how many people will want to support what God is doing in your life.
“What if it’s not safe?” GO InterNational carefully vets every location and partner. We take travel safety, health precautions, and team security seriously. We won’t send you where we wouldn’t go ourselves.
“What if I’m not ‘good enough’?” None of us are. God uses ordinary people who are willing to say yes. If you’re available, God will use you.
What Actually Happens on a GO International Mission Trip?
You’ll be trained and supported before you ever leave.
You’ll travel with a team—usually from your church or area.
You’ll serve alongside trusted local leaders who know their communities.
You’ll see God at work in unexpected places.
You’ll grow in your faith—and probably cry when it’s time to come home.
Your Mission Trip Readiness Checklist
Heart:
Am I willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of the Gospel?
Am I teachable and open to new ways of seeing the world?
Head:
Do I understand the purpose of the trip and what we’re trying to accomplish?
Am I ready to represent Christ with humility?
Hands:
Can I follow directions, help with physical tasks, or offer encouragement?
Am I ready to be part of a team and not the center of attention?
Stories from People Like You
"I have seen God change me personally so much by seeing the needs of people here, by understanding my love of missions, by understanding my love for children and for families...and being able to serve God has taught me a lot about humility, about finding my identity in Christ, about showing me that I'm a beloved son of God, about being able to take that testimony and this confidence that he's given me and being able to share that with others." – Zach, GO summer intern
"Sometimes I get a little too comfortable and I don't get out of my comfort zone. And so things like this...going to see new people and evangelizing and providing medical care for a whole unreached people group really help me step out of my comfort zone." – Elijah, trip participant
Encouragement from People Like You
"I encourage you, if you are thinking about a mission trip, really pray about it, it's just so exciting and so humbling to see how God can move through you and in you...you'll reap joy." – Ashley, trip participant
"I highly recommend you go on a mission trip with GO InterNational. I mean they're just amazing...we've gotten to experience many things, we've gotten to be the hands and feet of Jesus and just share the gospel message...and it's truly been a blessing." – Brian, trip participant
"I would recommend everyone on the planet Earth to go on a mission trip like this. I think everyone needs to." – Josiah, trip participant
How GO International Walks With You
We don’t just send people—we go with them. From your first interest meeting to your flight home, we...
Help you with fundraising
Walk you through what to pack, what to expect, and how to prepare
Support you during the trip with trained leaders and experienced staff
Follow up with you after the trip to debrief and grow
You’re Not Alone. If you feel that nudge—it might be the Holy Spirit. Don’t ignore it.
Let this guide be your first step. We’ll help you take the next one.
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:
