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Find a helpful book summary for Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions here.

For decades, churches have used the term short-term mission trip to describe experiences that send teams overseas for one or two weeks to serve, learn, encourage partners, and engage with communities around the world. While these trips can be valuable, many churches and organizations are beginning to ask whether the word mission always accurately reflects the purpose of every trip. Authors such as Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, through their work with The Chalmers Center an

This exercise is designed to enhance your resilience. Practicing it when you are not under stress will help you remain calm during challenging times. The Tree Exercise Begin by reading Psalm 1. This step is crucial! Now, close your eyes (or fix your gaze on a single point). Imagine you are a tree. What type of tree do you envision yourself as? Picture that tree vividly. In your mind, observe your surroundings. Is your tree standing alone? What does the landscape look like aro

International travel can be an exhilarating adventure, opening up a world of new experiences and cultures. However, to make the most of your journey and ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip, being prepared is key. One essential aspect of international travel preparation is staying informed about the current requirements for vaccinations. Health and safety should be a top priority when exploring new destinations, and different countries often have specific vaccination requirem

A Quick Primer for understanding and following the US State Department's Travel Advisories Find the perfect devotional for your team at www.justkindhumility.org/shop Making the decision to travel internationally to serve others is a multi-faceted process. Having a discernible call or invitation usually precedes the decision. Weighing personal, professional and family obligations factors in, as well as financial responsibilities. Another part of the process that should not be

In 2021, I had the tremendous opportunity to complete a graduate program at Wheaton's Humanitarian Disaster Institute (https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/academic-centers/humanitarian-disaster-institute/ ). During my time there, I met many wonderful friends and colleagues. Pastor Dennis Kilama was among those I was able to learn from, collaborate with, and highly respect. When I came upon an article that he added to the Better Samaritan blog forum, my heart jumped for joy! His

(updated 2026) Best Advice: Don’t overpack Packing can be overwhelming. You want to pack what’s important, but also what is comforting. The downfall for every packing job is the idea of including too many “choices”. Giving yourself several daily choices of shoes, jeans, and jackets can lead to a situation where you will find that you have overpacked. This cannot be stressed enough: pack light and plan to re-wear clothes and shoes. Afterall, this is the way most of the majorit

Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues(1). Storytelling can happen in many ways, perhaps verbally or visually. It also happens through writing and in media. Therefore, being an ethical storyteller means becoming aware of how we share information about the people we are serving, whether through photographs, writing or video.

Being a part of a humanitarian mission entails much more than just doing good and being kind. It extends further than distributing basic necessities and provisions. The work of humanitarians has structure and accountability. One of these measures of structure and accountability is the Code of Conduct: 10 Core Principles which was jointly prepared by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. According

In Brené Brown’s famous TED talk of June 2010, which has been viewed 53 million times, she confesses to running into a wall in her vulnerability research. In this talk she relates a session with her therapist where she confides, “Well, I have a vulnerability issue. And I know that vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle with worthiness, but it appears that it is also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, and of love.” (1) I have listened to

Article by Claire Stewart, Senior manager of strategic initiatives at HOPE International, from the Better Samaritan I found this article timely and wise. In this article by Claire Stewart from HOPE International, the differences between needs based assistance and asset-based assistance is discussed. 2 key elements for discerning which to use involved timing and listening. Read more here: https://www.christianitytoday.com/better-samaritan/2021/may/needs-vs-assets-however-you-e

In this season of uncertainty, unrest and division we can feel discouraged or even hopeless. Some of us may experience fear of the unknown or fear of the known. Others find they are experiencing deep sadness over relationships that have hit rocky spots in this contentious time. But, a very common feeling during this time is anger which quickly- too quickly! - finds its way into relationships if we are not careful. As I reflected on this, I was reminded of Ken Sande’s book The

Christians who, by their action or inaction, add to the brokenness of the world, seriously undermine our witness to the gospel of peace.” th

To know God's Word is to know God.

JustKindHumility always looks to Scripture for guidance in everyday life and circumstances. Our overarching emphasis is on living a life based on the teachings of Holy Scripture and always in line with what Jesus taught when he walked the earth. We focus on Micah 6:8 where God clearly proclaims His requirements for living a life pleasing to Him and we point to Matthew 25:31-46 as the way in which Jesus describes how we will ultimately be judged. Both passages involve how we t

"The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope.” - Psalm 34:18 Healing the Wounds of Racial Trauma Being a victim of racism can cause heart wounds that are like a physical wound. This kind of heart wound is called trauma. Like a physical wound, it must be cared for and cannot be ignored. Also like a physical wound, it can leave a scar. As with all forms of trauma, the human tendency is to avoid or split off awarenes

They aim to empower these children and their communities through relationships that cultivate holistic transformation and sustainability.

This is an exercise to increase resiliency. Doing this exercise when you are not under stress will help you be able to relax in times of str

...The Evangelical Immigration Table exists to encourage distinctly biblical thinking about issues of immigration...

Five Organizations that are on the forefront of Refugee Aid...and how you can be too