Realize the significance of the moment. God is doing something today that has never been done in history before. You have been privileged to live during one of history's greatest periods. Therefore, expectancy and faithful anticipation should characterize our lives! This is a golden moment.  In the spirit of Christ, fulfill your role wholeheartedly. 

Make adjustments willingly. The key in international ministry is to realize the breakdown of infrastructure in many parts of the world causes things not to work efficiently. Also, people have a mind-set that was created and influenced by the political and social systems (communism, socialism, dictatorship) in which they live.  These systems, processes, and ways of thinking often seem illogical to westerners. Be prepared for the need of adaptation and be ready to make adjustments victoriously and joyfully.  Back off and laugh occasionally! Keep your sense of humor. 

Often encourage. When you have a setback, a frustration, or even a crisis, stand with the leader and with the team and stay true to the original vision you had in mind when you joined the team. Encourage the leaders. Show a spirit of support with a pat on the back or a timely word. Find something good to say; be positive and talk up the ministry. Remember, the glass is always half full, not half empty! 

Think for yourself. Ask God to lead you. Don't let any one person overly influence you.  Have the mind of Christ and think! 90% of knowing God's will is discerned in the thinking process. Ask important questions when you don't know, but think before you ask, and think after you ask. Sometimes try to answer your own questions without having to ask them.

Serve with a humble spirit. Realize you are a servant.  You are to be consumed in service. Serve with gratitude and humility. Do what you do for the glory of God. Remember, no one ever leads who does not first learn to follow! During your time on the team, show you know how to obey directions and follow instructions with a right spirit.

Look at the big picture. You should realize you cannot be effective if you are self absorbed. Think of the whole team. Think of making your contribution. Help develop a team spirit and then realize our team is only a very small part of a much bigger team. Realize how big the work of God is in the world, and you are not the only person serving Christ. Therefore, appreciate other people with different gifts and ideas. 

Contribute. You have a big contribution to make. You have gifts, and you are part of the solution for evangelizing the world. Be open to all God has opened to you. Attend every team meeting.  Show faithfulness and dependability in your attitude and by your actions.

Learn everything you can about the sending organization and its international operation. Get to know your leadership personally. Ask questions. Get to know the history of this ministry and those who work in it. Look and listen and make positive suggestions. Don't be afraid to suggest an idea or offer an insight for improvement.

Be controlled by love. Ask God to overflow your personality. Because of His dynamic love in action allow your life to be the most convincing proof that there is a God that loves and cares. You are the only Bible some people will ever read!

Trust your leadership. Experience has been a great teacher for those in leadership positions. Have confidence in them and avoid asking premature questions.  Everything will be explained as the days of mission progress. Trust their wisdom, their sense of direction, and their maturity.

Guard the integrity of the mission. Remember, in most of the world, relationships of trust are far more important than in the USA. Slowly and sincerely build relationships characterized by truthfulness and integrity. Be very sensitive to cultural differences. Avoid boasting about how wonderful it is to be an American or speaking unkindly about the country in which you are serving. Make sure reckless promises are not made. 

Think of two-way communication. Seek first to understand and then seek to be understood. Look deep into the eyes of people and listen intently. Make your reply sincere and brief. Let other people see respect, humility, and real interest in them. Let them talk to you, and listen with much patience.

Prioritize. Keep putting first things first.  Make all major decisions during the mission trip with this in mind. Remember, anything less than a conscious commitment to the important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!

Keep the passion. Share Jesus Christ through your actions and with your words, but leave the results up to God. Keep as your goal to lift Him up and let Him draw people.

Rejoice. You have been chosen and selected by God. So keep rejoicing and keep an attitude of gratitude! Let your smile come from a rejoicing heart.