Countdown to your PWP Project: Pro Tips
May 9, 2018
Summer is almost here! That means your PWP Project is just around the corner. Here are a few pro tips… Read more Countdown to your PWP Project: Pro Tips
Summer is almost here! That means your PWP Project is just around the corner. Here are a few pro tips to help you get ready as you make your final preparations (and they all start with “P”!):
- Prayer. Set up a prayer network with friends and family. Send out prayer cards with your picture and bullets of how people can pray. Be committed to prayer yourself. Commit the work you will do and the conversations you will have to the Lord! Check out Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” This work is not yours to do, it’s His!
- Packing. Consider rolling your clothes to better use your space (and eliminate wrinkles). Wear your bulkiest items (jeans, sweatshirt, etc.) on the plane and travel day. Pack in layers and be prepared for weather changes!
- Pro-Tips for Travel:
- Create a special luggage identifier for your bags (and for anyone else traveling with you). This can be a simple luggage tag, a colorful ribbon, or, if you like arts and crafts, you can get creative and make it a fun project!
- Bring an extra pillowcase to use as a dirty laundry bag.
- Put your shampoo, body wash, and other liquids in a sealed Ziploc bag just in case they leak or spill en route.
- Pack an extra change of clothes, labeled medication, and any other must-have items in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage does not arrive when you do.
- Get a good night of sleep the night before your travel day so you can start fresh!
- Prevent Unreasonable Expectations. You are not a Christian superhero, and you may not see hundreds of people respond to Jesus immediately on this trip. Things may not go like you dreamed. Expectations that are not met simply lead to discouragement and disappointment. Keep in mind that 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 tells us that some are given the job of planting seeds, some watering the seeds, and some will reap the harvest. Each role is vital. Define success by your willingness to be faithful to God rather than the external fruit you hope to see.
- Prepare for a New Culture
. Learn some phrases in the local language — even in the U.S., English may not be the first language of every kid in your camp. Show interest in the culture of those you are interacting with. Ask good questions and learn everything you can. Be ready to try new things! Don’t just be a tourist. Prepare your heart to serve no matter how different things may be from what you are used to.
- Plan to Drop Your Plans. Be flexible! Remember things will not always go as you expect them to go (see tip #4 again!), and it’s your job to roll with what comes your way. A flexible team member with a positive attitude can be crucial at keeping the rest of the team on track.
- Preserve Your Memories . Bring a journal. Document your thoughts, prayers, what you did each day, how the Lord moved, people you met, their stories and how they impacted you. These are special moments you will want to look back on for the rest of your life — and you won’t be able to recall them from memory forever!
- Praise and Proclaim Christ (before, during, and after your trip). This one is most important! Remember the purpose of your trip — to glorify God by Playing With Purpose. When you return from your trip, be prepared to share your story with those who have been praying for you and waiting to hear about the trip. Have a 30-second version ready to share about what God did as well as a 5-minute version for those who have more time to listen. Think about a moment or person you met who impacted you during the project and tell the stories of what God did in those moments. Give God glory in all things!
