Go!

There are many ways to approach short-term trips. Some of these approaches are helpful, while some can be less helpful and even harmful to the people that we are aiming to help. 

Though our trips vary greatly in purpose and the way they are run by different team leaders, based on what we know, we prayerfully strive to avoid doing harm. These are four focuses we see as part of Eastbrook’s DNA for short-term trips that help guard us and point us toward making a positive impact in the lives and communities of those we partner with.

RElationships

Relationships is a key word to how we approach short-term missions at Eastbrook. We believe that every short-term mission needs to stem from and build into a long-term relationship(s). We work together under the direction and guidance of local leaders who have invited us to participate in what God is doing in their area. We strive to develop the relationships that already exist and cultivate ones that are growing through regular contact and prayer after the trips.  

Being > Doing

We go to “be with”, not to “accomplish stuff”. Of course there will be doing and serving on our trips, but our aim and motivation in going should not be to fill our need to feel good about doing something significant, but instead to learn how to join in with what God is doing regardless of what that means for us-hard manual labor, or sitting for a week and listening to people. We embrace the ministry of presence, being with as more important than doing for. We recognize that Jesus is the Savior, not us. 

Sacrifice

Jesus encourages us to die to ourselves that we may truly live. Short-term trips require a lot of small sacrifices: time, money, comfort, security, etc. We encourage trip participants to pay for their trips in a sacrificial way. You may need to work extra hours, not eat out for a few months, and/or ask people around you to participate in the trip by donating some money to help cover trip costs. Going overseas into a new context with a group of people that are different from you can be very stretching. Learning these little ways of sacrifice is an important part of our growth as disciples in Christ, and short-term trips offer many opportunities to learn in this way. 

Spirit-Led

Short-term trips offer a unique space to learn to listen and rely on the Holy Spirit. We want each potential trip participant and leader to be prayerfully seeking the Spirit’s guidance in each step of the process. We plan diligently but also expect to be led into unexpected and stretching circumstances. We prepare well but also realize that God’s ways are higher than ours and He can change things whenever He sees fit. We bring our gifts, talents, and experiences, but we recognize that apart from Him we can do nothing.  

Care

Every year, we send people to visit our fieldworkers where they live and work to care for and support them personally if they are going through a tough time, or just for fun and encouragement. These trips are generally very small groups and are selected based on who would be a best fit for what the worker needs at the time. Usually, we send people from the field-worker’s care team. These trips are not highlighted in our Ready, Set, Go information session, but if you are interested in this type of trip please contact Dan Ryan at dryan@eastbrook.org.

SERVE

We send these trips to our partners and friends all over the world to support and encourage them in their ministry and provide physical help in the form of teaching, relationship-building, ministry of presence, prayer, kids camps, etc. Serve trips are based on the communicated needs of our partners and friends. We don’t go in presuming the needs of the ministries we are going to serve. Team leaders for these trips are those who have established relationships with those we are going to serve. The teams for these trips vary in size and the trips vary greatly in structure.

Due to security reasons, we cannot post the detailed information for all of our upcoming short-term trips. The most detailed information will be shared in person at our October 11 Ready, Set, Go information session or provided by Miranda who you can connect with at miranda@eastbrook.org.

US-Based

Through one of our members, we recruit for several teams per year to partner with Samaritan’s Purse and their disaster recovery efforts following hurricanes, flooding, or other natural disasters. Team members cover their transportation and hotel costs while travelling to the work site, but all other costs are covered by Samaritan’s Purse while serving (food, housing, worksite, etc), often leading to a per person cost of under $200.

Central America

In the next 18 months, our members are leading trips to work with Friends of Eastbrook in Central America. This trip is great for individuals, families with teenagers, and teenagers. Each trip looks a little different based on the invitation and needs of our friends on the ground. The dates are still being worked out, but the cost has averaged about $1,500 per person each year.

Eastern Europe

During spring break in 2026, we are leading a team to go serve with a Friend of Eastbrook who focuses on church planting and community development in Eastern Europe. This trip is great for individuals, families with teenagers, and teenagers. This trip involves serving kids and families as well as focuses on fellowship with the local church, building relationships, and sharing our God stories. Cost per person is anticipated to be around $1,500, depending on airfare.

Africa

Several times per year our members lead trips to Rwanda to work alongside our friends at Good News International. The trips vary in focus from men, women, youth, and pastors. In early May 2026, a team is forming to work alongside and encourage local believers in various ways. In July 2026, a team is forming to help with a youth camp (ages 12-24) at GNI’s Joy Center. The cost will be $3,000-$5,000 depending on airfare.

Southeast ASIA

Every year in early August our members go to serve alongside long-term field workers of Eastbrook who run a residential job skill training program for youth you are from the rural areas of the country. The team comes alongside the local staff as they launch the school year and welcome the students back to the center. Costs vary each year based on airfare, but has consistently been about $3,000 per person.

If you are interested in any of these trips, please contact Miranda at miranda@eastbrook.org