Dramatic shifts in our world and culture make it clear: There has never been a greater need for missionaries to be sent.

The number one priority in our AMPLIFY strategic vision is Enlistment, and we envision a dynamic partnership effort to propel more missionaries into the world. You’ve already taken part in this through our PRAY938 initiative. Together we’ve joined forces in the critical work of asking God to send out harvest laborers. Other enlistment strategies include partnering with churches to host and train prospective missionaries, especially in multiethnic ministries. We also foresee developing a network of coaches who can pray for and encourage people considering missions.

Short-term service has become a pivotal missions entry point for a growing number of people. It’s easy to understand why. Short-term missions impacts eternity. By serving anywhere from one week to several years, short-term missionaries influence lives around the world, and they give a boost to full-time missionaries.

Short-term service offers a low-impact opportunity to explore the potential of long-term service. In the process, it becomes a confidence builder. It clarifies a person’s calling by giving them real-world experience. Likewise, the short-termer’s church and supporters see the fruit of their ministry, giving them greater certainty of God’s leading toward further service.

In the next article, learn how God used short-term ministry to lead Katie Schopf and several others into career missions.