Short-term mission in a COVID world - is that even possible?

COVID-19 put a pretty abrupt stop to short term, cross-cultural missions around the world. An opportunity for churches and other groups to come together, build community and relationships in a unique way and serve our God in a different environment.

Part of the volunteer team working at the Hamilton Samoan AOG, posing under the new covered entry way.

In 2017 we took a team of 20 people from our church, St Luke’s in Waikanae to Nacekoro village in Savusavu, Fiji to do a building project. Our family had been there before, but it was a new experience taking a team of people. It took a year of planning, saving and fundraising to get us all there.

We were able to introduce new and old friends from our church community to a very different culture. A different way of living, language, food and ultimately serve and love others by being Jesus’ hands and feet. Four years on and still the relationships we built from this trip are unique and strong.

At the time, taking a team from our church to Fiji was a step in obedience, an important part of God’s plan for our family. We have had a heart for Fiji for a long time and were able to use it to introduce others to a new experience. Since then we have been back to Fiji as a family again, and for a longer period, where we were able to bless others living in situations much worse that what we have in NZ.

Pre-COVID, we were appointed as Fiji Coordinators for an organisation called MMM (previously known as Mobile Mission Maintenance). In this role we will oversee building and maintenance projects for Christian ministries, initially working with and empowering locals, and when international travel is deemed safe once again, we will host short term teams from New Zealand, providing volunteer labour to equip God's kingdom in Fiji.

MMM is a Christian organisation that does volunteer building and maintenance work for churches, other Christian organisations and missionaries. MMM is a people ministry, everyone has different gifts and skills and MMM is willing to let anyone shine through using them on a team. Our teams can be made up of men and women of all ages and skill sets. I’ve heard people comment that MMM is “that thing that builders do.” In some cases it is, but in many more it is just anyone with a heart to serve in a practical way and ready to let God use them.

Despite our family now having three-year work permits for Fiji, we are unable to enter the country due to their emerging COVID outbreak. Obviously like many others around the world, COVID has flipped everything upside down; “We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps,” Proverbs 16:9.

So when it is safe to enter Fiji, we will… but until then we will continue with MMM New Zealand, where we have now been volunteering for a year and God continues to use us “Serving those who Serve.” We have travelled around the North Island, leading teams on short term projects blessing Christian ministries, churches and camps. It has been an amazing opportunity to meet some incredible people and see some awesome sites. But the harvest is always plenty and the workers are few!

MMM NZ is always seeking builders, painters, other tradies and people with a willing heart to serve God in a hands-on way for jobs in the North and South Island. It’s a great opportunity to work alongside and support all the good stuff that is already happening in the Christian community.

Every day we get requests from ministries seeking our help to develop their facilities so they can impact God's world more. We are privileged to assist in meeting those needs. Every day we pray for more workers, never more work; we have plenty of ministries needing our support.

If you are looking for opportunities to do something a little bit different while the borders are shut, a short-term mission with MMM is worth considering. There are so many great opportunities and ways to serve God in a practical way without leaving NZ.

Visit the MMM website to find out more about volunteering.

By Rachael Hogan, Full Time Volunteer

Rachael, her husband Roy and their three children are currently based at the MMM Centre in Pirongia and will move to Fiji once the borders have reopened (you can also follow them on their blog). David and June Gennard, from our Tawa Anglican whānau also volunteer with MMM.