In a world of instant communication and global travel, churches are asking: How can we move beyond prayer and financial support to truly engage in global mission? For many, the answer lies in short-term mission trips - transformative experiences that connect congregations with God’s work around the world. 

One church that has embraced this vision is Macquarie Baptist in Sydney. They were able to send a team for a short-term mission trip to visit SIM worker Anne-Sophie, serving at Galmi Hospital in West Africa. Through this mission trip, the church has grown in its understanding of and connection to God’s global work. 

Anne-Sophie currently serves as the Head of Maternity at Galmi Hospital. Since 1950, Galmi has been a place of hope in the heart of the Sahara Desert. With 180 beds, it provides compassionate medical care to people from all walks of life. In a country ranked among the poorest in the world, Galmi remains the only hospital offering emergency, life-saving care without demanding upfront payment.  

Through the team’s visit to Galmi Hospital, Macquarie Baptist's pastor, Tim Blencowe shared: 

“Macquarie Baptist now has an understanding of the particular context of West Africa, and a real love and respect for the work of the SIM team at Galmi. Since then, Macquarie Baptist has been able to have a connection with a rural church nearby.” 

That connection led to action. The church began supporting projects such as rebuilding church facilities, funding local evangelists, enabling children to attend church camps and helping young Christians pursue university education. Tim added:  

“Whenever Anne-Sophie visits back to our church we make the most of the opportunity to deepen that sense of connection we have with the Lord’s work in such a faraway place. The Lord changes us through this partnership. I think it’s a key part of Christian maturity to learn to appreciate the depth and the wonder of God’s mission heart, and to see that same heart cultivated within.” 

David Fauchon, SIM’s Regional Ministry Director for Mobilisation in NSW/ACT has witnessed many churches send out teams to do short-term mission trips. In his role, he actively encourages people to visit SIM workers overseas. David shared:  

“When churches send small teams to visit the field, members grow more passionate for cross-cultural mission. These trips are transformative, and those who go deepen their involvement in mission.” 

Churches begin to ask: Who else might God be calling to mission in our congregation? How can we better support our mission partners? What does it mean for us to be part of God’s global mission? 

At Macquarie Baptist, the vision is clear: to see every member find their place in God’s global mission and discover joy in giving themselves wholly to it. 

In Australia, exposure to cross-cultural mission often happens through conferences, prayer events, Bible colleges and mission workers sharing at church. But short-term trips offer something unique - a tangible, visual experience of mission. SIM facilitates these trips to help churches understand cross-cultural contexts, partner in responding to physical and spiritual needs, and witness the powerful work of the Gospel that God is doing globally. 

GO

Whether you're a pastor or church member with a heart for the nations, consider what a short-term trip could mean for your church. Talk to a Mission Mobiliser today by visiting sim.org.au/missionpathways.

GIVE

Does your church have a heart to partner in God’s mission? Consider supporting Galmi Hospital through the Galmi Benevolent Fund at sim.org.au/galmibenevolent.  

VISIT

To find out more about the ministry of Macquarie Baptist church, visit their website here at macquariebaptistchurch.org.au.