Growth on short-term missions

Going on a short-term mission placement isn’t just for young people, writes Jack Skett.

One of the great joys of working with Elim Missions is seeing churches and individuals take the courageous step of serving on short-term mission placements.

Over the years, we’ve facilitated numerous opportunities like these and watched people return home transformed by what God has done in them and through them on the mission field.

What’s been particularly striking over the past year is the surge in interest.

While we usually experience busier seasons, this year has been different.

In 2025, there was a 73.5 per cent increase in teams from Elim churches going on short-term mission placements, alongside a 25 per cent rise in individuals travelling overseas compared with 2024.

It raises an exciting question – is God stirring a fresh hunger for international mission across Elim? Short-term mission placements are often thought of as something primarily for young people or youth groups.

Many of us have heard stories of teenagers heading overseas and returning with renewed passion for God.

That’s still very much the case, as our new partnership with Limitless demonstrates – this year we’re planning to send teams of young people from Limitless Festival to Estonia, Romania, Cambodia and Japan.

Yet these placements are not limited by age.

We’re seeing people of all generations serving across the world, and we’ve even had enquiries from families who want to bring their children with them.

Each placement leaves its mark in different ways, but the consistent feedback is unmistakable – everyone returns having witnessed God do extraordinary things through ordinary obedience.

story continues …