The purpose of short-term missions is of course to carry the Gospel message to the unsaved, to encourage the in-country ministers, but also to change us, those who go. Training before a mission binds the team together in Spirit-led unity of purpose.
Ridge teams usually return from a trip astounded and grateful for the internal change God caused to happen, and excited for future opportunities to trust Him more. Ridge missions stretch us to become Global Christians- something that doesn’t happen in regular ministry back home. We become better Heavenly citizens when we serve outside of our country, outside of our comfort.