It might be a bold statement, but I truly believe Faithful Servant Missions in San Ramón, Costa Rica is the best first mission trip. Whether you’re a new or experienced traveler, new to faith or walking with Jesus for years, or any age!
I’ve been on international short-term mission trips with organizations in Kenya, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. While each has been an amazing experience, here’s why FSM continues to be my top recommendation.
1. Philosophy of Mission
FSM began to meet the needs of a specific community in Costa Rica called Bajo Tejares. Since day 1, there has been a clear vision–to improve the spiritual, educational, and physical health of those they serve. In Scripture, we see mission work most clearly through Paul’s journey and the Great Commission. But the call to go, serve, and love others is rooted in the story of creation, seeing that all people were made in God’s image.
Meeting basic needs is one of the most practical, tangible ways we honor the image of God in each other. FSM’s philosophy of mission invites you to truly experience this idea firsthand, and creates opportunities to experience the gospel from a global perspective.
2. Location
While Costa Rica may seem like a world away, it’s only a short 3 hour flight from Orlando! Most major airlines have flights that arrive daily. You can leave the mission after breakfast and be home in time for dinner (if you live in Florida).
Plus, the time zone is not much different than in the United States, so jet lag is no issue! Costa Rica doesn’t have daylight savings time, so half the year they’re on Mountain Time and the other half on Central Time. Either way, the waking hours are very similar to what you may be used to back home.
3. Amenities
Amenities on a mission trip? Those words really don’t often go together, so let me explain. At FSM, you can drink the water from the tap with no fear of contamination. Because Costa Rica prides itself on being an eco-friendly country, their water is some of the cleanest in the world! Not only can you drink tap water, I almost exclusively drink tap water there! This also means you can brush your teeth without fear of sickness, and not worry about getting water in your mouth while showering.
Speaking of showers, FSM has hot showers, a real treat on a mission trip! You can even flush the toilet paper–and you’ll be sitting on a real toilet. You also sleep on a real mattress with no need to tent your bed with mosquito nets. And the electric outlets are the same as in the states.
While it can be fun on mission trips to sleep on the roof and figure out how to shower with a bucket, these amenities give first-time missionaries the opportunity to better focus on the people and mission without being distracted by their own basic needs being met.
4. The People
Costa Ricans are known for being friendly for good reason! Almost everyone you see will greet you with a smile. The FSM staff are kind, generous, and dedicated to serving the community. The relationships built on a mission trip are indescribable! It’s a connection that runs so deeply; even with a language barrier and different cultures, there is a clear sense of connection through Holy Spirit.
One quick note about the language: most of the staff are fluent in English, and many of the kids know some, too! Since tourism is a large part of Costa Rica’s economy, learning English is necessary for many jobs. It’s so fun to learn together, speaking Spanglish to each other while you’re both learning the other’s native tongue.
I could go on and on about why FSM is the best first mission trip, writing more about spiritual growth, accessibility, and just travel in general! Whether you’re 8, 78, or anywhere in between, going on a short-term mission trip to Faithful Servant Missions will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience. FSM has worked hard to not only serve the community of Bajo Tejares, but decrease barriers and increase accessibility for you to experience the love of God through short-term mission trips.
Have you ever considered going on a mission trip? Learn more about when and how you can get involved with FSM at https://www.faithfulservantmissions.org/mission-trips.
