Shalom and Short-Term Missions by Angel Sigui

The Deeper Meaning of Shalom: More Than Just Peace

Shalom, the Hebrew word of greeting and parting, carries more weight than many imagine. Often translated as peace, many take it to simply mean ‘no fighting.’ In reality, shalom encompasses a set of values that extend beyond a mere absence of conflict. It’s a state of harmony within and without, something we all strive for in our work, daily life, family interactions, and our world. Jesus, the Prince of Shalom, made this pursuit central in the kingdom life. Whether you’re a Christian or not, you likely recognize the value of creating a better world for us and others. Shalom isn’t something we can buy; we have to pursue it actively.

Jesus as the Model for Short-Term Mission Work

When we think about eternity, it’s important to recognize that Jesus came to Earth on a brief mission trip. He exemplified the best approach to engaging in short-term mission opportunities. Key aspects of his time on Earth include cultural adaptation, the principle of incarnation, and lifting people out of their poverty, both spiritually and physically. All these elements contributed to fostering Shalom within the communities and individuals Jesus encountered daily. He did not seek to gain power or dominate the host culture. Instead, Jesus patiently taught kingdom values through both his words and actions.

So, what does Shalom have to do with short-term mission (STM) trips? Let’s break it down.

How Short-Term Mission Trips Foster Lasting Change

As a short-term missions leader, I have heard the phrase, “We thought we were coming to help, but we ended up being helped,” repeated by almost every team I’ve come alongside. Full confession, when I was a participant, I said it too. These trips, often in unfamiliar places, change how we see the world.

One experience in a rural Guatemalan village showed me this. A young mother brought her malnourished newborn to our makeshift clinic, her face full of fear. Had she waited another day, her daughter probably wouldn’t have made it. Our medical team provided nourishment and care for the rest of our time there. By the end, the baby had rosy cheeks and was full of life. The mother’s grateful smile lit up the room. Our team felt profound joy. It was a life-changing moment that showed me the implications of serving others in real, tangible ways. While the mother and the baby were the objects of our care and attention, we all felt profound satisfaction in seeing a miracle take place in the lives of that baby and her mother.

Some people question short-term missions, worrying these efforts are more about feeling good than doing good—a kind of “voluntourism.” But when these trips are done with the right motivation—not for my sake but to partner with God’s mission—along with local partnerships and focusing on sustainable efforts, they create real change. In Guatemala, our clinic worked with local leaders who continued to serve families long after we left, planting seeds of shalom that grew beyond our short stay.

Why Serving Others Brings Joy and Purpose

The STM experience is counter-cultural. Participants pay their way to volunteer, work hard without expecting a paycheck, and look out for each other, not just themselves. At the end of each day, I see team members go to bed exhausted but smiling, grateful for the chance to serve. Westernized cultures often push us to chase wealth, possessions, or the latest gadget. STM trips shift the focus outward. I’ve seen teams pour their energy into building schools, providing healthcare, and giving time and treasure to others. They call their experiences life-changing, rewarding, and joy-filled.

So I pause and ask, what if the key to happiness isn’t in getting that new fill-in-the-blank but in loving our neighbor—actively willing the good of the other? What if shalom is found in serving without expecting anything in return? What if we were created to put our gifts and talents to the service of others, finding harmony in simple acts like helping someone who can never pay us back? What if we leaned into the data of the studies that show volunteering lowers stress, boosts mental health, and builds stronger social ties? 

Finding Shalom at Home: Everyday Acts of Service

You don’t need to cross the world to find shalom. Small acts at home count, too. Find a local place like a rehab center where people are struggling to find their identity after letting drugs or alcohol shatter their lives and their families, and listen to their stories. Tutor a kid struggling in school, giving them the confidence to grow. Or just sit with a neighbor and let them know you care about them, building a bond that strengthens your community. 

When we engage in service, whether through a short-term mission or a simple gesture, we foster shalom. As we actively will the good of the other, harmony takes root in individuals,  families, communities, and beyond. As we look outward, to the other side of the street or  the other side of the world, we repeat the words of the prophet, “Here I am, send me!”