submitted by Pastor Mark Wilhelm

I remember my first Sunday in 2004 as an associate pastor at my church in Indianapolis. The congregation was commissioning over twenty short-term missionaries to a country called Latvia, a place I knew little about at the time. Seeing the church lay hands on them, praying and blessing their journey, was a deeply spiritual and powerful moment for me. 

It was then that I felt a stirring in my heart, a call to be part of something greater. I was struck by the good fortune of being a part of a church where involvement in mission trips was considered normal. Many of my other Lutheran church connections had no such perspective. It’s amazing how simply witnessing the blessing and laying on hands by the congregation and their practical support of this team had such an impact on me being able to hear a call from God to try this myself.

What initially connected me to the Spiritual Orphans Network was their mission in the formerly Soviet republics. The idea of helping a country and its local church recover from nearly six decades of systemic oppression truly captured my imagination. I’ve always felt a calling to root for the underdog, and this was a tangible way to make a difference.

It took a couple more years before I actually made my first mission trip but now the only trips that I’ve regretted are the ones I have not taken. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how these trips spark spiritual awakenings… both in myself and fellow teammates. 

I was originally mentored into being a team leader by another couple. Their wise leadership and careful mentoring prepared me to eventually become a team leader. A few years later I took my daughter for the first time and then shortly after that, my wife and son joined us. My wife and I eventually became team leaders. It’s added yet another rich dimension to our marriage as we’ve provided practical and spiritual leadership for several teams over the years. It’s pretty common to see team members come back with a renewed openness to the Holy Spirit’s work, broadening their perspectives on what the church represents globally. It’s eye-opening to see how God brings circumstances together, making significant impacts on people’s lives.

One of the most profound shifts for me has been developing a deeper empathy for global struggles, especially witnessing the resilience of my colleagues in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Knowing some of them personally has transformed my prayers and focus, shifting my view from a local to a truly global Christian perspective.

If you’re considering a mission trip, know that the Spiritual Orphans Network prepares you thoroughly, not just logistically but also spiritually. It’s a journey that reshapes your faith and amplifies your impact, both abroad and at home.