It all started with a 7+ hour overnight flight from Reagan National to Dublin, followed by a short hop to Birmingham, England. Somewhere over the Atlantic, I found myself feeling queasy, headed toward the plane’s restroom… then waking to a flight attendant holding you up saying, "I got you." Let’s just say losing consciousness at 35,000 feet is humbling.
Mission trips aren't always glamorous — but they are always worth it. And this one to Birmingham was no exception.
Your purchases at Tara’s Good Life help make trips like this possible (and currently help support Kaustav, a ministry worker in training in Birmingham).
Why Birmingham?
I traveled with a team of 5 others to partner with Kerry and Kevin Sheckler, IMB missionaries planted in Birmingham. They lead the Hope Center, a vibrant ministry serving a richly diverse community: Caribbean families, Eritrean families, Somali women, Iranian refugees, local British youth, university students, and many more.
Over the week, we joined in youth nights, community events, prayer walks, and women’s gatherings — all aimed at building relationships and sharing the love of Christ.
What Is the Average Cost of a Mission Trip?
For this 9-day trip (August 17–25, 2025), my flight, hotel, and travel insurance totaled about $1,800 per person — and since my son joined me, we paid that twice. Food was mostly on us, aside from two meals provided. This is pretty standard for a short-term international Christian mission trip, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000+ depending on distance, lodging, and what’s included.
Many short-term trips don’t cover personal meals, extra transportation, or incidentals. Always ask before you budget — and pad for unexpected needs. (Like frozen veggies as makeshift ice packs… but we’ll get to that.)
Do People Pay to Go on Mission Trips?
Yes — in fact, most short-term missionaries either fundraise or pay their own way. It’s a tangible way to invest in the mission yourself, but it can also be a stretch financially. That’s where the broader body of Christ comes in: when you shop at Tara’s Good Life, you’re essentially “sending” someone into the mission field.
On this trip, I met Kaustav (photo below), a young man from India who came to faith in the U.S. and now serves full-time at the Hope Center. He aspires to accept a paid internship with Campus Outreach to share the gospel to university students, but still needs to raise $8,000 to fully fund his year. Meeting him made it crystal clear: when we give (or shop with purpose), we are part of stories like his.
Hear his testimony here.
Hear about his internship here.
How to Budget for a Mission Trip
From Birmingham and back, here’s my best advice:
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Plan for essentials you might overlook. My travel hair dryer and adapter were lifesavers.
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Bring snacks to sustain you. Protein-rich options like beef sticks or hard granola bars are gold when meals run late.
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Expect limited laundry. My clothes took three days to get washed, so… pack extras.
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Slip-on shoes are your friend. Great for quick trips to the lobby or local convenience store.
And yes, budget for souvenirs — but the memories you’ll carry home are priceless.
How Long Is a Typical Mission Trip?
Short-term trips like ours are often 1–2 weeks. That might sound short, but the days are full — physically, spiritually, and emotionally. From early breakfasts (often at charming cafés like Rising Cafe or Boston Tea Party) to late-night youth events, each day is filled with ministry and connection.
Our “short” time still allowed for deep encounters — like hearing the testimonies of two Iranian men, Raymond and Isaac (names changed for their protection), who fled persecution. Isaac's wife endured horrific abuse in prison for her faith, and they had to give up everything they owned, including their farm which was their source of income, in order to get her back. They now share the gospel freely in Birmingham.
Cultural Lessons (and Laughs) Along the Way
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In England, you order at the bar or counter — no servers, no tipping.
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“Salad” often means a small pile of iceberg lettuce, maybe a cucumber if you're lucky.
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When someone asks "Are you okay?", it's rhetorical. It's a simple greeting.
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WC stands for “water closet” (a.k.a. restroom).
We also learned that four square is a universal language for youth bonding.
The Power of Story
One evening, we mimicked “Secret Church” to experience how persecuted Christians gather. Afterward, listening to Isaac describe his escape from Iran underscored the reality: people risk everything for the freedom to follow Christ.
And here in Birmingham, the Hope Center is a beacon for those from closed countries — immigrants, refugees, and locals alike — to hear the gospel and find community.
My Biggest Takeaway
Most immigrants in Birmingham have entered under desperate circumstances, but God has brought them here and commanded us to share His love. Souls have been saved, and new leaders like Kaustav are stepping into ministry. My own heart came home stirred for more- more mission, more gospel-sharing, more living with purpose.
Want to be part of the story? Currently, every purchase from Tara’s Good Life helps fund Kaustav’s ministry. Your shopping can change lives.