Imagine this: from within our churches, both big and small, a generation of young people rising up—mobilized with purpose, burning with passion for God, and ready to be the church, both locally and globally.
Imagine them fully awakened to the staggering truth: over three billion people may never hear the name of Jesus unless someone dares to “go.” Now, imagine those same young people boldly choosing to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth.
Picture them recognizing that God is calling them—in their youth, in their professions, in their uniqueness—to be carriers of His kingdom. To be light in the darkest places. To live cross-culturally and intentionally, surrendering comfort for the cause of Christ.
Imagine your church—not just gathering but sending the next generation of global workers. Mobilized for global impact. Positioned for kingdom expansion.
The Birth of Global Exploratory Trips
In 2025, Mission Global launched Global Exploratory Trips—a fresh, compelling pathway for Canadian Pentecostal believers to Go Global! These short-term trips are catalytic. They ignite hearts. They awaken vision. They empower the next generation to respond to God’s heartbeat for the nations.
When young people witness God revealing Himself to unreached people groups and see firsthand how they fit into His global story, everything changes. They begin to see beyond statistics. They recognize real people—souls—without hope.
Opportunity creates experience.
Experience births understanding.
Understanding provokes action.
Cambodia: The First Trip
In February 2025, a team of 11 participants from across Canada spent two weeks in Cambodia, witnessing God’s work in partnership with PAOC global workers Ian and Tiffanie Rowley. Their ministry provided a vivid picture of creative and holistic mission—from university campus outreach to child sponsorship, community development to clean water projects, ESL classes to leadership development, discipleship of new believers to a national church planting movement.
The team was diverse—different ages, professions and life stages—yet united by a common mission to serve in Cambodia. One team member nearly had to withdraw from the trip, facing what felt like an impossible financial deadline. But she was challenged to take a step of faith, trust God, and invite others to partner with her. Within days, not only was her budget met—it was exceeded! Out of her surplus, she blessed other team members. And her faith? It grew exponentially even before stepping on Cambodian soil.
Throughout the trip, we witnessed both big and small miracles. One unforgettable moment came during morning devotions when a team member, who had been struggling with a chronic knee issue, was completely healed! That moment ignited something deep within the team, an anticipation and confidence that God was not only with them but ready to work through them. From that point on, faith and boldness surged. They weren’t just on a mission trip; they were becoming a living expression of the church on mission.
Short-term trips create space for spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s mission. One team member shared:
I came expecting to learn about the culture and the missions work happening here—especially the medical side, which was new to me. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would learn about myself—about how I respond to God’s calling, where my obedience is weak or growing, and the deeply personal aspects of my faith. I knew this trip would stretch me, but I never anticipated just how much I would discover about myself. — political science/law student
Many team members gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a global worker by observing the Rowleys in action. While some were already eager to explore long-term missions, others weren’t ready to take that leap. So, this trip created a safe space to grow, explore and process their personal and spiritual journey. A doctor shared, “One thing I wasn’t expecting to learn is how much God wants us to be bold in reaching out and demonstrating love to others.” Another participant reflected, “This trip opened my mind to the possibilities of how God might use me—maybe in a creative or unexpected way.”
Global Exploratory Trips are designed to be transformative experiences that impact the communities served and leave a lasting imprint on the hearts and lives of those who participate. These trips challenge participants to step out of their comfort zones, embrace obedience over convenience, and trust God in new and stretching ways. The participants discover and develop their giftings, learning to make themselves available and witnessing firsthand how God moves when they do. Their worldview shifts as they step into another culture, discerning spiritual strongholds. They sense the deep longing in those who have yet to meet their Creator and recognize the urgency of the gospel. As team members grow in their understanding of who God created them to be, they also gain an experiential awareness of the immense need for believers to go to places where many lack access to the gospel.
When asked, “What would you say to someone considering a Global Exploratory Trip?” one of the team members excitedly stated: “If you're thinking about it, just go! Words can’t capture the transformation you’ll experience. If God has placed it on your heart, take the leap of faith. I promise you won’t regret it!”
Do you know someone ready to expand their heart for God’s world? Whether it is you, your children or grandkids, someone you are mentoring, or a member of your church, it’s time to Go Global! Learn more about upcoming Global Exploratory Trips here: https://give.paoc.org/blogs/global-exploratory-trips.
Debra Funk is the onboarding and global volunteer lead for Mission Global.
This article appeared in the July/August/September 2025 issue of testimony/Enrich, a quarterly publication of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. © 2025 The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Photo above: Children participating in ChildCARE Plus programs, as seen in the Global Exploratory Trip to Cambodia. Photo © Mission Global. Photo of Debra Funk © Fran Rodgers Photography.