You feel that stirring in your heart—a call to serve, to step out in faith, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world full of need. The first big question that follows this call is often, “Where?” With so many places and so many needs, choosing a destination for your mission trip can feel like a monumental task.

Your goal isn’t just to find a place on a map. It’s to connect your unique gifts, passions, and resources with a community where you can partner effectively and responsibly. This list is designed to help you do just that.

Here are 10 of the top Christian mission trip destinations for 2025. Each location offers a unique opportunity to serve and partner with what God is already doing through local churches and ministries. As you read, prayerfully consider where He might be leading you.

1. Guatemala: Building & Relationships

For decades, Guatemala has been a place where short-term mission teams can make a tangible impact. The needs are significant, but the local church is vibrant and eager for partnership. Its proximity to North America makes it one of the more accessible international mission trip destinations.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Light construction (building homes or stoves), community health initiatives, children’s ministry (VBS-style programs), and clean water projects.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: You have the chance to work with incredible, well-established organizations that have deep roots in the communities. Your work here isn’t a one-off project; it’s part of a long-term community development strategy led by local Guatemalans.

2. Uganda: Water, Health, and Hope

Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a country of breathtaking beauty and resilient people. Despite progress, many rural communities still lack access to basic necessities. This is a place where your team can address foundational needs that transform entire villages.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Clean water well drilling and sanitation training, medical and dental clinics, educational support in schools, and leadership training with local pastors.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: The impact of a clean water well or a simple medical clinic is immediate and life-changing. You get to be part of a practical demonstration of the gospel that opens doors for the local church to minister for years to come.

3. Dominican Republic: Serving the Underserved

Sharing an island with Haiti, the Dominican Republic has its own unique challenges, including significant poverty and needs within Haitian migrant communities. This is an excellent location for youth groups or first-time teams looking for a cross-cultural experience close to home.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Sports ministry (baseball is huge!), construction projects, VBS and youth outreach, and providing support in local feeding programs.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: You can directly serve marginalized communities that are often overlooked. The relational nature of the ministry here allows you to build genuine friendships and share your faith in a natural, powerful way.

4. The Philippines: Hope After the Storm

The people of the Philippines are known for their warmth, hospitality, and incredible resilience, especially in the face of frequent natural disasters. English is widely spoken, which helps bridge the communication gap and allows for deeper connection.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Disaster relief and rebuilding projects, community outreach in urban areas, children’s programs, and supporting anti-trafficking initiatives.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: Your service can bring tangible hope and practical help to communities actively recovering from typhoons. It’s a powerful opportunity to step into a place of recent crisis and support the long-term work of the Filipino church.

5. Romania: Ministry to the Next Generation

The fall of communism left deep scars in Romania, and many of its effects are still felt today, particularly in the child welfare system. Ministry here is often focused on bringing hope and love to the forgotten and marginalized.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Orphanage and foster care support, ministry to the Roma (Gypsy) people, summer camps for children, and construction projects for impoverished families.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: You can be a voice of value and love to children and communities that have been pushed to the fringes of society. It’s a challenging but deeply rewarding field for relational ministry.

6. Appalachia, USA: Missions in Your Own Backyard

You don’t have to cross an ocean to find mission-worthy needs. The Appalachian region of the United States faces generational poverty, lack of resources, and substandard housing. A domestic mission trip here can open your eyes to the needs right next door.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Home repair and construction projects, running children’s day camps, community clean-up initiatives, and supporting local food banks and resource centers.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: It’s an affordable and accessible option that challenges the idea that missions are only “over there.” You can build relationships and make a lasting difference without needing a passport.

7. Kenya: Diverse Needs, Urban and Rural

From the sprawling urban center of Nairobi to the vast rural landscapes, Kenya offers a wide spectrum of mission opportunities. It is a hub of innovation and ministry in East Africa, with a strong and growing church.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Medical missions, educational support and teacher training, sports outreach, business and skill development, and slum ministry.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: The diversity of needs means you can find a mission that specifically matches your team’s skills, whether you’re doctors, teachers, business leaders, or simply have a heart to serve children.

8. Thailand: The Heart of Southeast Asia

Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich culture deeply rooted in Buddhism. Christian mission work here requires a sensitive, relational approach. It’s a place for teams who are passionate about planting seeds of faith through friendship and service.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Teaching English, supporting anti-trafficking safe houses, university student outreach, and building relationships that lead to spiritual conversations.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: This is a frontline mission field where your presence can support the small but dedicated local Christian community. It will stretch your faith and teach you how to share the gospel in a new context.

9. Haiti: Resilient Faith in the Face of Adversity

No list of mission destinations would be complete without Haiti. Despite immense and ongoing challenges—from political instability to natural disasters—the Haitian people have a deep and resilient faith. This field is for mature, flexible teams ready to serve in a difficult environment.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Medical and dental care, malnutrition clinics, supporting local schools, and partnering with local churches on rebuilding and community projects.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: The needs are among the greatest in the Western Hemisphere. Your partnership provides critical support and encouragement to Haitian leaders who are working tirelessly to bring hope and healing to their nation.

10. Mexico (Baja): Accessible and Impactful

For churches in the western United States, a trip to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico is one of the most accessible and popular short-term mission trip opportunities. Decades of partnership have created strong relationships between U.S. and Mexican churches.

• Typical Ministry Focus: Building homes for families in a single weekend, running vibrant VBS programs for local children, and supporting the ministries of local pastors.
• Why It’s a Key Destination: It’s perfect for youth groups or multi-generational teams. In just a few days, your team can provide a family with a secure home, a tangible symbol of God’s provision and love.

Where Will You Go?

The “best” destination is ultimately the one God has prepared for you and your team. This list is a starting point. Pray through it. Do your research. Most importantly, seek out a reputable, long-term partner organization for whichever country you choose. They are the key to ensuring your service is truly helpful and responsible.

The world is waiting. Your next step of faith could change a life—and it will most certainly change yours.

Now, we want to hear from you! Have you served in one of these countries? Or is there a destination you feel belongs on this list? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!