The Practicality & Necessity of a Survey Trip

by John Paul Jones

The Lord recently gave my wife, Kenzie, and me the opportunity to take a survey trip to the remote villages of the Bethel Consensus Region in Alaska. We are currently on deputation with plans to plant churches in this area. This trip allowed us to experience firsthand what future ministry will be like. I wanted to go in winter to experience the harshest conditions but many Alaskans argue that summer is even more challenging. In this region, there is no road system. The mighty Kuskokwim River flows through the heart of this land, and in winter it transforms into the great Kusko Ice Road. I was fortunate to see Alaska in its raw beauty and challenges.

We visited nine villages and at each one I prayed, “Lord, I will go here if you want me to go.” We passed out Bibles and many of the natives were happy to receive one. Some even asked, “How much?” The joy on their faces when they realized the Bibles were free was unforgettable.

You cannot truly know a place until you have seen it for yourself. Reading about it is one thing but experiencing it firsthand is exponentially more impactful. This area has a strong Russian Orthodox and Catholic influence, and many people believe in a works-based salvation. I was able to pray with many individuals and share my testimony. Of the roughly 91 Yup’ik villages, only three have a Baptist church. The need for the Gospel is great. Because we went on our survey trip, we gained invaluable insight into the people and their spiritual condition. A survey trip is an incredible opportunity because it helps clarify the will of the Lord. Mine eye affecteth mine heart (Lamentations 3:51).

The Yup’ik live in poverty, yet their region is one of the most expensive places in America. While Alaska produces much of the U.S. oil, it must be refined in the lower 48. In remote villages, we paid nearly ten dollars per gallon for fuel, and a gallon of milk costs between fourteen and sixteen dollars. Most people rely on welfare, despite their cultural value of self-reliance. Years ago, the moose population in the Bethel Consensus Region collapsed. Now, hunting is highly regulated, forcing people to travel to other regions for moose, which many cannot afford to do. This has greatly affected their self-worth, leading to widespread drug abuse and suicide. The question remains: “How do we fix the problem?” Government aid provides food, money, and shelter, but it has done little to truly help. The only real solution is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; anything else only treats symptoms.

Another great benefit of a survey trip is that it breaks your routine and removes distractions. During our trip, the sun did not rise until eleven o’clock, giving us slow mornings. This allowed more time for reading and meditating on the Word of God. We were there seeking God’s direction, and we expected Him to speak to us. Too often, devotions become routine. While daily devotions are vital, there is a special blessing in truly seeking God with intent. If we take a trip to seek His face, He will bless us. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

Survey trips and missions trips are not just for those called to full-time ministry—they benefit every Christian! Seeing the mission field firsthand opens one’s eyes to the spiritual needs of others, deepens one’s burden for the lost, and strengthens one’s walk with God. If you are serious about living for Christ, take the opportunity to go and witness what He is doing around the world. You may return with a renewed passion for prayer, a heart for giving, or even a calling you never expected. The Lord may use your experience to shape your life and impact others for eternity.

In conclusion, our survey trip was one of the greatest investments we could make. Pastor Clarence Sexton often said, “Nothing is dynamic until it is specific!” Now, I can pray more specifically for the people to whom God has called me. I can plan and prepare for the field more effectively. I can present our ministry with greater clarity. There are no downsides to going on a survey trip and there are no upsides to not going. If you have never taken a survey or missions trip, why not start praying about one today? God may use it to change your life—and the lives of those you seek to reach.

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