I visited Tim Wright at his family farm near Parkes to talk about a journey that still shapes his life today: his first overseas mission trip to Malaysia.
I was Tim’s youth pastor at the time, and our trip took us to Kuala Lumpur and Bintulu, including visits to longhouse communities in Borneo. For a young farmer whose family had lived in the same area for four generations, travelling overseas was a big step of faith.
In our conversation, Tim reflects on the uncertainty he felt before leaving. Would he be ready? What could he offer? Preparing for the trip drew him into deeper worship, prayer and time with God. The journey began changing him before we even boarded the plane.
One of his strongest memories is discovering that, after all the flights, bus rides and unfamiliar surroundings, he was encountering the same God he knew at home. Experiencing faith in another culture broadened his understanding of God and helped him see himself as a child of God with a purpose beyond farming.
Tim also speaks about gratitude. Seeing how other people lived and worshipped changed the way he viewed his own life. Years later, those experiences continue to influence his faith, his family and his involvement in church leadership.
Watch the interview below to hear Tim’s story in his own words.
For me, this conversation is a reminder of how lasting the impact of a mission trip can be. Shared experiences deepen relationships, and stepping beyond familiar surroundings can help us recognise what God is doing in the wider church.
If your church is considering a mission trip, I hope Tim’s reflections encourage you to begin the conversation, pray together and explore the possibilities.