About Thirst Missions
Thirst Missions is the world’s leader in short-term mission trips to Alaska, Appalachia, Belize, Guatemala, and Puerto Rico. Since our founding, we’ve been committed to leading high-quality, Christ-centered mission trips that allow every group to fully focus on ministry and relationships while we take care of the details.
On every missions trip, we provide a staff of 2–4 leaders who walk alongside your team—coordinating logistics, guiding you through cultural experiences, and ensuring safety at every step. Our goal is to free your group from behind-the-scenes stress so that you can serve wholeheartedly, encourage local pastors and ministry leaders, and make lasting connections.
With over 1,000 trips led and more than 15,000 participants from across North America and from many denominations, we take seriously the responsibility to make each mission experience life-changing for both the participants and the communities they serve.
We invite you to join us in one of our locations—Alaska, Appalachia, Belize, Guatemala, or Puerto Rico—and experience what God will do through your group as you partner with local churches in ministry and service.
Jason and Addie’s Story
At the heart of Thirst Missions is the vision and leadership of Jason and Addie Pfingsten.
Jason, the Founder and C.E.O., first traveled to Belize in 1991 while a student at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. What began as a college mission experience quickly became a lifelong calling. Captivated by the people, culture, and opportunities to serve, Jason began leading trips regularly and, by 2003, was in full-time mission leadership.
In 2008, he officially founded Thirst Missions to provide groups with safe, organized, Christ-centered opportunities to serve. From Belize, over the years Thirst expanded to include Alaska, Appalachia, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala, always with the same vision: to partner with local churches and ministries and build the Kingdom of God together.
Addie, the President of Thirst Missions, has walked faithfully alongside Jason in this calling. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and ability to connect with people, she has helped shape the culture of Thirst Missions from the very beginning. Addie oversees leadership decisions, works directly with churches and schools considering bringing a group on a mission trip, supports staff, and provides vision for the organization’s future, while also modeling a life of hospitality and faith to their family and ministry team.
Together, Jason and Addie lead not only with experience but also with a deep passion for people—both the groups who travel and the pastors and communities who host them.
The Pfingsten Family
Jason and Addie live in Minnesota with their three daughters: Mallory, Marissa, and Julia, and their family doodle, Tulip. As a family, they embody the mission-minded spirit of Thirst. Whether it’s cheering on the girls in volleyball, soccer, track, ski racing, and theater productions or traveling together to ministry locations, the Pfingstens see family life and ministry life as deeply interconnected.
Their daughters have grown up experiencing ministry firsthand—spending time in Belize, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, building relationships with pastors’ families, and learning what it means to live out faith in practical ways. Jason and Addie often share that their greatest joy is watching their girls grow in Christ while also building connections across cultures.
When they are home in Minnesota, the family stays active in their local church, enjoys time outdoors, and treasures traveling together. They understand that strong family relationships are at the core of healthy ministry, and they seek to live that out in both personal and professional life.
Our Team
Beyond Jason and Addie, Thirst Missions is blessed with an incredible team—both in Forest Lake, MN, and across our international ministry sites. Our U.S.-based staff serve in trip consulting, logistics, marketing, finance, and administration, ensuring that every trip is planned and supported with excellence.
Internationally, we are privileged to have dedicated staff in Belize, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Guatemala, and Appalachia, ranging from year-round leaders, mayh who have been with Thirst Missions for 10+ years, who support local pastors and follow up on ministry projects, to trip leaders who work directly with mission teams. Their experience, faith, cultural knowledge, and heart for service make them second to none. Thirst Missions trips leaders and local staff members are the heartbeat of the organization.
The Invitation
Every detail of Thirst Missions trips is intentional. Every trip is designed with care. Every partnership with a local church or ministry is built on relationship and trust. Jason, Addie, their family, and the entire staff count it as an honor to connect groups from North America with communities around the world—so that both may be strengthened, encouraged, and transformed by the love of Christ.
We invite you to join us on a mission trip and experience the difference of serving with Thirst Missions.
