Here's an interesting article on short-term missions and whether or not the folks who go on some of them are properly motivated.
While of course, not all groups have the same priorities, I was particularly fascinated with the idea expressed by the head of the missions organization quoted in the article that the primary purpose of the trips should be for the "spiritural growth" of the missionaries with a seemingly dismissive comment about making any impact on the indigenous people -- particularly "That's how Jesus intended it to be...".
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you... and don't forget to take a few days and stay in a nice hotel and get some sightseeing in...."
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Great stuff, Tsh. I was actually thinking the next morning that I was more put off by the tone of the article than the actual idea of the short-term trips themselves. As I re-read my post, it sounds pretty snotty, and I'm embarrassed by that.
We've actually talked alot about wanting to do a short-term trip or trips at some point. I think you're absolutely right about even short term trips serving the longer-term missionaries/ministries, and I guess that's what's been the draw for me, the chance to provide encouragement and some help, albeit just a little bit. Your point about widening hearts and submitting to what God wants you to see and learn is awesome as well.
I guess where I got hung up was the sense that like so much else in our culture, these trips are more about the "me" than the "other". My fear is that some folks go on these trips, get a little dirty, have a little adventure and think they've made a real sacrifice for the world and others and have met their "Christian obligation" for the year, and pat themselves on the backs for helping out those poor natives. And while I'm sure there's some of that that goes on, as a whole, I think the opportunity for true heart-shaping is probably what I should focus on more. I also know God has, and still is, fixing alot of me so that I can better serve Him and others.
Good stuff.
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