Short-term mission trips seem to be the ‘in’ thing for those in Christian circles to be involved. I’ve often wondered how ‘successful’ these trips are in what they set out to accomplish. Each trip is different, but when it comes to short-term missions, is it primarily for the blessing of the people of the destination? Is it for the experience and growth of those being sent/choosing to go? Perhaps both – perhaps as we learn to bless and relate to people in other parts of the world (or even in our country’s own backyard), we are both blessed and a blessing to others - and God. But perhaps there is a better way to reach out to those who we wish to bless.
As I consider the cost of travel and flights, I wonder whether the money spent on (short-term) mission trips is better utilised by going straight to the local people. Longer-term missions here are different, so let’s make sure we’re comparing apples with apples. As the name suggests, a short-term mission only happens for a short period of time. This generally means that for the trip to be worthwhile (economically, at the least), a large impact would be made in a short period of time. Unless a short-term mission trip offers something which the local people could not access or achieve without help and the presence of others (the missionaries), the practicality of the trip should be challenged. If the local people are able to do something, is it more responsible and respectful of us to donate the money required for a project, empowering the local people to work together in making it happen? It seems less condescending to give them trust and responsibility, along with the final means to get a job done, than to personally ‘oversee’ something, ensuring it is done. I’m sure that in the knowledge that they are loved through this giving and respected as equals; the opportunity for continued relationships can be generated. I know that this perhaps de-personalises the idea of ‘mission’ (and maybe then it’s not mission at all, but something like justice-in-action), but so long as the receipients receive what they need in love and the knowledge that the givers love Jesus, isn’t that a more practical, cost-effective way of reaching others?
Examples:
Constructing buildings = money goes toward local materials and local labour.
Educating people = money goes toward training or raising someone up to educate/teach.
Filling schools with books or materials = money goes toward the purchase of local books etc.
Medicines and vaccines required = money goes directly toward the purchase of said medicines.
In each of the above examples, the money spent largely circulates in the local economy. (Disclaimer: I’m no expert on these things and it’s late at night, but it makes sense to me that this seems most beneficial to the people in which the mission is focussed upon.)
I guess that in the end, it all comes down to what the mission is really about. Although it should be about many things, is it primarily about building relationships with the people? Is it about constructing something desperately needed by the people? Is it about building people in their faith while also helping and loving others? Is it about raising ambassadors for a particular cause or issue upon their return? Is it about sharing the gospel in the fastest way possible? Is it about equipping the people with resources or knowledge or education?
The crux of the matter for me is this: as someone who earns enough money for all I need, I have the responsibility to see justice by giving to those who, by the injustice of the world and the greed of many (including myself), do not have enough. How is my money (and time, energy etc) best spent? Do I do the economical, de-personalised thing in giving money to needed projects, and continue to work and support in this way? Or do I work and save money, to personally see it benefit others through some form of mission? How would my life - my earnings, my job, my opportunities best serve (love) others and please God?
PS: To anyone that’s interested, there are some really cool articles which kind of relate, here:
http://www.childadvocatenetwork.com.au/newsitem.php?intid=935
http://www.hopeforthesold.com/on-my-mind-does-raising-awareness-matter/
