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/
A friend messaged me to say that she couldn't post here, so I'm pasting her initial thoughts - I'm hoping others can post anonymously if they wish... Finger's crossed it works!
ReplyDelete'I think about this stuff a lot, and about what people really need, and what I should be putting my time and effort into. My conclusions always point to what I think are a few basic human needs for everyone...love, relationships and knowing that we matter. There is only so much money can buy and it will never meet the deepest need of mankind. We can only ever do the best we can and even short term mission trips seem to change lives. Even if just for a short time, those people in remote villages could have a connection with the 'outside world', and see they are thought about and cared for by people around the globe. I think that is something a bundle of money can never show.
I sponsor a little girl through compassion and she writes me letters very regularly even when I forget to reply. She wants to find out everything about me and asks if she can pray for me. I know like others she really needs the money, but it appears as though she also needs the relationship.
This can then go the other way of course as we all need clean water and food to survive. But I still think this is only to 'survive', we have much deeper needs which need to be met in order to achieve a quality of life.
I see this everywhere though, not just in mission. So many of us live crazy busy lives then feel guilty we have not had the time to spend with family/friends etc. So next christmas everyone gets bigger and better presents, hoping that will make it all better. It never does, money can't buy relationships or love or quality of life.
Tricky subject Mr Turner'
'Hmmm, I thought I enabled anonymous people to comment, but maybe it didn't work! :( Oh well. Do you mind if I paste this there?
ReplyDeleteI really think you're onto something, too. I know what you mean about human needs being greater than what money can dish out, but I just wonder how often visits and trips really provide that opportunity.
See, child sponsorship is a prime example of donated money empowering a community of people and meeting their needs, yet also it forms the connection between the two parties. I think child sponsorship is great, and perhaps this type of 'mission' is a 'better way' to do it than too many frequent trips overseas for short periods of time... Does that make sense? I know that big things can (and often do) happen in short amounts of time, but I wonder if short-term mission trips are now becoming too frequent, like a fad... as though they're the 'fashionable' thing to do, you know?
Anyhow, really good point on money not solving all the problems - I just wonder how God would best use the money if we gave him full control of it and our lives.'