Airplanes, television, radio, print media and the internet have given us unprecedented access to other regions of the world. Because we are collectors of information or visitors to resorts, we often develop the false belief that we are truly informed and understand international events. We are quick to make judgments or fund organizations based on the headlines. In a country where there are several television channels dedicated to making cakes, food competitions and visiting the homes of the rich and famous, we are not as aware as we might think.

Short term mission trips give people the opportunity to see the various countries, their people and culture first hand, without the bias of western media or the artificial environment of a resort. If the team is properly prepared, given proper cultural training and medical care, a short term mission trip can open their eyes to the richness of other cultures, the gifts and abilities of other peoples, the need for safe drinking water and a reliable food supply, and the effects of illness, poverty and corrupt governments on families not unlike our own. We become aware of the fact that North Americans are very privileged and that we have the ability and obligation to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.

1. Short term missions as educational tourism – Some indigenous churches and organizations have developed short term mission trips as educational tourism packages. They take teams on tours of hospitals, orphanages and schools, give them opportunities to paint a school or build a wall, and take them to worship in local churches. The guests have an opportunity to meet the local people and gain a better understanding their needs. These tours give the churches opportunities to train their translators (speaking English opens employment opportunities) and to raise the funds they need to continue their ministries like feeding or building programs. It is hoped that, once the needs are recognized, the guests will be motivated to go home and encourage others to give.

2. Short term missions as building projects – For the local people, the benefit of these trips really depends on whether or not they have been included in the planning process.

a) I have seen and been told about teams who think they know the solution to a village’s problem, bring supplies, build outhouses and wells and leave. The outhouses are left unused or turned into homes and the wells only function for a few months because no one took the time to ask whether they needed homes or checked to see that replacement parts were available for the well. The resentment of the local people remains long after the team leaves. In Guatemala I was repeatedly told; “we don’t need another church, we need homes. Why do they want to come and build churches?”

b) I have also seen and been told about teams who consulted the local churches or organizations and brought the funds with them. These funds were available to purchase local materials, and hire local painters, carpenters and laborers, thus creating employment opportunities for people in need. The team may only be there for the start of the project, but the people have the funds and skills necessary to finish it and the respect shown and the relationships built honors the people and are a great encouragement to them. These trips make the construction of needed homes, schools or churches possible for a people who might not otherwise have been able to finance them.

3. Short term missions as evangelism – As Christians we should always be prepared to share our faith so this can be a part of any mission trip. Again, the success will depend on whether a team thinks they have the answers and do it to the people or build relationships and do it with the people.

If you are in a country with local churches, they often have far more to offer than you do. Simply by visiting, providing music, drama or a testimony and praying with them, you can encourage the pastors and the presence of “foreigners” also brings in the curious and gives the local ministry team a chance to reach out to these people as well.

Personally, I don’t think evangelism in an unchurched or unsupported area is the business of short term mission teams as discipleship involves relationship and relationship means someone has to be there with them. This is the realm of long term missions and local churches. For short-term missions, it should be about supporting those already in the ministry and taking advantage of the one-to-one interactions that God give you.

So, are short-term missions worth the investment? Absolutely! Lives are changed here at home and abroad. God’s family is an international family and we need our brothers and sisters as much as they need us. On our most recent trip to Guatemala, we asked whether it would be better to send the money or visit and unanimously we were told to visit. The act of giving of our time and money to travel to see them blesses and honors these people in a way that we, here in Canada, do not really understand. It makes them feel loved, valued and worthy, and that is more than worth the investment.

#missions #projects #culture #Guatemala