Christian Odyssey recently published an article by Janet Morrison discussing whether short-term mission trips are mere vacations for Christians. I liked the fact she addressed the issue and thought I’d add my own thoughts here, especially given my intention to take a trip to Brazil to teach in the summer and another one to Honduras in December to help with the Jesus Banquet. Are short-term mission trips justifiable? I think so, and my opinion has been formed from living both sides of the story.
In June 1997 I arrived in Brazil with a team of ”mission interns.” My stated objective was to help in any way I could and stay out of the way of the missionaries. The experience was life-changing, to say the least. During those two months I made a commitment to mission work in Brazil that altered my course in life. The experience enriched and deepened my understanding of the faith of Christ and the mission of the church. I witnessed how our fallen species can be both hideous and wonderful and caught a glimpse of the majesty of God. I thank God that I made that mission trip in 1997.
A few years later I was a missionary in Brazil when we received a crew from a church in Tennessee. They had come to operate a VBS for us. How could a bunch of monolingual Americans help us with this project? I welcomed them, though I had my doubts. Any skepticism was soon erased as I found myself and the rest of the Christians in our little church greatly encouraged by the visitors. It was energizing to show them around, knocking on doors and inviting kids to the VBS. The presence of a bunch of Americans also gave our work more visibility in the community. So, not only were the Christians encouraged, the church also got some more attention.
Short-term mission trips may feel somewhat like a vacation. For many who go on these trips this will be the sum total of their international experience. Many who go on such trips would never spend money on going on a cruise or traveling Europe. In some cases part or all of the funds were raised or provided by a local church or mission group. Seeing life in a developing nation (the primary destination of most, if not all, short-term missions) can be profoundly eye-opening for a middle-class American. So, even if there’s an element of “vacation” or adventure in the trip, that can be fine. So long as the lay missionary’s attitude is right, the trip can be a big positive for everyone involved.
