We’ve been looking at common problems that arise in short-term missions projects. Now let’s take some time to offer some suggestions.
In the first place, I think we need to carefully choose our short-term objectives. Too often we say, “We want to take a group to Canada” or “We’d like to minister in Nicaragua,” yet we don’t have clearly defined objectives.
- Most groups should focus on learning. The goal, stated or unstated, is to provide an experience that will help the participants grow in understanding of other cultures, of missions, and of the service options that will be open to them in the future. Openly embracing that goal will help us achieve it.
Take the emphasis off doing. Emphasize observing. Emphasize relationships with hosts. Emphasize learning.
We want to go as experts when we should go as students. We bring our way of building, our way of teaching, our way of reading the Bible. And we miss the opportunity to learn their ways. - Other groups will focus on strengthening a relationship with a long-term missionary. If your church is supporting a missionary, it is very valuable to take a group to get to know them, to observe their work, and to create fellowship with members of that missionary’s church. This will often involve some form of service, but that shouldn’t be the priority. State up front that relationship-building is the goal and structure the trip around that.
- Another set of mission trips will be performing tasks wanted by the host Christians. That’s the key, allowing the locals to define what the trip will look like. Too often we tell them that we’d like to go and paint houses; rather than lose the free aid, the locals accept, even when that’s hardly a major need where they are. We must ask, we must listen, we must be willing to serve in whatever way the locals choose.
- A very few will offer unique expertise that is needed in the target location. We have a woman in our congregation who goes to Africa and teaches water safety. She is an expert in that field, and drowning is a major cause of death in the places where she goes. It makes sense that she go and share the knowledge she has.
The problem is, too many of us think that we fall into this category. It’s just not true. Expect your short-term mission to fall into one of the previous categories. Be realistic. Pray. Listen. And be humble about your talents and how they fit the situation.
Several years ago an ACU study abroad group had the opportunity to visit Catacamas, Honduras. A Christian doctor, of Maya descent, had begun a rehab for drug addicts and alcoholics. Then she received government funds and she also opened a clinic in town plus some situated in the countryside. When interested brethren wanted to come and work there, she had one basic requirement: Come and teach us what you know so that we can do what you do. If was obvious when applied to her medical ministry. But, when a couple wanted to come and do Bible studies, then same rule applied. They needed to work with local Christians and train them to do the same. The couple confessed that it was a little slower and harder. But they accepted the added dynamic with joy. In the course of a year or so, there were others who were trained in doing carrying out the studies.
And, by the way, the good Doctor also followed her own rules. The countryside clinics were staffed by local people that she, and others, taught (beginning with the rudimentary levels of patient care). And, each town had to select the site for the clinic, help make the building adequate, and promise to keep the items secure. Because the Doctor could only visit with a specific travel pattern and “did not have the funds” to pay for safety systems. Thus the receiving people were quite engaged in the responsibility of the entire process.