So if you haven't read it already, I do recommend the book by K. P. Yohannan Revolution in World Missions. The basics of the book dive into the reality that we as "Christian" Americans spend millions on short term mission trips that are more for ourselves then for the people we go to "help". Instead we should be raising money and supporting native missionaries. (There is an interesting article at http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=6022&srcid=1520 which describes this topic in a bit more detail).
Instead of bashing on non-native missionaries and focusing only on sending money to training of native missionaries, Dr. K. P. should have talked about finding the most effecient way of ministering the Gospel. For example: in some countries (many African countries), Americans are revered and natives hang on every word that is spoken from them. The American's can have a profound impact in a short time period that could take native missionaries years to have the same impact. However, in Middle eastern countries and many Asian cultures, American's don't have as much respect as Native people and are generally much less effective.
Now, I am sure that there are many sides to this equation but one thing I think is underplayed by Dr. K. P. is the value of seeing a 3rd world nation first hand. I myself am much more apt to fight for a cause if I have experienced the gravity of the situation.
In self reflecting, the impact that is most needed is that which is locally. If someone truly has a heart for the world then find a way to be there longer than 2 weeks. But if you can only go for 2 weeks, then make sure you use your experiences for the rest of your life because you just spent enough money in that 2 weeks to probably feed the village you visited for a whole year.
I can't help but ask the question. Have I fed the poor, cared for the sick, visited those in prison and spent time with the least of my community?
Please leave a comment to further this discussion and encourage more posting on this topic!
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2 comments:
Joel,
it's cool to see that you are blogging. I have been for a little while as well. On a serious note, you are a skilled writer! Good use of words! I dig your flow. Keep it up bro!
It's also important not to view mission as a commodity that or events that we participate in; mission is an ongoing expression of Christ within the contexts we live in. Mission is your neighbors seeing Christ and His pursuit of them through your life at least as much as it is someone being called to the ends of the earth to share the gospel in another culture. Supporting missions abroad is important, but it doesn't releive our need to live missionally at home.
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