Study Questions Whether Short Term Missions Make a Diff!

[Da Lone-Warrior]

There is an ongoing debate (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/125/12.0.html) over at CTM about the benefits of short term missionary work.

It seems that too many STMs are too much vacation and a rather ineffecient way to help Christianity in the 2/3rds world. It doesn't make USChristians more committed to helping out with future missions work, either, for them to have been on a short terms missions project.

I just thought people would find it interesting. I do after having just returned from Ukraine to the US.
dlw

[learning]

I don't know. I have heard a missionary from China or Taiwan, say that we should encourage these, and that some long term missionaries have come from them. I know of some people who, after being on a short term mission trip, have interest in helping to support someone they met in seminary, especially since often the ones going to seminary cannot afford it. Those who went, often will support, and when more than one does, it helps.

I was going to go on a mission trip, but felt God telling me to stay home, but still wanted to help out with support, ie. money. God sent someone who was more able to help with building the church (a man who works with carpentry-construction, much more suitable to the need) so I do think, even if the people of these countries take these people around to see the sights of their country, that is not a bad thing. They are getting help for their country in tourism some day, if these Christians on these short term missions talk of the wonderful country. For instance, I have learned that most Brazilians are very warm and loving people, though one must be careful of being robbed in the cities. (ie. don't wear jewelry, even wedding rings or watches)

[Da Lone-Warrior]

Yes, some people may decide to become missionaries because of STM trips, but it also seems inappropriate to help countries in the wake of a tornado with STM people when the money could be spent to hire locals to get the job done a lot better for the same amount of money.

dlw

[Debp]

Yes, some people may decide to become missionaries because of STM trips, but it also seems inappropriate to help countries in the wake of a tornado with STM people when the money could be spent to hire locals to get the job done a lot better for the same amount of money.

dlw
Yes, this is definitely something to think about. I visited Asia twice while in the travel industry and this gave me a love for Asian missions. But now I donate to "Christian Aid" in VA because indigenous pastors/missionaries can live on only $50 a month....and I like to help in "closed" to missionaries countries. Besides doing mission work, they also help in disasters and are already in the area. (Indigenous pastors/missionaries in cities might need a little more money per month, but still a reasonable sum to most Americans.)