There has been significant debate in recent years on the issue of American churches doing short-term missions in countries such as Mexico or Costa Rica. Some feel that short-term mission work has little impact and in some cases can cause more harm to the local church than help. How much can one group do in 10 days when that group knows so little about the culture they hope to reach?
There are some valid points in this argument. It is difficult (almost impossible) for a group to do effective mission work if they know little about the culture they intend to serve. They are also correct if the expectation is to change a community in the name of Christ in ten short days. But despite acknowledging these shortfalls, there is still significant value in doing short-term mission. The following are some thoughts I have had in the last year that, when implemented, can move American churches forward in the area of healthy short-term missions.
1. Cross-cultural experience. Short-term missions can be a powerful cross-cultural experience. In my recent trips to both Mexico and Costa Rica I have started to see cultural characteristics of the Hispanic culture, which has helped me to step outside of my own culture and see areas where the Hispanic culture might teach us a thing or two. Conversely there are areas where I am "proud to be an American" -- areas of service through which our Hispanic brothers and sisters may benefit. As I see this cultural interaction taking place, I begin to see the church in a whole new way. Working together in missions, the body of Christ (globally) can function more holistically than it does locally. This is a beautiful event to witness. I have seen this cultural interaction taking place both in the field doing active ministry together and I have seen it by simply sitting around a dinner table discussing the idiosyncrasies of our cultures and of living our lives for Jesus.
2. A means to an end, not an end in and of itself. Short-term missions can be healthy stepping stones to further mission work. Long-term mission work starts with short-term mission work. All three of our mission teams this summer have an opportunity to pave the path for other mission groups to come in and serve those communities. It is a gateway for missionaries to find "hot spots" where longer-term projects can be started. The college group going to Costa Rica has the awesome opportunity to be the first mission group to spend time in the village of Santa Cecilia. Merge Ministry wants to know if this is an area where other groups could go to serve or if this is an area where a more permanent missionary could stay and work with the local church. The missionaries in Mexico have been doing a small "camp-like" experience for the local Mexican churches to see how and when we could start a Covenant camp down there.
3. Not with our own agenda. Short-term mission is healthy when it fits within the vision and ministry of the local church. In this sense short-term mission is tricky. How can U.S. groups come in and serve within those parameters? This is a difficult but not impossible task. It in includes conscious planning far in advance of the trip. I cannot tell you how valuable it has been taking a scouting trip to both of our international mission trip destinations. In both cases we were able to understand more about the local church, their vision for ministry and how we might be able to support that vision. We must be sensitive to the needs of the churches we serve and see ourselves as a means to an end and not an end in and of itself. American groups need to understand the resources of the churches they serve and seek to further those ministries, but not at the cost of burdening those churches with additional ministries.
I would agree that short-term missions done poorly is not the way to go. But I feel strongly that we can't at the same time abandon this ministry because of its hazards. Short-term mission is a viable form of ministry and when done right can be a benefit to the church being served. I am excited for this summer and the ways in which God WILL move in the places we serve and in our own hearts. This summer is an opportunity for our students to engage a new culture, serve in the name of Jesus, and trust the Lord. This is an exciting time and I want to thank each of you for your support and prayers as we get ready. The dates of our trips are as follows:
May 19-29 - College Mission Trip to Costa Rica
June 17-22 - Jr. High Mission Trip to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
July 29 - August 6 - Sr. High Mission Trip to Mexico
