One laity leader, having recently returned from a short-term mission venture, wrote to express dismay about circumstances over there that were very different from his expectations. He also noted that church headquarters should immediately fix the injustices that he had observed.
I replied both to thank him for his eagerness to serve and to note that some good things had resulted despite some challenges. On the other hand, I grieved that advance information left guests unprepared to face the realities they encountered in areas where funds are in very short supply to accommodate those who arrive from other cultures or economic realities. I also explained that leaders at headquarters cannot resolve issues in which independent ministries, not the church structure, control the entire process.
Observations
For example, my correspondent mentioned great numbers of students with multichurch responsibilities who receive little or no pay. While this is a tragedy, both their dedication and the reality that dozens of other would-be ministers are prepared to step into their place means these young pastors are willing to work for little pay. With no other jobs available in their economy, they have matriculated through their training with hope that eventually they will become fully employed.
Of course this is not equitable, but this reality says that if these young pastors were to quit working for an irregular bit of income, likely they would have no income from any employment.This system cannot be described as either ap propriate or workable for the long-term, but describes a reality for many entry-level ministers in various parts of the world. If they quit, others will quickly jump at the opportunity to replace them.
The writer also complained that only US$1000 was allocated for the project, and that amount certainly failed to cover the needs. He demanded to know why the church permitted such poor planning. Of course, these challenges must be addressed by the independent groups who organize such ventures rather than expecting the denomination to monitor the policies and procedures of entities that it does not control nor govern their utilization of funds. While much good is accomplished by such projects, numerous problems arise from situations in which the hosts are expected to cover deficits that they are incapable of funding.
My correspondent also expressed concern about local expectations that guests pay various expenses such as food, tourist entry fees, incidental expenses, etc. This seemed strange to him, for in his culture, hosts provide for their guests. However, the local people have no resources with which to host those who appear to have such abundance.
I feel certain that these hosts are not unwilling to pay for their guests, but simply do not have the funds. On a day-to-day basis, their hosts would never eat in a restaurant, visit a tourist site, or purchase souvenirs. They simply would have no money for such functions, so when foreigners arrive and desire locals to accompany them as translators or guides, the guests must provide for all costs for both the group as well as their hosts. I wish each tour group could understand this reality in advance so they are not disappointed once they arrive over there.
Each group should receive advance instructions regarding expectations as well and plan on financing every anticipated need plus unforeseen circumstances. Limited local funds must not be taxed, but rather covered by the guests. This includes stipends for student pastors, extra expenses for local leaders, transportation for those attending evangelistic programs, auditorium rental, supplies, books and Bibles, and most important, adequate church homes for new believers to assemble once the guests depart. (I recently led a group of guests who completed their short venture with a long-term commitment to build/purchase a house of worship.)
Benefit of short mission trips
Perhaps the greatest strength of short mission trips lies in the large numbers of members who travel and gain a firsthand insight into the Lord’s work and come home with a new vision for mission. Perhaps the greatest weakness is the concept that a short-term commitment of a few weeks is all that is necessary for the church over there.
In reality, these programs should be viewed in terms of years and include thorough preparation and orientation as well as ongoing efforts to purchase or build suitable places of worship and establish every new believer in the faith. We need far fewer projects, in my opinion, and then we should couple these with far longer implementation and follow-through to make full reality of our endeavors to build disciples for Christ and His kingdom.
