Short term mission trips. Are they actually effective? I have heard people question whether short term mission trips make a difference at all, do they end up doing more harm than good, isn’t it just better to send money. These are valid arguments that we must consider, and I believe they make a good point.
So in this video, I want to share three pros and three cons to short term mission trips, and then I’ll share my thoughts on whether or not short term mission trips are worthwhile and effective.
Okay, so the Pros:
1. Short-term missionaries gain a better understanding of the ministry and purpose of missions.
Those who have never experienced cross-cultural missions often have wrong impressions about it. They may view missions as a glamorous ministry with thankful natives coming to Christ every day. After participating in a short-term mission trip, however, people can better appreciate the goals and service of missions.
2. Short-term missionaries become more sacrificial supporters of long-term missionaries.
A short-term mission trip often increases a person’s interest in and support of missions. God may use a short-term mission trip to call a person to long-term missions too. This happened to me after my first mission trip in 2016. When I returned, I wanted to quit my job and leave everything behind to be a long term missionary. Thankfully, I received counsel and realized that I needed to do things in order and was advised to go through Biblical preparation first. So instead of going straight to the field, Natalia and I went to a Theological Institute first. We wrapped up the third year last year and hope to be involved in full-time ministry through Panem Project in the near future.
To add to this second point, the short-term mission trip itself strengthens missionaries. The missionary group brings fresh hands to work, enthusiasm for the ministry, and Christian fellowship to encourage. They can help with tasks that the long-term missionaries don’t have the time or numbers to do like relief projects, handing out gospel tracts, children’s clubs, etc.
And once back home, short-term missionaries don’t easily forget the need. They often become life-long supporters of missionaries through prayer, gifts, and letters. Their passion for missions spreads to others back home.
3. Short-term missions help develop a passion for knowing Christ and making Christ known.
A short-term mission trip teaches people dependence on God. They face different customs, an unfamiliar language, and culture shock. As they turn to God for help, short-term missionaries experience the power of prayer. Seeing God move in and through lives, they develop a love for Jesus and a love for the Gospel. This passion does not end when the trip ends but can continue to energize the short-term missionary back home. And by God’s grace, personal evangelism increases in their lives. Prayer and Bible study becomes a delight, not a burden.
Now for the Cons:
1. Short-term missions are expensive.
If cost was the only factor, short-term missions would not be worthwhile. Some people point out that the money used to fly 30 teens to Peru could be sent to the long-term missionaries there. After all, the youth group could do missions at home: passing out gospel tracts at a park, teaching a children’s Bible class, or helping in a soup kitchen in the inner city.
Watch the rest of the video for the other two cons and to hear my response as to whether or not short term missions are actually worthwhile and effective.
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We hope to bring encouragement, motivation, and reach people Jesus through our channel. The channel includes Mission Based Videos, Bible Studies, and Spoken Word Poetry. The mission of Panem Project is to raise money to financially support long term missionaries around the world. We strive to fulfill this mission through the creation of faith based apparel and accessories. Every purchase helps raise money for missions. Please Subscribe and share with friends who love missions! Thank you!
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