- High cost (travel) & thus lower participation
- Impact limited by there being no long-term relationship
- Language & cultural barriers
- Need is great back home
I am a HUGE fan of short-term missions trips and here are some responses to some of these common objections:
- Cost: although international missions trips do often cost in the $1,000+ range for many trips, can you put a price on the salavation of those who might otherwise not come to know Christ? When you compare the money we spend on international missions and evangelism with other areas in our lives that are not necessities...vacations, entertainment, hobbies, leisure, excessive living, living beyond our means, wasted money due to poor financial management, etc....for most of us it is easy to find money in our budgets if we simply start living more practically and sacraficially. We cannot let cost be the driving factor preventing us from doing some of the primary tasks we are charged with...making disciples and being witnesses!
- No long term relationships: It is true that most international missions trips do not result in long-term relationships between the missions participants and the local people. However, the power in the missions trip is not in the personal impact, but rather in the work of the Holy Spirit in the demonstration of His love through service-related projects and through the sharing of His Word through more evangelistic projects (Gospel sharing, VBS camps, etc.). An additional strength of short-term missions trips results through the connection with local churches that can be strengthened and encouraged by foreigners in a way that may not happen within their own nation or people group. These trips also greatly help support the work of international missionaries in a way that they cannot accomplish on their own.
- Language & Cultural Barriers: In many ways this is not a weakness, but a strength of international short-term missions trips as many of the missions participants are able to share the Gospel more confidently and boldly in the midst of strangers than they are at home with friends and families. Oftentimes, the cultural differences in other countries makes them much more receptive to the Gospel then you would find most Americans. I was reminded of my weak language and cultural skills this past week in Mexico but remain amazed at how God chose to work powerfully through me depsite my weaknesses.
- What about back home? I do not deny the need is great back home. At the same time so many hearts and minds are already hardened to the Gospel truth. Have you considered the fact that 1.6 Billion people overseas have never even heard about Jesus Christ? At the same time most Americans have heard the Gospel many times, have access to the Bible, and yet reject Him over and over by instead chosing to worship themselves instead of the Creator? Short-term international missions trips often open up the eyes of participants to missions and international needs in a way that can only happen first hand.
It is my hope and prayer that every Christian can find a way to make the time and save the money to go on an international short-terms missions trip. You may not find yourself called to international missions, but I guarentee that if you are God-focused in your motives and efforts He will use it as a life-changing experience in your own life as well as making an eternal difference in the lives of many through your sacrafice.
