Why Not Send Fewer People and More Money?

Taking 21 people from South Carolina to Ecuador for eight days is an expensive venture. So why not send fewer people and more money? Why not hire local laborers to do the work when those few people get there? Isn't this just a waste of time and money?

These are some of the questions we've heard throughout the course of planning this short-term mission trip. And they are valid questions.

In a nutshell, it's about more than our to-do list. Yes, we have a list of things we've been asked to do. But since day one in the fall of 2013 when our team first gathered together, this has been about building relationships. It's about seeing the world as much larger--and yet much smaller--than we think it is while sitting in our cozy homes surrounded by our many comforts and freedoms.

There's an interesting article that addresses five myths about short-term mission teams. Let's look at each statement and see how it relates to us:

• "Short-term mission teams take away more local jobs than they create." In reality, mission teams create jobs. For example, while we are there, we will need many talented local people, from our translators and bus drivers to the staff in our hostel. Just like tourism, our time there will create needs that only local labor can fill. And part of the money that each of us paid helped our partner church, Cristo Liberador, pay for a professionally installed awning to cover the outside stairs, in addition to a handicap-accessible bathroom.


• "Isn’t it better to just send money?" Sometimes we do "just send money." But a short-term mission trip is about more than money. Imagine if your parents gave you money but were never actually there for you. You might be able to buy the things that you need, but how would you feel about your relationship? Living and moving in the world like God with skin on requires us to be present. God did not so love the world that God waved a magic wand and fixed all our problems with a fat stack of cash. He sent His son--in the flesh. Sometimes, our physical presence is our greatest gift.


• "Tourism doesn’t belong on a mission trip. We are here to do hard work, not to have fun." Actually, we have built in some time to see Quito, visit the equator, and shop at a local artisan market. Why? What better way to build a relationship than by spending time getting to know each other. This is how we "get to know" Ecuador and the people who live there. And we will be supporting the local economy along the way.


• "The 'mission trip effect' quickly wears off with little lasting impact on the mission team." Will we have a sudden enthusiasm beyond our American borders? Surely. Will it last? Hopefully. This time away will surely give us new eyes and be life-changing for each of us in very unique ways. Research shows that short-​​term volunteer trips play pivotal roles in future decisions to help others who are in need. Can you get that kind of perspective by simply donating money?


• "Mission teams diminish a community’s sense of self-worth." If a know-it-all team swoops in, builds a building, and then disappears like some kind of superhero, it would surely be demoralizing and have little lasting impact. But we are intentionally going with this in mind: it's not about us. It's not even about the skills that we are bringing. Again, it's about relationship building. A translator for a mission team had this to say: "(Local people) see how some of the teams sleep on foam mattresses on the floor, while others sleep in people’s houses. They can’t believe that a North American is getting all muddy walking up a hill just to go see an old lady. ...  Then the volunteerism spreads." Mission teams actually encourage local civic engagement.

A Nicaraguan pastor and doctor summarized a mission team’s impact like this: “Anywhere when you have someone that shows interest in you, it really makes a difference in one’s life.” Sounds simple, doesn't it? But how often do we go through the day without showing interest--without really paying attention? This is about community building. It's about sharing our stories and hearing other stories--stories we might otherwise never hear.

Our youth are on the brink of adulthood. Although it sounds cliché, they are the leaders of tomorrow. They will soon be our co-workers and our caregivers. And the adults going on the trip?  Well, as singer Brandon Heath says, "He's not finished with me yet." Mission trips bring us all out of our comfort zones and show us how to work together with one another and with people who are vastly different--and yet also similar--from us. It broadens our perspectives, shows us what we are capable of, and empowers us to take ownership and initiative.

Mission trips create sacred space. Each one of us has set aside these eight days as time to intentionally see the world through God's eyes--together. So tomorrow, we leave as 16 teenagers excited about an adventure and five adults somewhat anxious about the ups and downs of international travel. Each of us will be changed in a unique, God-shaped way. We can't wait to see what God has in store.

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Sources:
"Guilt Trip, Ego Trip, or Mission Trip?"
"Five Reasons Every Teenager Should Go on a Mission Trip"