- Reality is shaped by vocabulary and vocabulary shapes reality. [In Ukraine, they don’t have words for ‘vision’ or ‘strategy.’ After years of communist dictatorship, they didn’t need one. In Italy, they don’t have a word for ‘accountability.’]
- Relationships are more important than meetings.
- In an environment where you can’t plan very well, who you are will be more important than how prepared you are. Your ministry comes from your life.
- The people you go with and the people you come home to are the ones who need to benefit from the experience the most.
- Human beings are the same everywhere.
- God is the same everywhere.
- Culture sets limits on our behavior. We will assume that what is cultural is godly, but that is not necessarily so.
- Every culture has its own besetting sins.
- A long-term missionary has to make it work. A short term missionary will go home soon. This leads to different approaches to the same problem.
- It is easy to fall in love with an experience. This is different from the call to be a missionary.
- Language matters. Use well the one you know.
- Their lives go on after you leave. Make them easier.
- Hosting short-term teams is hard work for missionaries.
- Come home and follow the same rules: Do whatever you are asked. Leave everywhere cleaner than you found it. No complaining.
- Flexibility.
If you have been on a short-term trip and have lessons you'd like to add, I'd be honored to read them in the comments. Thanks.
