- 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.
5 comments:
I would add this to the list:
--The family of God extends all over the world. It's precious to experience the love that transcends culture.
--Those who support short-term missionaries are truly a part of the team.
Very valuable and true list, pastor Scott. I strongly identify with 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, and 15. And I appreciated Judy's additions. I would add a few I've learned:
- Hosting us is as culturally shocking for them as it is for us (can you believe we don't shower 3 times a day, and we don't usually eat rice and satay for breakfast?)
Therefore, appreciate their sacrifice.
-Do not get caught up in feelings of being great because you are a novelty to them, or in being so insignificant in a world so big. Remember who God is, and how humbled Himself to love us.
-Perhaps the most important thing you can do is encourage the full-time workers.
-Americans (almost 100%) are very rich. Use your wealth to expand God's kingdom.
-Everyone should take an opportunity to go - it will change your view of God, the Church, and the world.
I'm sure there are many more, but I'll stop for now.
I totally agree with each one. Another one that was always on my mind when on a short term trip was to strive to be a blessing and not a burden. Also, we were there to work...so we worked hard to get out money's worth!
When I saw a young girl sneak out and purchase a liter of soda to serve us as we sat out front of her humble home with her mother, I felt very humbled and blessed at the same time.
Yes, God does work in us when we go. We do not come back the same person.
Louise Bennett
Scott,
I appreciate the picture of Allan. Did you know that his birthday is coming up next week? And I think his anniversary is this weekend.
Louise B.
- You are not there to build a building, you are there to build a Kingdom.
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