Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Facts About Short-Term Mission Trips

Image source: peimag.com
Short-term mission trips are always a cause for excitement and anxiety, especially for first-timers. But if the heart is in the right place, and if the faith is strong enough, then mission trips may very well be opportunities for the improvement of the self and other communities. But also as important is the knowledge of the reality surrounding short-term mission trips. Here are some facts that people should know about short-term mission trips:


  • Missionaries are not heroes. This is one of the first things people should understand. Instead of trying to be short-term heroes, people on missions should work towards being partners for the long haul.
  • Missionaries are not on missions for themselves. Although this is pretty obvious, it bears repeating. One of the biggest mistakes missionaries make is sign up for a mission in pursuit of a personal agenda. That should never be the case. The mission is all about others.
  • Poverty might be very surprising, and unexpected. First of all, people should understand that poverty doesn’t just mean lack of finances. There is such a thing as spiritual and systemic poverty. And everyone without God is poor. Through serving Him and helping others overcome their spiritual thirst, people can overcome this emptiness.


Image source: foodforthepoor.org

Dr. John Binkley, Jr. is the founder of Generational Equity. He lives in Dallas, Texas. But what he really loves to do is spread the Word of God. To learn more about the work of John Binkley and his missions, follow this LinkedIn profile.