For those of you who have a heart for missions and ministry. Please, take a look at this article: Why You Should Consider Cancelling Your Short Term Mission Trips. Make sure you read through the whole article, and don't judge it one way or another by its title. I feel the need to put a disclaimer on this article... because short-term missions changed my life. When I was twelve I went on a short-term trip that God used to change my outlook on life. After seeing where and how people lived (malnourished and in cardboard houses, etc.) I came back with a new view towards the blessings that I have been given in life. But my view of missions was also shaped by parents who fostered a heart for others and for missions in their children.
On the other side I do agree with the point this article makes, and it is important for us to make sure that the work we are doing is beneficial. More than anything we need to be raising children/ young people who are focused on reaching out to the people around them with the gospel. We also need to be praying that God sends more and more people long-term into the places of harvest (those who are ready for the gospel); because its the people who see you day after day, year after year who are most impacted by the things you say and the way you live your life.
"We want to get things done quickly. We prefer microwave ministry to the slow cooker. Ministry that can be done quickly is not messy and does not cost much."
