Ten short-termers we don't want
Short-term mission trips have become very popular and many churches run their own
programs. Some churches want all their members to go on a trip.
Having been involved for 50 years with both short and long-term mission has given me
some very strong convictions about who should go and who should not go. Here are ten
short-termers who really should stay at home.
- Mr Selfish - the person who mainly cares about themselves and how much they can get out of the trip.
- Mr Tourist - the person who just wants to see the sights and hear the sounds. Not interested in hard work, serving or presenting the Gospel.
- Mr Lazy - they will have many reasons each day as to why they cannot get out into the work.
- Mr Big-Spender - they bring a lot of money/travellers checks and want to spend much of their time shopping.
- Mr Insensitive - people who push their own country or culture and are insensitive to other people's culture. They often leave behind a very bad testimony.
- Mr Critical - These people see everything that is wrong in the church and country, even among their co-workers. It is contrary to the basic message of I Cor. 13.
- Mr Unteachable - they are often very prejudiced and stubborn and bring hurt and confusion.
- Mr Prayerless - to me, it is unthinkable to have prayerless people in ministry or service. We are in spiritual warfare and we must use the weapons that God has told and given us to use.
- Mr Addicted - people, especially with sexual addictions, should not go. They can so quickly bring huge offense and even scandal. People with alcohol and other drug addictions need to get that sorted out at home.
- Mr Proud - Pride is such a deadly sin and often leads to division and broken relationships. People with heavy national pride easily insult and hurt the very people you are trying to serve.
Yes, short-term mission is a serious ministry and must be done in a way that will honor
God and bless the people we serve. There needs to be serious orientation, interviewing
and training before people go. There should at least be some life, action and godly reality
before a lot of money is spent to travel and serve among people in a different country and
culture.
George Verwer
george@verwer.om.org
George Verwer
PO Box 17
Bromley, Kent
England BR1 3JP
Phone: 44 (0)20 8777 5258
UK Mobile: 44 (0)7860 426426
Email: george@verwer.om.org or georgev@swissmail.org
God and bless the people we serve. There needs to be serious orientation, interviewing
and training before people go. There should at least be some life, action and godly reality
before a lot of money is spent to travel and serve among people in a different country and
culture.
George Verwer
george@verwer.om.org
George Verwer
PO Box 17
Bromley, Kent
England BR1 3JP
Phone: 44 (0)20 8777 5258
UK Mobile: 44 (0)7860 426426
Email: george@verwer.om.org or georgev@swissmail.org
From website: http://www.georgeverwer.com/
[Permission to use the article was given by George Verwer on the 18th of June 2007. The message states: "thank you you have my permissiion to use this article about the peoplewent dont want in missions. thanks george verwer"
