Short-term Mission Does it really make a difference? by Catherine Scott This year thousands of people across the globe will get involved in short-term mission. In the UK and Ireland alone, over 100 Christian organisations will offer summer and gap year opportunities. With demand for such trips steadily increasing, agencies have continued to develop new and innovative programmes. Many young people (and some who are not so young!) will take up the challenge, get the vaccinations, cope with the jet lag and experience the sights, sounds and smells of living in another culture. But isn’t ‘short-term tourism’ just an excuse for a holiday, you may ask, and surely long-term investment is what is really needed? There is no doubt that it can take years of learning the language, immersing yourself in the culture and building relationships before lasting fruit of lives truly transformed is seen – and without doubt we still need those who will commit to this. But too often we imply that it is long-term workers who are doing the ‘real’ work and that short-term is a poor substitute. Yet those who have been on short-term trips clearly testify to the lasting change that the experience has brought in their lives. For many people, it is their first trip away from home, taking them out of their comfort zone, broadening their experience and giving a greater sense of independence: “Being away from my family, friends and home comforts was difficult, but it made me appreciate what I usually take for granted…It was a once in a lifetime experience and one I will never forget.” (Jennifer Elliott; 6 month placement in Asia) A short-term mission experience can also be a formative and life-changing time in someone’s walk and relationship with God. Laura McCullough spent a year working with Oasis in Zimbabwe, India and Australia. She says “Mission showed me how faithful God is…equipping me in the different challenges I faced along the way. I now feel able to be more confident of the power of God at work within me.” Summer experiences, even for a few weeks, can also be a changing and challenging time: “I was really challenged and encouraged as a Christian and my relationship with God was strengthened.” (Joanna Nelson, summer team member) For many, God will also use the experience to shape their future thinking. Karen S spent eight months with Interserve in Central Asia, helping with administration and youth work. Having returned to study at Bible College Karen is thinking about future ministry long-term: “This was my first time in Central Asia and I fell in love with it right away! It was a fabulous experience and very confirming of what my future holds.” Not everyone will return overseas or continue in ‘full-time’ ministry – most will return to their jobs, studies and daily routines. But few will have the same perspective on life as they did before they went: “No amount of captivating images or inspiring words can be a substitute for the experience of trodding the ground with your own feet….[it] will leave memory postcards that will not allow you to live the same when you return.” (Sarah Cavan, Former Team Leader of TearFund Transform teams) But short-term mission is not only about benefiting those who go. Interserve partners Richie and Miyung have received several short-term teams in their region and testify to the difference they make: “Without exception they’ve been a huge blessing to the church and community here. Short-term teams…greatly bless the local church and community, and add to the work of long-termers in many ways.” With record numbers of teams and individuals heading overseas in past years, it looks like the short-term phenomenon is here to stay. But let’s remember that we all have a responsibility to answer Jesus’ call to “Go and make disciples…”. For some that may involve travelling half way round the world, but for others it will simply mean crossing the street. But above all, let’s support and encourage one another as we rejoice that God is still at work in His world and that we have the privilege of being part of it.

SHORT-TERM MISSION - DOES IT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE? - Insight Ireland

January 2007