SHORT-TERM MISSION

             - or subsidised exotic holiday?

There is a view that when young people seek financial support from their home congregation for a short-term mission trip, in reality they are embarking on a subsidised, exotic holiday. Is this so?

Faith for Life talked to a number of mission organisations to see if short-term mission trips make a difference...

• Are such visits relevant to the needs of the people in Sudan, Brazil or Romania?
• Do the young people return with a new fire in their spirit that will propel them into a life of service in God's kingdom?"

The Smiles Foundation were quick to see the danger; "For some, a mission trip has led to horror stories of everything that could have gone wrong - did! For others, they are considered a glorified, subsidised holiday", commented the Chief Executive, Kevin Hoy. So they set about changing the common ethos and purpose, and most important of all, the experience of a mission trip - "And we must have got it right!"

The growth has been phenomena; in 2001, twelve people volunteered for a mission trip with Smiles - in 2005 there will be over 300. In Romania, Smiles support nearly 200 families who live close to the Hungarian border, and volunteers can select a different 'Hands On' task every day, or stick to one for the duration of their trip.

It may be as a manual labourer, or a builder, a plumber, a joiner or an electrician. It may be as a doctor or a nurse, but at the core of the organisation is a commitment to provide homes for families facing eviction or life on the streets.

But whether it's building a home, providing food or medical care, a relationship of trust is established that becomes the platform for sharing the important truths of the gospel.

What will you be doing this Christmas?

How about something really special this Christmas?

The Smiles Foundation, with more than 50 full-time staff in Romania, are planning a Christmas trip from 23 rd - 30 th December 2005?

For further information on Smiles Mission trips, contact:

The Smiles Foundation;  

E-mail: info@thesmilesfoundaiton.org  

Web: www.thesmilesfoundation.org

Peter Maiden, OM's International Co-ordinator believes that a short-term mission when he was a teenager not only left a lasting impression on him, but  also helped the people he worked with.

"When I was 18 years of age I went on a short-term church-planting team to Spain," he said. "The experience radically changed my life. Truths that I had had packed into my head had to become part of my life during that period. In the middle of what was an intensive learning time for me, God was so gracious to also plant a church, which thrives today more than 35 years later."

But perhaps we should hear it from an 18 year-old who has been there and done it. Tabitha spent three months with Operation Mobilisation's TEA (Training, Evangelism & Adventure) team in New Zealand last year. She said, "Spending three months with the team was great fun and we had so many adventures that I will cherish forever. But I also learned a lot and grown, not just spiritually, but in many other ways. I have learnt practical skills that I didn't have before joining the team, like cooking! I've grown in my physical ability, in my understanding of other cultures, and in my love and understanding of the Bible and Jesus.

"Altogether I think that TEA was a great experience that has helped me to look at my life, and myself; changing what needed to be changed (or added) so that how I am living is glorifying God and letting His light shine through me".

South American Mission Society

The South America Mission Society (SAMS) describe themselves as 'a long-time player alongside God's church' in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

As a mission partner with SAMS you may find opportunity to train leaders and youth leaders for the churches, and Christian teachers for schools. But for someone 'feeling their way' the Latino Experience gives a short, snappy view.

Three weeks in a country learning from the local church, contributing to its worship and other activities, and doing practical tasks such as painting or building will, in SAMS opinion help the Latin church fulfil its vision to be a world missionary church in its own right.

Opportunities with Interserve

Interserve is another organisation who contribute to the debate; 'are short term mission trips exotic, subsidised holidays?' They work throughout Asia and the Middle East with around 600 mission partners. "Our focus is not only on sending long term workers. We also realise the real benefit that short term workers can bring".

Interserve's short-term programme is called 'On Track' and it offers anyone over the age of 18 the chance to experience life in another culture for anything from 6 weeks up to a year. A database of some the Interserve's current opportunities can be found online at www.isire.org .

They cover youth and children's work, healthcare (inc nursing, physiotherapy & dentistry), engineering, primary, secondary and TEFL education and Church work. A truly great option for a medical elective, college placement or a GAP year. Talk to Catherine Scott   at Catherine@isire.org .

So, you still think short-term mission trips are a subsidised exotic holiday? Keith Bingham spent 8 weeks in Central Asia with Interserve, using his engineering skills to help local people in various community development projects. Listen to what he has to say about his trip;

"If you want to do something very worthwhile during your summer (or for a longer period of time) then Interserve seeks to accommodate the talents you have into service in places where it is needed most.

My experiences were many. I met people who have had their lives changed by the power of Jesus Christ. And that's what I will remember most. By giving your time and efforts to God you will surely have your own experiences too."