Our trip to Thailand and seeing what God is doing around the world has had a profound impact on us. I found a list of seven reasons not to go on a short term mission trip. Pay attention to #7.
The list made me laugh, but it is quite on target as well. There is a whole world of hungry people who need the Lord.1. It will distort your perception of the world! Seeing it through the plastic lenses of our society is sufficient. They may be distorted, but you are used to them! Don't needlessly mess yourself up.
2. You could get sick or robbed! It's dangerous out there! Some places have a crime rate almost as high as our inner cities.
3. It will make you harder to live with! The way you view life and even your likes and dislikes are liable to change. Your friends and family probably won't understand or appreciate your sudden changes.
4. Afterwards you will feel awkward at some of the jokes and comments you currently enjoy. They will not seem as funny when you have seen life from the other side.
5. You will experience sadness you haven't felt before. After you see real
suffering, you won't pay much attention to your complaining about how hard you've got it. You are even liable to feel guilty and uncomfortable about the nice things in your house and the food on your table. Stay home and stay comfortable!
6. You might lead someone to the Lord. I know that is a laudable goal, but it tends to cause excitement and further interest in Christian Service.
7. You could feel a pull towards going overseas again--for the adventure, of course. The problem is that you could slowly, subtly get sucked into thinking about being a missionary!
My advice? Stay home and stay comfortable! It is too late for me - but
there is still hope for you! So keep praying for both me and yourself!
Isaiah 6:8 (New International Version)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
