The Cost of Short Term Mission

1.) Summarize what Jo Ann Van Engen is articulating her article, "The Cost of Short Term Missions."

 Jo Ann Van Engen talks about in her article how she believes that short-term mission groups benefit more out of the trip than the people they visited. Even though her reasons made me be in slight denial at first, it made a lot of since after thinking of it. She points out how mission groups spend so much money flying over and end up making a less impact than what is believed that they have done. She believes that the money used for the plane tickets should be used by donating it to impoverished countries like Guatemala where the people could put the money in better use. Jo Ann Van Engen makes good points how most short-term mission groups make less of an impact to help the poor. In the end she makes a conclusion of what she believes  would make a better impact and benefit both groups in the situation. By doing extra researching and learning more about the others culture and history, it will help both groups and give a better result in benefiting everyone.

2.) What is your reaction to the statement, " Everybody knows that short-term missions benefit the people who came, not the people here."

My reaction at first was: what the heck is she talking about? After reading the article, it made much more sense. I understand everything she pointed out. I truly see how someone could think that mission groups would benefit more from the experience than the ones that need more of the benefits. Most mission groups can end up earning more of the benefits but their problem is that they didnt aknowledge what Jo Ann Van Engen talks about in her article. I believe that both groups can benefit from the experience as long as the more fortunates are aware and know how they can provide the others with a better and more helpful experience.

3.) What was your reaction to the author's commentary on visitor's coming to the United States and serving?

If visitors came over to our country to do service work but ate their own food, communicated amoung themselves, and never left their building, I would feel offended. I would be thankful that they thought of our people and spent their time and money to try to improve our daily lives but it would make me wonder how much they really cared for the people they are trying to help.

4.) What is the author suggesting that we do? Why is this important?

Jo Ann Van Engen suggests that if a group of people were to decide to travel to a different coutry to aid the poor, it would be best if they researched their culture, history, language, and everything else that influences the citizens in the country. By getting to know the coutry's history and culture, it would give the people like our group a better understanding to the people in the foreign country and it will help us to where they will benefit them more than us.

5.) After reading this article, why do you want to go on this trip?

For the longest time I've wanted to do something like this. After reading this article, it made me more aware and alert me that I need to know how I can actually help and make a greater impact to the people that I will be visiting in March. I want to go on this trip to help others in need. I know how it feels to be a person in need. I'm not saying that I know exactly what they've went through but I know it really helps when you know that there is someone there for you and wants to help you. I want to let them know that they dont have to go through this on their own. I want them to know that there are people like us that care and want to help.