"The Cost of Short Term Missions" Reflection

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

In Jo Ann Van Engen's article, she goes over short-term missions and whether they help the people of the country, or the people who are going on the mission. She believes most short-term missions really dont help the people that they were ment to help in the first place. The people would benefit a lot more if all of the money used for the short-term mission was given to the people instead. She said in her article, "The spring-break group spent their time and money painting and cleaning the orphanage in Honduras. That money could have paid two Honduras painters who desperately needed the work, with enough left over to hire four new teachers, build a new dormitory, and provide each child with new clothes." What she said right there made me question whether short-term missions were really worth it.

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

I think the statement "Everybody knows that short-term missions benefit the people who come, not the people here." is right or wrong and that we have the power to change it. I think most people who go on short-term missions believe it will be a fun vacation to a foreign country and that they will help save lives and spend no time learning about the country or the people living there. If we chose to spend our time learning who the people are and how we can really help them, then it will be worth it.

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

I think it was a very good comparison. It would be very strange if people came to our town to live for a short time yet never explored the area they were in. If they just stayed in a place they were used to, then why come out in the first place? The same thing for Americas who go to foreign countries yet each American food and sleep in top notch hotels. Whats the point of going to help the people if you aren't willing to put your self next to them and witness the life they live.

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

The author suggests that we put time and effort into learning more about the people and how we can really help them. She believes we should learn from them and have them teach us. She also suggests use to ask questions about their lives and the everyday problems they experience.

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

I want to go on this trip to experience the different side of life. I want to understand more about people in this world and how their everyday life is compared to the life I am used to. I want to learn from them and be able to help in any way they need it.