Whew, individual missionaries are a whole other story. We came here to Africa as 'missionaries' but not sure what our title is now. We run a non-profit and raise money for our family and our NGO. I think many missionaries come for wrong reasons and aren't prepared, but I try not to think about it too much unless asked my opinion :) Grateful for our community that prepared us, continues to speak into our lives, and our community here that always humbles and teaches us. Thanks for your thoughts, Leanne!
Your reflections on the mission trip are very interesting, Sarah. I too struggle with knowing how much good such trips do, having listened to the reports of people who felt transformed by a mission experience and those who have had missionary groups visit them. Sometimes, it seems as if individual "missionaries" haven't been properly vetted for participation in the group, with the result that they become a drain on the group and a problem for the hosts. Mission work isn't just an opportunity for an overseas trip. It requires humility, self-discipline and openness to having one's ideas challenged. When it does go well, though, as you say, it's awesome to observe and no doubt a moment of great significance in the lives of all concerned.
Hey Sarah thanks for such a thought provoking read, something I too wrestle with as I live my life in South Africa and that of my birth, the UK. I often wonder what would happen if the mission was reversed and what impact Africa could have on the rest of the world given the opportunity. in fact there was a very good documentary series a few years back that did just that, missionaries from Africa went back to birth places of those who originally brought the word to their town/city, for example David Livingstone. The findings were fascinating!
Whew, individual missionaries are a whole other story. We came here to Africa as 'missionaries' but not sure what our title is now. We run a non-profit and raise money for our family and our NGO. I think many missionaries come for wrong reasons and aren't prepared, but I try not to think about it too much unless asked my opinion :) Grateful for our community that prepared us, continues to speak into our lives, and our community here that always humbles and teaches us. Thanks for your thoughts, Leanne!
Your reflections on the mission trip are very interesting, Sarah. I too struggle with knowing how much good such trips do, having listened to the reports of people who felt transformed by a mission experience and those who have had missionary groups visit them. Sometimes, it seems as if individual "missionaries" haven't been properly vetted for participation in the group, with the result that they become a drain on the group and a problem for the hosts. Mission work isn't just an opportunity for an overseas trip. It requires humility, self-discipline and openness to having one's ideas challenged. When it does go well, though, as you say, it's awesome to observe and no doubt a moment of great significance in the lives of all concerned.
Hey Sarah thanks for such a thought provoking read, something I too wrestle with as I live my life in South Africa and that of my birth, the UK. I often wonder what would happen if the mission was reversed and what impact Africa could have on the rest of the world given the opportunity. in fact there was a very good documentary series a few years back that did just that, missionaries from Africa went back to birth places of those who originally brought the word to their town/city, for example David Livingstone. The findings were fascinating!
Oh I need to find this documentary! Interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Hope you guys are well xx