Julia and I have been serving in Nalerigu, Ghana for one year and we have seen a lot of short-term mission teams. Most come in and do a great job of getting out into the community, making friends, sharing the Gospel, and enriching our ministry. There are however, short-term teams who come through hindering our ministry. When they leave we throw a small party and pray they never come back. Below is a list of five negative traits of short term teams and a list of five positive traits. My prayer is that these lists will help you avoid the mistakes teams have made and ensure that your short term trip is a help and not a hindrance.
NEGATIVE:
5) Eat Chips-A-Hoy Cookies in front of the missionaries. When a missionary who has been away from America for months comes into your house to help train you for your week of ministry, make sure you eat Chips-a-Hoy or Oreo cookies in front of him. Never offer him one the entire time he is in your house.
4) Hand out English Bibles to everyone regardless of whether or not they can speak English. Handing out Bibles is a good thing; however, when someone asks for an English bible and their request has to be translated from one language into English, there's a good chance the person you are giving the Bible too doesn't know English and just wants a present from the white man.
3) Give away all of your money to every child who asks. I realize when short-term teams come overseas they are confronted with hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Most people who travel overseas have never encountered the level of poverty which surrounds missionaries on a daily basis. Volunteers are ALWAYS giving away all of their money to children. This money never goes to buy what the child is asking for but rather goes towards a soccer ball or is wasted on frivolous spending. Giving away every dime and article of clothing you brought with you does not help anyone and only makes the problem worse for those who live overseas.
2) Preach exactly how you would in America. Preach an American style sermon with three points. Give an invitation exactly how you would in America and make everyone close their eyes and raise their hand if they want to follow Christ. Watch in amazement as everyone raises their hands, NOT to be saved but rather to be acknowledged by the white preacher.
1) Never say thank you. Always assume that the missionary serving and working in the area you are coming to visit gave his life to missions to serve you. No matter where they drive you, what they share with you, or how much of their time they donate to help you succeed make sure you never thank them.
POSITIVE:
5) Bless the missionaries. When you are going to serve in an area make sure you bring a few food items along to bless any missionaries you might meet. Missionaries love Oreos, M&M's, etc. We aren't picky and would love anything!
4) Get to know the missionaries. We love hearing about the massive size of your church in America but we would also like to share with you our heart for the people God has called us to work among. Ask to hear about our testimony and call to missions. Ask how we came to serve where we are serving. Ask questions and sit back and listen you will be amazed at what you learn.
3) Learn a few phrases in the local language. I am always hearing people complain about the Hispanics in America who will not take the time to learn English, well, the same is true when you are visiting another country.You must take the time to learn a few phrases in the heart language of the people you are visiting. Take the time to learn how to say hello and how are you. Language is a bridge to a relationship. Nationals don't expect your language to be perfect but they absolutely love it when you try to speak with them in their heart language. Who knows maybe starting a conversation in the local language will lead to a salvation conversation.
2) Get involved. You are only overseas for a short time so make the most of every opportunity. Get out into the community. Talk with Nationals. Encourage Pastors. Be bold in evangelism. Make the most of every opportunity.
1) Train Nationals. Everyone wants to come overseas and start the next church planting movement. I hate to burst your bubble but your short term team is not going to start a church planting movement. You need to go overseas for a short term with a long term goal. Take the time to encourage your translator. Take the time to take a National Christian under your wing and train him in evangelism. The more you train Nationals to do the work, the more your short-term team will have an impact in the long-term.
My prayer for you reading this post is that you would reject the negative traits of short term teams and embrace the positive. May your short term trip be a help and not a hindrance to the long term ministry in an area.
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