Mission trips and their importance as a whole are often a subject that creates intense discussion and opinion. Recently, I came across an article that stated that mission trips, specifically short-term mission trips, are merely an opportunity for "self-fulfillment" and are doing more harm than good in struggling communities globally. However, as a person who has been a part of a mission team which traveled to Haiti and has seen firsthand what an experience like this is, the article could not be more false.
When preparing to go on a mission trip, you are trying your best to gear up for what you might expect. You have spent a significant amount of money at places like Under Armor and REI getting the most weather and sweat-resistant clothing you can possibly find. You have also bought about four bottles of bug spray and a gallon of sunscreen (all travel size, of course). And as you stuff all of your supplies and protein bars to last a lifetime, you can't help but feel excited. And you have every right to be, as you are about to embark on a week, two-week, or however long mission which will provide you with a greater outlook on life, a chance to take a walk in someone else's shoes. This is a journey that no single person can take away from you regardless of their views on its importance.
Yes, money is obviously a factor which comes in to play in missionary work. Money is the basis in which the entire world lives off of and yes, in order to go on a trip it does cost money. Some argue that by the time you get to the destination, you have already spent thousands of dollars on travel. When instead, the money could have gone directly to the community. But again, that is simply ignorant. Supporters of mission trips come in all forms: for some, it is opening up their wallets and giving their hard-earned money to an amazing cause, for others, it is dedicating their time to volunteer through organizing fundraisers and awareness. There is no such thing as bad help and anyone who donates any sum of money to a mission trip should be applauded, not criticized, for where it is going. Trust me, the money is well spent.
Another negative argument for short-term mission trips is that these trips can create further abandonment issues for children. This argument is absurd. I, along with thousands of others, had the privilege of spending time with children in Haiti who live in an orphanage and they were some of the happiest kids I have ever met. They were running around, playing soccer, dancing, singing and simply wanted to include me in their lives. Yes, I held them when they were sad and upset, just like any other young child. These children need love and affection and thankfully because of people who are willing to give their love, they receive it. Relationships do not have a timeline, they can be formed within a short time frame and no one has the right to try and tell you differently. These children need love and missionaries give it.
Mission trips are often designed with a specific project in mind, such as rebuilding a home or a medical clinic. And again, there is no such thing as bad help. So what, maybe you have a bad back and at times lifting massive rocks can become difficult. Or maybe your role is to tend to the sick due to your medical expertise. But to argue that in order to be of any use on a mission trip you must fit under the strict category of "skilled help" is untrue and misinformed. In order to be a good missionary member, all it requires is that you are willing to work hard, be dedicated and passionate, be loving and grateful, and to enjoy the journey that you are on. Missionaries, short-term and long-term, are true examples of kindness and determination.
Reading and hearing negative comments about missionaries so-called "ulterior motives" feels a bit meanspirited. And yes, I will admit that it hurts to hear these negatives connotations because I will tell anyone who wants to hear that my week spent in Haiti humbled me in a way in which I will never forget. However, hearing these arguments only gives me more motivation to help. I hope to return to Haiti very soon for some more "self-fulfillment".
Lastly, to all those who are doubting the importance of mission trips, I urge you to think again. This time with the wise words of Mother Theresa echoing in your head:
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered, forgive them anyway, if you are kind people may accuse you of ulterior motives, be kind anyway, if you are successful you will win some false friends and some true enemies, succeed anyway, if you are honest people may cheat you, be honest anyway, what you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight, build anyway, if you find serenity and happiness they may be jealous, be happy anyway, the good you do today people will often forget tomorrow, do good anyway, give the world the best you have and it may be never enough, give your best anyway."
