Each year, my college campus gathers groups of students together to venture into various countries around the world. Every spring, students raise money, awareness, and train for their trip. While these weeks may serve a purpose for my fellow students and the people they are caring for, I will not join one.
Before transferring to my school to complete my sophomore year, I grew up within a charismatic church. Missions and families devoting their time and money to God's call on their life was viewed with respect. Yet, when I entered a new school with many different perspectives on Christianity, I saw that missions was altered.
On campus, student leaders stand in a circle with poster-boards and flags of the country they plan on visiting. Students get the opportunity to chat with the leaders about the trip, and pick and choose which one sounds pleasing. Fliers are spread across each building, teams sell handmade items to fund their trips, and Facebook pages are created.
You, as the reader, might see this as fine and normal. This all sounds hunky-dory, right? Yet, to me, it's not.
Missions should not be approached with this country or that village. Since a student went to Thailand last year, why not visit Ecuador this time? If one trip conflicts with an annual family vacation, he/she will simply pick the next best one. That's how it works, right?
I did not grow up within a church where mission trips were just another event to check off during a summer vacation. I never knew these trips could be set up as an advertisement. Additionally, I did not know that "post-mission" pictures were uploaded to Instagram to glorify these weeks and look back on all that a person had accomplished.
I understand that I might have ruffled a few feathers. I've told you what I don't believe and what I do not agree with. Now, let me dive deeper and tell you what I do believe in.
Missions were meant to be taken to heart. An individual should not choose to go on a trip because it's the Christian thing to do. It should not be another event to check off. A decision such as this should be prayed and found peace over.
Yes, missions in various countries were meant for some. But, missions around the world were not made for me. I do not fit into the stereotypical box that religion tends to create.
Yes, we are all called to go out and reach the nations... but what if my nation is a city that's twenty miles away? What if God's call on my life is to pursue my career here in America? And, why is my destiny viewed as less than by fellow Christians? If I am within God's will, then why am I criticized?
Reader, do not believe that I am completely opposed to mission trips. Rather, I am opposed to the advertisement, bucket-listing, and glorification of them.
Certainly, there is a possibility of joining a group in my future. I cannot state that I will never do something. But, as of right now, I won't be flying to Africa anytime soon.
Yet, I will if God asks me to.
My campus is known for students being 'called to serve'. Perhaps I was called to serve right here, right now, and not halfway across the world.
