I have already received a couple of comments about my post on Hopeful Pessimist. One was from a short-term missionary another from a long term missionary in a different part of the world. The long term missionary said "I hear ya." The short term missionary was a little worried that I had already cemented my thoughts about short term missions. Not wanting to be offensive and "set in my ways" I wrote him the following comments.
I didn't say that I have already made my mind up. However, the longer I am here, the more I realize that each action/activity we do here has a ripple effect (think peeble/stone/boulder thrown in a pond). And, it is hard to know how that single action will have a positive or negative impact. That is why I have to remain "hopeful" - I trust that God is more Sovereign than me and will use these actions for His glory.
However, this post has already had its intended effect - to make us THINK about what we are doing in cross-cultural ministry! Although we can not account for all contingencies, we can be more thoughtful (and prayerful) in our approaches!
And I really do believe this. God is Sovereign. Examination of Scripture shows He constantly uses the foolishness of this world to prove His wisdom. What we think is stupid, He thinks is wise. And so, at the end of the day, who am I to argue with Him.
That being said, I still do think we need to be very Intentional, Prayerful, Wise, and Thoughtful in our approach to missions - whether it is short or long term. There are some ways of doing things that are better than others. God give us the wisdom to understand the differences.
Comments