Bray-Missionaries.org: Why We Support and Lead Short-Term Missions

By Dr. Bill Bray

FROM time to time I am challenged about the value or benefits of the many short-term overseas missions we organize—especially since I have been an advocate of indigenous missions for decades. Why should we go on mobile efforts? Why should we pray? Why should we sponsor others on these mission trips?

This year we have planned or are planning at least four short term missions to Africa, Europe, India and the Philippines—and I need to carefully justify each one and make sure that we have done our best to discern the leading of the Lord. But some people dismiss all such efforts.

"Isn’t it more efficient to just send the money overseas?" say these critics. They cite a long list of valid reasons why native leaders "can do the job" much better and cheaper. Not only have I heard all these arguments, I have even used them myself on many occasions!

So I acknowledge there is some truth to the criticisms. However, when applied to short term missions, they are usually only "half-truths." The fact is this: the positive reasons for sponsoring most short-term missions far outweighs those against them.

Seven Reasons for Supporting Short-term Missions

Here’s why we support short term missions and hope that you will support us and others who join us on them this year and in the years to come:

FIRST, they are scripturally based both in doctrine and practice. Christ commanded that we go on missions. From the very beginning, his followers obeyed and the Holy Spirit manifested himself as they went out on missions. The book of Acts is full of stories of how the Apostles conducted short-term missions, not just to evangelize and plant churches—but to collect and deliver aid to the needy in the Body of Christ.

SECOND, they give opportunity to form long-term relationships as we encourage others in the indigenous churches overseas. Out of these relationships come many associations and partnerships that can and do make lasting changes. This demonstrates our unity and fellowship as in no other way.

THIRD, it benefits the missioners who go. Exposure and engagement in other cultures, religions and situations of great need change us personally in many positive ways. It was on a short-term mission to Mexico at Christmas in 1963 that I saw real poverty for the first time. That changed the course of my life and I have never been the same since. Millions have heard the Gospel as a result and probably thousands of churches have been planted.

FOURTH, they offer us opportunities to show God’s love in practical ways. On short-term missions, we are invited by local leaders to provide emergency relief and long-term development needs, thus addressing many chronic problems and giving hope. We don’t claim to solve all the problems but we do introduce the principles of the Kingdom of God which Christ began and we believe that this will eventually heal all the world’s problems.

FIFTH, they allow us to discover and exercise personal and collective spiritual gifts. There are lessons that can only be learned in the practical day to day experiences and trials of working together with a ministry team.

SIXTH, they allow our families, friends, and home churches to share the love of God through us. As they intercede in prayer and provide material support to the missions, they grow through obedience along with us who are actually doing the work. In fact, their work at home is an integral part of the work on the field.

SEVENTH, the Gospel is preached in word and deed. Many people, especially those of non-Christian religions have never heard the good news of God’s salvation—nor seen it demonstrated in practical acts of kindness. Both occur daily on mobile mission teams, even in the most hostile, anti-Christian cultures. Please note that I have listed this last on the list.

Tax-deductible contributions for the support of Bill & Ivy's Missionary Ministry may be given online, or should be sent to CIS, INC. MISSIONS, P.O. Box 6511, Charlottesville, VA 22906. THANK YOU.