At ESJ Missions we understand that short-term missions do have their drawbacks. To some people short-term appears expensive because the money used to fly, feed and board 30 teens to Peru could be sent to the long-term missionaries already there— when the youth group could do missions at home: passing out tracts, teaching a children’s Bible club, or helping in a soup kitchen. It can mean they don’t require counting the cost. Some who go on a short-term mission trip still don’t understand the sacrifices of missions because they haven’t spent the grueling hours learning the language; they haven’t had to leave family and friends for more than a few weeks. Also, short-term may not have a lasting impact. Without regard to the long-term missionaries, native church leaders, or even the Lord— just a few tracts are handed out, a puppet show is hosted or a new roof is replaced on an orphanage. Their impact on the community fades as soon as they hop on the plane back home. There is no denying it does take time to learn the language and culture, build relationships, and make disciples.

However, short-term missionaries understand the ministry and purpose of missions. Those who have never experienced cross-cultural missions often have wrong impressions about it. They may view missions as a glamorous ministry with thankful natives coming to Christ each day. After participating in a short-term missions trip, they better appreciate the goals and service of missions. They become more sacrificial supporters of long-term missionaries— their short trip often increases a person’s interest in and support of missions. God may use a short-term mission trip to call a person to long-term missions. Besides going long-term, multiple opportunities await to support missions. Once back home, the short-term missionary doesn’t easily forget the need. They often become life-long supporters of missionaries through prayer, gifts, and letters. Their passion for missions spreads to others back home. It teaches people dependence on God. They face customs to get through, an unfamiliar language to understand, and culture shock to overcome. As they turn to God for help, short-term missionaries experience the power of prayer. Seeing God move in and through lives, they develop a love for Christ and the Gospel.

So is short-term worthwhile? Absolutely! God uses both short- and long-term missionaries to make disciples of all nations (e.g. the apostle Paul vs. Timothy). The call and heart of both types of missionary are most important. While long-term missionaries carry out the bulk of missions work, short-term missions can lighten the load. Short-term missions are usually most effective under the direction of long-term missionaries and the national church. Although short-term missions has drawbacks, they can be overcome with godly wisdom, training, and heart. The long lasting impression is actually a developed passion for knowing Christ and making Christ known and this is what we live for at ESJ missions.