when helping hurts

Have you ever seen Pixar's Bug's Life?  Do you remember the scene where the ants are waiting for the grasshoppers to come, take the food, and leave?  Over and over they chant, "They come. They eat. They leave. They come. They eat. They leave. They come. They eat. They leave."

Some mission trips are like this.  People go. People leave. People return home. Period.  A check off the checklist.  

Our hope is to do mission trips differently.  

You have heard me suggest reading the book When Helping Hurts.  It is an eye opening must read for everyone - not just people who go on mission trips as it gives insight to what is happening in our own country and explains poverty and the misconceptions.  

I love what President and CEO of Hope International, Peter K. Greer, writes about the book. Check out his blog and see his quick list of highlights.  I LOVE #8!  This is our mission for our trip - to build relationships with the children, staff, and Sendafa community. Just like we have lunch or coffee or gather with our friends here to build our relationships, we want to build relationships with the people in Sendafa.  And although we cannot go out to lunch or coffee daily, weekly, or even monthly, we desire to go yearly - building wonderful relationships along the way! 

We are not bigger, stronger grasshoppers who swoop in one time, do a few activities, sing a few songs and head out.  We are not better or smarter than the people we are serving or walking beside.  We are people - just like them.  We are hurting in one way or another - just like them.  

We all need Jesus.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.