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chris.bowser
4/15/2008 1:51 AM
Hi My name is Chris Bowser and I have been a missionary in El Salvador since shortly after the two earthquakes devistated the country in 2001.I agree with you completely regarding the feeling that many have the "we are going to show these people how to build" mentality". I have hosted hundreds of short term teams in construction, evangelism and Medical teams.I have had to deal with it on many teams but not all. Leaders, a good pre-trip orientation does wonders!I have had to be a liazon between the north american teams and the National workers for seven years now. I can actually say that with the right orientation most teams will do it the way we do it here so to speak but it requires being a middle man between the two cultures to make it work. It is not always easy but it works.As a short term team if you will keep the word "flexability" at the forefront no matter where you go it will take you a long way.I agree with the young lady, taking Christ should ALWAYS be the focus. Blessings!
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missionarykid15
4/14/2008 5:03 PM
Hi my name is Naomi,i'm 15 years old.I have been going on short term missions trips since I was 9 years old.When I was 13 Iwent on my first out of country missions trip. Oradea,Romania is where I went.It was one month. Sir, what you are talking about only speaks of what we do and you said maybe giving the job to two nationals and that they would know more than some teenagers. You may be right but your only looking at what we do, not what we bring. And that is Jesus Christ. Our only goal is not to just rebulid things and give out stuff. Our MAIN goal is to bring Jesus Christ to these people. I think you need to look at it from a diffrent view,in your article you never speak once about talking about Christ, but only what we do. All in all we're bringing them Christ. That is the main goal.You have to know that the trips have changed my life,and you cant tell me what God has called me to do is not effective.I've seen lives changed.Maybe you should go on a TeenMania trip.Then get back to me
