1. Youth cannot do anything worthwhile anyways.
True… haha, well not absolutely true.  While a lot of the older generation may think this, it’s probably because they know of some really dumb stuff that we have gotten into. My grandfather thinks I am dopey looking because I wear shorts that cover my knees rather than the stubbies that he thinks are more appropriate!  Sometimes we need to convince our more senior counterparts that youth can achieve and be effective on the mission field – and a great chance to do so is a short term mission.  Remember, they say Jesus’ mother, Mary was only around 14 years old when she had Jesus, and most of the 12 disciples were in their late teens – and they changed the world!

2. The money spent on short term outreaches could be better used elsewhere.
True. But only if you have a limited view of God’s resources. I can see how in the past some teams could have put more of their $$ into other things and been more effective, but the reality is that if the youth are not going on the trip, they are massively more unlikely to fundraise and save to the same amount that the youth who are going on the trip would do. It is also great seeing the older relatives and community of the youth join in and support both prayerfully and financially.

3. Our community needs God just as much as they do!
True.  Everyone needs God, one as much as the other, black, white brown – it does not matter. In the long term however, a team of youth that travels out to do a short term trip is 10 times more likely to start something back in their community once they return, than a team of youth who stay back. Those numbers are a conservative conclusion based on 5+ years of youth and mission work.

4. Nothing will be accomplished in 2 weeks.
False. All our teams work alongside long-term missionaries to serve practical and spiritual needs of the community they are based in. For example: One Water tank (built in two weeks) can provide 6000-8000 litres of fresh water that will bless a village of up to 500 people. Saving them from hours of work, strained muscles and backs from carrying water, numerous sickness’ such as campylobacter and dehydration.

5. Short term missions hinder long term missionaries.
All our contacts love short-term teams… (most of them anyways!!).  We work alongside pre-existing ministries to make sure there is follow-up after we leave and so that the work that is done contributes, and not detracts from work that our long term contacts are doing to bless and serve the nations they are in.

With all those excuses nailed, it’s time to do something about Matthew 28:19!