Categories
Short-Term Mission

Who is Serving Whom: A Dilemma for Short Term Mission?

There are some serious issues associated with short-term mission trips, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do them, it means me need to address the questions and do them better!

Categories
Observations

The Cross and Mission Financing

Would reflecting on the Cross change the way we think about some of the problems inherent in funding mission projects?

Categories
Short-Term Mission

Community Rather than Clichés

One of the best blogs on the block at the moment is Djibouti Jones: life at the crossroads of faith and culture by Rachel Pieh Jones. Don’t take my word for it; head over there and sign up the her updates. In her latest post, Rachel talks about how she has helped Amina; a young […]

Categories
Mission Observations

Paradigms and Pounds

A few days ago, I wrote a piece which suggested some of the elements which need to be taken into account in developing a new paradigm for Western involvement in mission – but I didn’t mention money. However, it is often suggested that the way to renew mission work is to stop sending missionaries and […]

Categories
Mission Observations

Issues in Mission: Elements of A New Paradigm

We need to completely rethink our approach to mission and to supporting mission work from the UK. Tinkering at the edges and solving problems are no longer enough. I wrote these words a few days ago in a blog post which suggested that we need a completely new paradigm or set of wineskins for overseas’ […]

Categories
Observations

Asking the Hard Questions

I believe that it is without question that rich people have an obligation to share what they have with those who are not as well off as them. The haves should be generous towards the have-nots. This is as true of nations as it is of individuals. However… This doesn’t mean that all forms of […]

Categories
Reviews

Books I have Read: We Are Not the Hero

A few evenings ago, we had dinner with a friend who has been involved with a developing mission movement in one corner of the world. Over many years, our friend and her colleagues have been patiently building relationships with local church leaders and supporting them as they get involved in reaching outside of their church […]

Categories
Africa

First World Problems

This short video (just over two minutes) has a very powerful message… but… I have to admit that I’m rather uneasy with the way this important message is got across. Firstly, I don’t like the terms first world and third world; I know that they are easily understood, but they seem to imply a value […]

Categories
Africa Reviews

Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles

At the moment, the BBC is showing the remarkable David Attenborough series “Africa”; all beautiful scenes and amazing animals. However, as is often the case, the Africa of the nature documentary seems more or less devoid of people. If you would like to know more about the human side of the continent, you could do […]

Categories
Do Not Use

When the Boot is on the Other Foot

This is an absolutely brilliant reflection on the Aid Industry.