June 22, 2007

Hi Friends:

We just received a visit from a supporting partner, Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Because this represents a good example of a “short-term mission trip,” I wanted to share the experience with you.

PC(USA) members take Communion with Brazilian partners at the end of the first ever Nort-Northeast Mission Consultation.

The whole subject of short-term mission trips has been somewhat controversial (see various views at our blog by using the “short term mission” navigational tab). To my taste, frankly, the emphasis of many of these opinions tends to be a little too negative, highlighting the “mistakes” and “misconceptions.” These do, in fact exist, and for that reason, the advice of mission personnel, international partners, and staff from Presbyterian World Mission in Louisville can avoid unhelpful assumptions and motivations and make for a fruitful experience for all involved.

That is the experience we had recently. Why do I consider this a good short-term mission trip? Here’s my take:

Visitors from the PC(USA) receive orientation from top Brazilian church leaders.

First and foremost, emphasis was placed on building relationships before undertaking plans for projects. In this process, the group met on the first day with top denominational leaders to listen and learn about the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil’s history, ethos, and commitment to mission. All this takes time and practically requires a “preliminary” trip, before assuming any formal commitments.

Second, the group scored high on the two key characteristics of cross-cultural witness: flexibility and patience, which they demonstrated not only with their Brazilian partners but with me as well, no longer entirely American in outlook and habits (my measure of time and distance is a little out of whack)!

Third, they mixed constantly with Brazilian partners, shared the same accommodations and meals (which were pretty nice), small but crucial first steps in incarnational ministry.

Fourth, they were broad in their reflections on possible ways to further a relationship: projects they could support in Brazil under the direction of Brazilian national leadership, projects and ministries in the United States, where Brazilian partners could participate, and joint ministries with other partners around the world.

More can be said (and has been said at my blog using the “myers park” navigational tab). So moved was one member of the team by a Brazilian church hymn, that he had it translated. Here are the words that reflect the heart and passion of Brazilian Christians for wholistic transformation:

What Am I doing
by João Dias de Araujo

What am I doing if I am a Christian,
If Christ has given me his pardon?
There are so many poor with no home, with no bread,
There are so many lives without salvation.
But Christ came to redeem us
To the whole person without division;
Not just the soul to save,
But also the body to raise.
There is so much hunger in my country,
So many people who are unhappy,
So little children who are going to die,
So many old people to perish.
Millions don't know how to write,
Millions of eyes don't know how to read:
In darkness they live without perceiving
That they are slaves to somebody else.

What am I doing if I am a Christian,
If Christ has given me his pardon?
There are so many poor people with no home, with no bread,
There are so many lives without salvation.
To the powerful I am going to preach,
To the rich I am going to proclaim,
That injustice is against God
And vile misery is an insult to heaven.

Grace and Peace to you all,

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 45