"We don't have homeless people in New Hampshire."
This was the beginning of one of the most frustrating discussions I have ever had. I attempted to prove that around 1,700 homeless people did in fact exist in our state, but I could not win.
These students had not seen a homeless person in their state, so therefore, they did not exist. And that is why I think it's a fabulous idea to send people of any age, but especially young people, on short-term mission trips.
I've heard all the arguments against short-term missions.
"$4,000 for a month in Ireland – yeah right!"
"We should be investing that money here at home to fix our own problems."
"Why should I pay for some kid's vacation?!"
But here's the deal. It's not really about the 4 weeks in Ireland…or Uganda, or Peru.
It is, but it's not. We're sending some 17 year-old to Uganda to work with people in need there, and to help in a variety of ways. And we partner with local ministries and long-term partners so that the effort of 4 weeks is translated into a larger picture of care when they leave.
But it's really about getting that 17 year-old kid to see the needs surrounding them when they get home. It's about breaking a person out of their comfort zone, awakening them to the state of poverty and loneliness and despair that exists all over the world, but also right in their backyard.
Adventures in Missions focuses on evangelism, not with pamphlets, but through meeting the needs of people. That's what Jesus did, and so that's what we do. When people go on trips they have the opportunity to experience firsthand the power of being Jesus's hands and feet. For many it is a life-changing experience.
When they return to normal life, things look different. Not only do they start to notice the needs and opportunities all around them, they are also empowered to make a change, and to meet those needs.
Sometimes, you have to go out, so you can come back in. Sometimes, you have to spend a month working with orphans in Africa, to see the orphans who also need your love and attention three blocks down.
Everyone has a calling to be Jesus to others, meeting the needs of others. And most of us need an experience to light that fire and spur us on. I am proud to help light those fires, and that is why I am so in love with the work at Adventures in Missions
(Rae, pictured above on a month-long mission trip with AIM to Jamaica in 2005, celebrates with Jesse after receiving his new ID card. As a homeless man, an ID card is a big step towards a new life. Rae continues to work with many people in need in her hometown of Chicago, always aware of those around her who need a little touch of Jesus's love, in her neighborhood, and in her job as a nurse.)
