I am getting ready to go to Taiwan for a Short-Term Mission trip! This will be my second time, helping the same missionary as last year.
My daughter is going to Japan for STM for the first time with Grace Community Church. She told me about this book and of course, since I love books, I had to get it. Clint was on staff at GCC. I wanted to read this before my trip in case there’s anything I can apply. After reading this book, I would like to read more written by him, mainly because he tells good stories.
Even though I believe in sending out STMs, I still have questions about it’s effectiveness, especially after articles like this. This book answers some of my questions, but not all. I suppose no book can answer all questions.
Just the title itself actually answers some of my concerns whether or not STMs are worth it.
In 1793 Andrew Fuller asked for volunteers to go to India, a gold mine for lost souls. William Carey famously said, “I will go down to the pit, but remember that you must hold the ropes.” There are many strands of that rope that keeps our long term missionaries on the field. One of them is a visit from home via STM.
This book is only 112 pages, but I think it could’ve been shorter because it was a bit repetitive. The last 2 chapters on travel and culture shock, and re-entry and follow-through seemed like it was a last minute add on. If it’s meant to be a guide for STMs, it’s not comprehensive enough even though it had a few useful pointers. I had very good training from OMF that helped me understand the entry and re-entry process, so maybe I was expecting more.
I do recommend this book, it’s an easy read.
June 27th, 2017 at 9:38 am
I get what you’re saying about the title of the book. I’m starting my summer reading, and I want to get through MultiAsian.Church as well as some others that I’ll share on my blog. Have a great trip!
August 1st, 2017 at 8:07 pm
would love to know what you think of the book.