The heartbeat of 127 Worldwide hasn’t changed — we desire to be the bridge that connects people with the goal of empowering vulnerable communities. For fourteen years, short term mission projects (STMPs) have been one critical and effective tool that 127 uses to educate and inspire Christians in America as they connect with our ministry partners in Kenya, Uganda, Guatemala, and (our latest addition) Nepal. 127 Worldwide has a unique model of ministry. We believe that people working together is the best solution to result in vulnerable communities flourishing.
Our staff has noticed a significant decline in participation of 127 Advocates going to visit our local partner ministries in the last 5 years. Recently, we have begun to discuss possible explanations for the decrease, and over the next few blog posts, we are going to explore some of the potential reasoning behind these shifts. There are both external and internal factors at play with this seeming hesitation of people serving on short term mission projects. I’d love for you to consider if some of these roadblocks might be hindering your decision to go visit a 127 partner ministry.
WHAT’S HAPPENED?
This month marks five years since the first COVID-19 lockdown. The global pandemic of 2020 brought new vocabulary, a limitless amount of unprecedented situations, and lingering effects that are still challenging us some 1,800 days later. Even before 2020, STMPs were experiencing shifts and being evaluated for various reasons.
Over the past few decades, as the world has become increasingly digital, our physical presence with others has significantly declined. While the digital age has introduced many exciting opportunities, it has also weakened our sense of true community. As a result, mental health struggles have risen, and loneliness has reached an all-time high in our country.
Both personally and professionally I have noticed that American culture has become more inward focused, especially since 2020. We are more comfortable coming straight home after work, (that is, if we even have to leave our house for work) get in our comfy clothes, and be with our people who live under our same roof. As a single lady living in Southern Suburbia, one of the many questions in my abundance of solitude since March of 2020 is, “Who are my people?” My world has also become so much more insular too, even though no one else lives under my roof (this is a different blog for a different day.) We were made for community and spending time in person with other people is vital to human flourishing.
VIRTUAL VS. IN-PERSON
Virtual community is a poor substitute for face-to-face community, no matter the setting. Many of us have grown accustomed to online church, book clubs, friendships, and education. Even virtual mission projects made an appearance in the last five years! I understand electronic relationships have a time and place, but I want to challenge you to prioritize actual in-person interaction whenever possible.
If you’ve been around 127 for a while you may have heard us use the phrase “ministry of presence.” While not original to 127, this phrase carries significant meaning to our partner ministries. If you were to ask any of our current partners what the most significant impact any 127 Go Team has, they will tell you it is by simply being there and present with them— sharing in their day to day work and learning more about the joys and struggles within their communities. This can only happen when someone commits to step outside the walls of their comfort, community, and homes and experience our beautiful and diverse world. The ministry of presence has been slowly declining as our world has become more virtual. This is a disservice to everyone, not just our 127 local leaders. God allows us to be a small part of his work of restoring hope in vulnerable communities, but he changes our attitude and perspective through the process of experiencing the world first-hand.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Our culture tends to prioritize comfort, convenience, and efficiency— and while STMPs can be described using many adjectives, these three are usually not included. There is a cost of finances, time, and preference to go visit a 127 partner. Time has become a precious commodity as we have overfilled our schedules post-covid. We’ve filled our time and put our financial resources into our comforts, conveniences, and personal experiences, so that there is very little left for anything else. At 127, we believe that the rewards of going far exceed the cost. If we aren’t careful, comfort, convenience, and efficiency can become idols in our life. We must examine God’s leading and his commands in scripture to go to the nations.
INSULARITY
Our increasing inward focus has strengthened our sense of insularity, which comes with many drawbacks. As we become more insular, our curiosity about different cultures, ideas, and perspectives diminishes. We tend to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals who share our priorities and beliefs. However, failing to acknowledge the world beyond our own thoughts, values, and experiences carries significant risks. True growth often occurs through engagement with those who challenge our perspectives. Exposure to diverse cultures and viewpoints fosters fresh ideas and broader understanding. It is humbling to recognize that we are part of something greater than ourselves, and the benefits of expanding our horizons far outweigh the costs. While insularity may provide comfort and a sense of security, it also brings about limitations.
NOW WHAT?
What about you and your family? Have you noticed a similar shift with the people who live under your roof in the last few years? Are any of my words challenging to hear? How are you fighting the natural tendencies that are leading you to comfort and ease? There is still a command in the Bible for us to go to the nations, and we hope that some of you will join us on one of Go Team opportunities. CLICK HERE for more information.
We invite you to follow us on this journey as we continue to dive deeper into this discussion and explore other reasons for the decline in STMPs in future blog posts..
If you want to learn more about 127’s stance on healthy STMPs, CLICK HERE.
