Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Youth Mission Trips - Stirring the Pot

Well, today I did it again. Yep, brought up something to stir the pot a bit. Not something I really like doing, but can't seem to stay away from.

The subject of the day is Youth Mission Trips. A dicey practice to question. Who can find fault with kids doing good? Right?

Well...

The work accomplished is applaudable. The bonding irreplaceable. The spirit of caring invoked commendable.

Why then does some of it jar just a bit?

In part, I cannot fathom why funds are raised to send kids halfway around the country to do work for folks when other churches are sending groups right into our own neighborhoods.

I suppose it is a bit the 'vacation' aspects of the trips that grates. The need to travel to far off destinations. Did Ohioans really need to go all the way to South Carolina? Or did it have just something to do with the beach being in close proximity? Were they really experiencing a different culture that travel might justify?

Then there is the perceived need to offer a carrot to tempt the kids to participate. For our groups it's been a trip to an amusement park as part of the package. Is it really ethical to raise funds for a mission trip when part of those monies are going to pay for a day at the park?

And more importantly, aren't we selling our kids short when we assume they won't participate unless there is something in it for them? Are they really that shallow? I don't think so. Sure, if offered a day at an amusement park, most aren't going to turn it down. But, to decide they wouldn't participate unless given a reward is, I believe, selling them short. I happen to believe that they are that dedicated to helping others and that they would do it even if there were no earthly compensation. Being a Christian group, isn't that exactly what we should be teaching and modeling? Helping others even when it means there is absolutely nothing in it for them?

I am getting a little more than tired of the perpetuating of the spoiled child syndrome. We adults complain about kids being self-centered and yet, who made them that way? We did. Often we expect too little of them. Praise too much when they do what is expected. Why should they feel the need to climb to a higher level?

And yet, so many do, despite the adults and to their amazement. Again, selling our kids short. Assuming, if given the choice, they would chose the lazy path.

Why do we limit our kids that way? Is it because we assume they will act in the outside world as they do at home? A logical conclusion. But unfair. Do we act the same at home as we do in the outside world? I doubt it. Most of us have 'company manners'.

So to wrap up this lengthy diatribe, I wish we would cease to sell our kids short. Expect the best and not be surprised when they deliver.

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