As an African , I am glad one of you figured it out because when some of us said it, we were told that we were ungrateful. Read the book: When Helping Hurts to find out more. Blessings
Comms Company, yeah it's frustrating that people called you ungrateful. And thank you for the book recommendation! I have been looking for books like that since I read Serving With Eyes Wide Open and Foreign to Familiar. These were super helpful to get a fresh perspective on mission work when too much nonsense is out there.
It's the trick of colonialism. I bring you something that you really don't need but I've convinced you o think you need, so I can set up shop and create my own space in your area because -- how on earth are you going to manage what "we" provide.
All I can say is OUCH!!!! So many things sting in this video because they hit home on so many levels. Picking up the drill was hilarious. The video was great at the same time painful to watch so good for you John on making us all honestly evaluate why we do the things we do and still call it missons.
Trust in Jesus Christ, Trust in Jesus Christ, don’t store your treasures on earth where they will perish, but store them in Heaven with Jesus who will raise us up at the last day.. those who trust in Him , get right with God today
@@logistician1376 Trust in Jesus Christ, don’t store your treasures on earth where they will perish, but store them in Heaven with Jesus who will raise us up at the last day.. those who trust in Him , get right with God today
Man, this one hits home - 10 years ago I went on basically this trip to Guatamala. Sure, we worked hard, but not as hard as the 3-4 local workers who probably did 60% of the work. So much of this video is true, sadly.
Well at least yall working together. Rather than telling them they need you to do it and that they can't/shouldn't get involved or something ridiculous like that
Hi Josh! Jeje I saw that in the first year I met Callie. I told her, but get upset with me. 😅 Now we are 100% agree with that. Have you ever read "When helping hurts"? It's a good one
@@estuardolopezperez2907 It's a tough subject, right? You don't want to discourage people from helping, but the plane tickets alone for so many people make it impractical, financially. It didn't hit me until I went on a trip myself.
This is so relevant.... I've taken missions trips and my program leader was adamant that our trip was principally for the benefit of us. That our impact as a short term missions crew is minimal. That emphasis I think is what you need. There's nothing wrong with a group of students going on a cross-cultural trip to interact with what Christianity looks like in a different part of the world. But when you act like you're saving the village, then you're only focused on yourself.
This. totally this. 100% agree. A little perspective is what is needed. I went on a trip like this as a teen, with an organisation that promised us we were making a huge difference. By the end it became clear that they were running a youth ministry not helping the poor. We need to be honest and call things out for what they are. Cross-cultural trips are great, but let's not pretend we are saving the world.
Yep! Changed my life to go on my first missions trip. I did so little, just participated in a camp and revival, and I hope I encouraged a few people but it was so eye opening for me! I love giving to my church’s missions program more and more.
So true! It's teaching the kids that this will be a memory forever, and could really lead them into their destiny, but if we think we will have a long term impact, well not really.. unless someone gets saved and they start a church in their community.. then it's a life long impact.
Modern ministry in general needs reform. Because people have come to listen more to the opinions of man than what the Bible actually commands. And where in Scripture do we see youth group or youth pastors? We don't. We see elders, deacons, and everyone else. We see an emphasis on being responsible for the plank in our own eye before we pick flecks out of others'; on the young listening to their elders and the elders also being open to the wisdom that God can give to the young. Modern Christian culture (at least its Western version) is full of unbiblical compartmentalizing.
This is spot on! After being in missions for several years, you start to dread the Summer and the weekend missions groups it brings. The school would get painted 3x per summer and everyone would do a summer camp. But the long term missionaries and local church staff would have to do most of the leg work and get yelled at by the short term group when the unreasonable expectations didn't get met. If you're going to do a missions trip ask the local church or the long term missionaries what you can do to help them, don't just assume you know what they need.
I’ve often heard that short term trips hurt more than help. One group I read about said that after the short term trip left they couldn’t get the kids to come back because the outsiders brought all sorts of technology with them that the locals didn’t have. Obviously not all short-term trips are useless but lots of them are. We need a more critical eye for why we do what we do.
@@aaroncrim1929 i had a 20 yr old american flirt with my teenage boys. Exchange emails. I had a local email one of my friends/ supporters who had come and ask for $. It was a mess.
I grew up as an MK, and we never had short term trips come out, (Africa is too scary for short termers) but some friends of ours would have a group from the university they're affiliated with every summer, solely for the student's benefit, and their presence was encouraging and refreshing for us, to see new westerners and speak English to people lol. If you go on a short term trip, the only people you can actually help is the long term missionaries, and only if you're humble about it
As someone who grew up in church and went on multiple mission trips this was true even in the '90's. I cannot imagine a mission trip in 2022. Thank you for this real awareness John!
This is 100% true. When I was in high school, we went down to Mexico to build a house for a family. That's all well and good, but like, why not donate the money for the locals to build it and boost the economy?
Went on a short term mission trip where we worked at local medical clinics. Straight up, we were told "we are using your American-ness to attract people here." The locals had done the advertising before we got there, and then when people would come to the clinic they were offered to hear about the gospel. I found that model super interesting and honest. We weren't there to save anyone. We were just a conduit for the locals to reach their community and doubled as free labor for a week.
A friend of mine who works for a NGO explained to me how damaging these “mission trips” were to the local economy. (Not just the youth groups) How taking jobs from local people, how the extra people stress the infrastructure, even the trips to orphanages… Bonding with a child & then disappearing is a horrible thing to do. I will not donate to trips. A long term commitment to live I will consider… anything less is for you, & you alone.
How do you feel about groups that go, work with local pastors, give water filtration systems, do crusades where the Gospel is taught, and people come to Christ? Since working with local pastors, churches grow, others are established, and there is follow up with these pastors.
@@kimberlyrandyfuqua1091 obviously that is different. I would do my own research on the organization. I do donate, I admit most of my focus is locally. Yet, I have donated internationally in the past.
Reminds me of the summer years ago where it was announced that our Youth Group was gonna go up to West Virginia for a week to work on two houses of Poor, elderly people in some little town. Being disabled, poor, and older, I went to the YG Leader and asked about the kids coming and doing XYZ at my place, pointing out that it would greatly help me AND they would have an opportunity to serve right here in their own "backyard". The YG Leader scowled at me, said, "Well, THAT'S WORK!! If you need that stuff done, you need to hire someone to do it!" Being poor, I didn't HAVE the money to hire anyone!! I learned a valuable lesson, DON'T ASK FOR HELP At your church!! And, No, I don't go there anymore. I eventually left. Today's "church" (no denomination in particular) is NOT The First Century Church we read about in Dr. Luke's Book of Acts. JC nailed it perfectly here. (Pardon the pun. Wasn't deliberate)
Was it a big church like a McDonald’s church or whatever? I’ve been with smaller churches that had more going on than you’d think, then I’ve been with the big churches in town where it’s sort of corporate or dare I say shallow. It’s an interesting dichotomy of values albeit the prevailing intention of most christians is still to serve (be more Christ-like).
Churches here do local community help days, like building a wheelchair ramp for an old lady or painting someone's house, etc. Sorry you weren't helped.
OMG this is spot on! When I lived in Nicaragua the locals would just smile at all the youth mission groups in their matching T-shirts and happily take their tourist money to spend on things they actually needed.
This is so painfully true hahah I remember going to Mexico for my youth group mission trip. All I remember was filling potholes with rocks and being told not to drink or eat the food the locals give.
Really connecting with the people there. hey people dont you understand? we are Americans we are better than you are. we cant be eating your food or drinking your water. by the way did you know that Jesus loves you? ......Okay
My sister and hubby used to be pastors. They went to Mexico every year with a group. I wondered how the locals news got hold of that fact, then realized my sis and hubby had told the news. She was arrogant then and is arrogant now. My sis claims she is saved but 34 years of her tells me she is not saved. NO FRUIT.
When I was on my senior missions trip, I and several others with servants hearts wanted to do more, and were envious of a gal who was setting up showers and gave free haircuts. We were usually stuck at the camp and only allowed to help a few churches and put up a wall to a family s house. Everyone else around us acted like they were on vacation and barely wanted to do anything which ticked us off even more. I would volunteer to help prepare meals and sack lunches with the adults while my peers sat around talking about going to the beach. Yes, seeing new places is fun and nice...but I was told we were there to serve others. That's why I often encourage families to have their kids help at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, hospitals, halfway houses, or memorials to seve as a form of missions because it's not like we have people who need help here too? Yes, visiting other countries is commendable, and I do approve of them! My family has a history of missionaries, but...what I don't approve of are people who have the wrong intentions.
I'm glad John is making these videos with great ironic humor. All these mega business "churches" have strayed so far from what it means to be the be the hands and feet of God.
Small local churches do that kind of feel good mission trips too. My old local church, which is a small congregation, did that. They hired some kind of 3rd party 'mission' organizer who arranged everything down to the t-shirts. Not just mega churches is what I'm saying.
I always questioned those feel good short term mission trips. Thanks for the validation! You can be sure something is amiss when there are third party organizations that 'offer mission trips' like they're selling tour packages. T-shirts are included. My old church did one of those. I was sad I couldn't go, but now I'm so glad.
I went on several short term trips as a youth and it forever impacted my faith seeing Christ at work in people of every tribe, language and nation. It deepened my understanding of His church and people worshipping and serving Him beyond America. It moved and inspired me with empathy to pray for the amazing saints around the world who are sold out to sharing the gospel & their lives far from their comfort zone as overseas missionaries. It’s all about the heart and maturity of the kids. Some of them may go and not “get it” until later. I am glad kids didn’t yet have cell phones at my age then as phones and other tech stuff are best kept home on trips like this to stay tuned into what matters most. I can definitely still laugh and understand the irony of this video’s many truths though. :)
Very much depends on the true purpose of the trip. My brother, sister and I have gone for 3 month trips, basically what our visas would allow, and actually worked. It’s a very beneficial experience done in the right way.
As a missionary myself, I found this hilarious and sadly some what true. The way I look at it is that part of my mission is ministering to those that come. Most have the best of intentions and the natives are encouraged by them coming and serving. And I’ve witnessed first hand how much it can change those that come, oftentimes more than those they came to serve. Very funny sketch though!
People.. Noah’s ark didn’t save ALL animals from a global flood.. Nor was the earth created 6-8K years ago over a period of 6 days. It is intellectually dishonest to pass on the idea that the earth is young and that Noah saved all animals from a global flood. I am a Christian but cannot stand for this nonsense. God created the universe and we should use science to learn more about his beautiful creation. Jews from 3-5K years ago hardly knew anything about their world and family stories are good for teaching lessons but not scientific facts.
@@edlingja1 I know a lot of people think the way you do. But as a scientist, a mathematian, an engineer, and a Christian, biblical account of creation and the flood makes the numbers work out so much better than the popular evolution fairy-tale. I urge you to open your mind and visit the creation museum and the Ark Encounter. Plan on spending a whole day at each location, as there is a lot to read and consider. The Bible and your relationship with God will become more real and deeper. Will pray for you Jay.
@@edlingja1 yeah - I was raised Christian but am now more atheist than anything else. But even I think it makes sense if you believe in God or a creator that they created science as a tool with which to build the universe and everything in it. I mean I'm wearing contact lenses, for Pete's sake! A tiny, primitive, ignorant, superstitious, uneducated tribe in the desert thousands of years ago couldn't have even comprehend the idea of that (well maybe they could, but you know, it would be amazing to them and hopefully pretty cool to know humanity progresses like that ....eventually). And Don't get me started on the Church's role in stifling scientific progress over the past two millennia. I mean people were jailed, tortured and killed trying to understand and progress science - for thousands of years. And as for believing stories like Noah's Ark are real is not just intellectually dishonest, it's intellectually lazy - unethical even - as it teaches to the kids - AND adults - that believing in nonsense is okay even in the face of scientific fact and reality and that's not okay because that kind of "thinking" can prevent real solutions and progress needed by real people and our community and world. You don't need to "believe" or have "faith" when there is proven scientific fact. I don't consider people who "believe" the claims of the old testament as the same as scientific fact to be "Christian". I call them "biblical literalists". - Only they're hypocritical in that too as they only take the things from the old testament literally that serve their purpose or what they want to believe - like no one "believes" eating shellfish is an "abomination" or sin, and unless you're Muslim or an Orthodox Jew, we eat pork products, and we don't stone to death teenagers that talk back or "dishonor or disrespect" their parents, etc. etc. etc. The Bible is full of examples the biblical literalists conveniently cherry pick and choose to believe while just disregarding the rest. Christians to me, true Christians, are people who just try to take the lessons of Jesus to heart and as a way to inform their ethics and practice them in how they treat others and make the world better through their daily thoughts, behavior and actions. In that sense, I know plenty of atheists and agnostics who resemble Christians more than a lot of people who claim to be Christian.
Thank you for exposing the b.s. of these mission trips! Seen these overprivileged narcissist from western counties who call themselves “Christian” back in my country. It was disgusting realizing what they really do. This topic needs to be talked about more!
I've never been on one but the people I've talked to who have been on these trips, have all said that their trip was life-changing and very humbling. I think it's really good for American kids to get a taste of how people in other countries have it, as a lesson in gratitude and humility. BUT, only as long as it can be done in a way that their presence doesn't cause an undue burden on the people who live there. Also, every kid should only be allowed to take a burner phone with no internet for emergencies, which the youth leader holds onto most of the time and they're not allowed to post pics on social media. The mission trip we really need kids to do is a work retreat with no phones, no internet, Period. They have to learn to read books, write letters and actually talk to each other...for like a month hahaha. I'm a mean old lady aren't I lol.
Thank you!! I've thought that way for years. Though missionaries can be encouraged by visitor's and sometimes young people return humbled after a missions trip and observing 3rd world true poverty. It's better to send the funds and hire local worker's for building projects.
You hit a home run on his one!!!! I have been saying this for years. I worked for years at the Miami Airport. These missionary groups were always flying through on their way to Central and South America. Pasty white soft American teenagers on their way to a Third World country thinking they're doing good. The big positive out of all this is the education and exposure and hopefully eye opening that all the sheltered American teens receive.
There’s definitely painful truth here. But there’s also ways to do it right. There’s ways to help by empowering the community. One of the most important part of mission trips is that it brings in new donors. People get personally invested and want to continue to help the orphanage or wherever the place is. Without money, you can’t do much to help.
I laughed until I remembered the last mission trip kids from our church went to. I think they painted a few things, apparently spent most of their time in some kind of strange worship services. Came back home and they and their advisors who went with them started insisting that we do the same kind of thing. Nearly tore our church apart and closed the doors. Yay, missions trips.
I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help build a school - I think. It’s been about ten years. There wasn’t a camera crew, and the local missionary already had people - we were just there to help. There was a little sight seeing in the town we stayed in, a little shopping, but nothing extravagant. Plus we paid for ourselves.
I'm glad that these discussions happen. I went on a trip in my 20's and the world is better for it as it changed my perspectives on the world and my place in it. I see the difference in my approach to the world vs. those who have never left their own culture. But many will go on these trips and not gain those perspectives, and certainly the points made here are valid. I think it can be good if there is a sense of call (vs. "we do a trip every year") and I think the one week in and out can be an issue. You barely have a chance to acclimate before you are heading home again. Definitely hard to build any kind of relationship. My first trip was a month long, and I am grateful for that.
This is so good. Challenging and yet creates a self evaluation without condemnation. Our heart will deceive us if we aren’t looking to the word on what service looks like. Paul served in the communities like it was his actual employment. 100% effort.
I CANNOT TELL YOU!!!!! QUITE LITERALLY YOUR BEST VIDEO!!!! I’m an ex-leader (worst youth pastor wife ever) precisely because of my stance on things like this. Thank you for slaughtering the sacred cow.
I always wanted to go on a missions trip when I was younger, but it never worked out. From costing to much, to having to raise thousands of dollars yourself or not being "picked" to go, it just never happened. The one where I wasn't "picked" though was weird and still gives me weird vibes. I was in my late teens and we were attending a church and they announced a mission trip to somewhere like Thailand (or a place around there) and if people felt called, to apply to go on this trip. I applied and was initially accepted. Then one Sunday, they suddenly announced that it would be to dangerous for women to go on this trip and that only men could go! A bunch of old men (in their 50's, 60's and maybe 70's) ended up going. It was just weird and the pictures from the trip were weird and I'm not even sure what they did! Some people did question it and we eventually left that church. But it really seems like they used the guise of a mission trip for another type of trip...I sincerely hope not, but I still remember the creepy vibes I got from it!
That sounds interesting. Honestly you can do missions for so much cheaper and longer. I am currently in Honduras loving every day of my work and have saved so much money
This reminds me a of a lady I used to know who paid and raised thousands of dollars to fly all the way across the country to walk in some "a-thon" for a medical charity to "raise awareness." I wanted to tell her, Honey, I promise you people are already aware and all that money would be better spent sending it directly to the charity instead of spending it on a plane ticket, food, accommodations, transportation, etc so you can feel good about yourself and get a couple of pics for your fb.
Man the way you making these sketches real reminiscent of the book of Jeremiah to me ❤ many blessings. Ironic comedy is funny in a tragic wake up call sorta way
Sad that much of this is true, except the Ark Encounter reference -- that place is great and worth a visit (just remember it's a theme park from a Christian perspective, not meant to be a mission trip)
@@seedsoflove7684 Our American pride and taking everything for granted. us being spoiled entitled people and we dont even realize it. we just expect certain things that others have no idea of
I've never understood why local churches don't invest in 'mission trips' in neighborhoods right next door to many of our nice buildings? Build relationships with your true neighbors. Don't become exclusive. Yes, not everything will be received, but to opt for expensive foreign mission trips just isn't always good stewardship. Take your church funds and re-alocate them to your literal neighbors. Not just on Thanksgiving or Christmas. As a foreign Missionary myself living in Central America the church here often mimics what happens in the first world and it is often not good. Some of us are called to be like Paul and travel abroad to bring the Gospel, but the majority can and should be discipling our neighbors through word and deed. Blessings 🙏🏻❤️
Amazing! I laughed so hard! I loved going on short term missions’ trips as a teen - never did the construction ones though. Any other Teen Mania People in these comments?
My former church just announced they are debt free today (after getting the PPP loan last year and undoubtedly getting everyone in attendances stimulus checks) wonderful right 😐
Every bit of this is so true!!!!! These people think they need to go halfway around the world to do mission trips or to witness when they do not know the name of their next door neighbor or have not shared the gospel with them. They will ask they friends and family to pray, donate money for them to go, or go with them. Total waste of time and resources. Send money to the local church/mission in that country if you are so led to do so. For heaven's sake, if you are a Dr. nurse, Dentist or some health care provider, give to them to go to some forsaken 3rd world hell hole, but don't ask me for money for your pity vacation!!!
I know a local dentist. Just give $ to your missionary to find a good dentist. Well, depends where it is. Maybe some remote places need a dentist to go in. Still a local would be better. Less risk of a local getting hurt, sick, confused, lost, or kidnapped. But the mission trips can work and do change ppl's lives. I became a full time missionary bc of it. Been here for 20 yrs now.
I think which organization is in charge makes a difference. I went with teen missions for 3 years and it was like the military. We did actual work for 2 months, learned and quizzed 40 bible verses, went through boot camp. Had many rules to keep up cultural relations. But, I know that not all trips are so intense
If we are honest, short term mission trips, especially youth mission trips to a third world country, are really for the benefit of the ones going, not the ones being "ministered to". If you have never been to a third world country, it will open your eyes to a world where people are really in need and, hopefully, it gives you a heart to care about people outside of our extremely blessed nation. I think everyone should go once, and I have donated to support those going on their first mission trip. I see it as an investment in the individual. Beyond that first trip, however, I prefer to support overseas missions that are meeting a need that can't be met locally (like medical missions, disaster relief, organizations that are funding local projects, etc) and training and equipping local pastors, missionaries, and churches (like Gospel for Asia, Surge Project, etc) to do the work themselves. If we can train 10 local missionaries (who already know the language and customs) to do the same type work as 1 American missionary family for the same cost, then it just seems like you are being a better steward of the resources God has blessed you with as you are getting a greater return on your investment.
Not a comic skit an honest report. A church I formerly served spent $20k to send a team of 4 to paint a school house and do crafts in a "VBS". I have developed a deep disdain for STMT
$1000 for materials and food for locals. $10,000 for airfare. $4,000 for room, board, local transportation for 10 days. Even that is a lot. Just send the $1000. Or more, as now u have $19,000 in spare change.
As an African , I am glad one of you figured it out because when some of us said it, we were told that we were ungrateful. Read the book: When Helping Hurts to find out more. Blessings
Watch the documentary “Poverty, Inc.” Excellent.
Comms Company, yeah it's frustrating that people called you ungrateful. And thank you for the book recommendation! I have been looking for books like that since I read Serving With Eyes Wide Open and Foreign to Familiar. These were super helpful to get a fresh perspective on mission work when too much nonsense is out there.
👍🏼
I am so ashamed as a western white Christian. I am so sorry
It's the trick of colonialism. I bring you something that you really don't need but I've convinced you o think you need, so I can set up shop and create my own space in your area because -- how on earth are you going to manage what "we" provide.
All I can say is OUCH!!!! So many things sting in this video because they hit home on so many levels. Picking up the drill was hilarious. The video was great at the same time painful to watch so good for you John on making us all honestly evaluate why we do the things we do and still call it missons.
More entitled than Karen before the apps come out at Apple Bees 😂
Trust in Jesus Christ, Trust in Jesus Christ, don’t store your treasures on earth where they will perish, but store them in Heaven with Jesus who will raise us up at the last day.. those who trust in Him , get right with God today
@@logistician1376 Trust in Jesus Christ, don’t store your treasures on earth where they will perish, but store them in Heaven with Jesus who will raise us up at the last day.. those who trust in Him , get right with God today
Man, this one hits home - 10 years ago I went on basically this trip to Guatamala. Sure, we worked hard, but not as hard as the 3-4 local workers who probably did 60% of the work. So much of this video is true, sadly.
Well at least yall working together. Rather than telling them they need you to do it and that they can't/shouldn't get involved or something ridiculous like that
Hi Josh! Jeje I saw that in the first year I met Callie. I told her, but get upset with me. 😅 Now we are 100% agree with that.
Have you ever read "When helping hurts"? It's a good one
@@estuardolopezperez2907 It's a tough subject, right? You don't want to discourage people from helping, but the plane tickets alone for so many people make it impractical, financially. It didn't hit me until I went on a trip myself.
It's a feel good trip because financially it makes no sense. Never understood why and now you nailed it.
Especially since other people pay for it...the young people going get a nice international vacation ..
This is so relevant.... I've taken missions trips and my program leader was adamant that our trip was principally for the benefit of us. That our impact as a short term missions crew is minimal. That emphasis I think is what you need. There's nothing wrong with a group of students going on a cross-cultural trip to interact with what Christianity looks like in a different part of the world. But when you act like you're saving the village, then you're only focused on yourself.
Interesting
This. totally this. 100% agree. A little perspective is what is needed. I went on a trip like this as a teen, with an organisation that promised us we were making a huge difference. By the end it became clear that they were running a youth ministry not helping the poor. We need to be honest and call things out for what they are. Cross-cultural trips are great, but let's not pretend we are saving the world.
Yep! Changed my life to go on my first missions trip. I did so little, just participated in a camp and revival, and I hope I encouraged a few people but it was so eye opening for me! I love giving to my church’s missions program more and more.
So true! It's teaching the kids that this will be a memory forever, and could really lead them into their destiny, but if we think we will have a long term impact, well not really.. unless someone gets saved and they start a church in their community.. then it's a life long impact.
Isn’t the point of a “mission” to spread the word, AKA convert people? Yes, yes it is.
Bwaaaaaa as a missionary who lives in Guatemala full time...I'm dying!!!! Love this!!!
In a world full of raunchy ungodly riffs, this guy is a hilarious, life saver.
When things get like this you know modern youth ministry needs reform
Modern? Been like this for at least the last couple decades
@@scottdurfee2417 Interesting perspective if 20 years ago is not modern. You must be a teen.
@@scottdurfee2417 exactly
I went on this trip over 30 years ago LOL
Modern ministry in general needs reform. Because people have come to listen more to the opinions of man than what the Bible actually commands. And where in Scripture do we see youth group or youth pastors? We don't. We see elders, deacons, and everyone else. We see an emphasis on being responsible for the plank in our own eye before we pick flecks out of others'; on the young listening to their elders and the elders also being open to the wisdom that God can give to the young. Modern Christian culture (at least its Western version) is full of unbiblical compartmentalizing.
This is spot on! After being in missions for several years, you start to dread the Summer and the weekend missions groups it brings. The school would get painted 3x per summer and everyone would do a summer camp. But the long term missionaries and local church staff would have to do most of the leg work and get yelled at by the short term group when the unreasonable expectations didn't get met.
If you're going to do a missions trip ask the local church or the long term missionaries what you can do to help them, don't just assume you know what they need.
Short term trips are pretty hard on locals and missionaries. I know, i am one.
I’ve often heard that short term trips hurt more than help. One group I read about said that after the short term trip left they couldn’t get the kids to come back because the outsiders brought all sorts of technology with them that the locals didn’t have. Obviously not all short-term trips are useless but lots of them are. We need a more critical eye for why we do what we do.
@@aaroncrim1929 i had a 20 yr old american flirt with my teenage boys. Exchange emails. I had a local email one of my friends/ supporters who had come and ask for $. It was a mess.
I grew up as an MK, and we never had short term trips come out, (Africa is too scary for short termers) but some friends of ours would have a group from the university they're affiliated with every summer, solely for the student's benefit, and their presence was encouraging and refreshing for us, to see new westerners and speak English to people lol.
If you go on a short term trip, the only people you can actually help is the long term missionaries, and only if you're humble about it
@@GunnarSalyer I bet Africa can be scary in certain parts, but you find your short termers there. Especially in places like Uganda
As someone who grew up in church and went on multiple mission trips this was true even in the '90's. I cannot imagine a mission trip in 2022. Thank you for this real awareness John!
God bless everyone reading this!!
Youth group mission trips = Spring Break with an hour of hammering and selfies every day.
This is 100% true. When I was in high school, we went down to Mexico to build a house for a family. That's all well and good, but like, why not donate the money for the locals to build it and boost the economy?
Going back every year to repaint it🤣🤣🤣
Went on a short term mission trip where we worked at local medical clinics. Straight up, we were told "we are using your American-ness to attract people here." The locals had done the advertising before we got there, and then when people would come to the clinic they were offered to hear about the gospel. I found that model super interesting and honest. We weren't there to save anyone. We were just a conduit for the locals to reach their community and doubled as free labor for a week.
A friend of mine who works for a NGO explained to me how damaging these “mission trips” were to the local economy. (Not just the youth groups) How taking jobs from local people, how the extra people stress the infrastructure, even the trips to orphanages… Bonding with a child & then disappearing is a horrible thing to do. I will not donate to trips. A long term commitment to live I will consider… anything less is for you, & you alone.
Agreed!
Very true!
How do you feel about groups that go, work with local pastors, give water filtration systems, do crusades where the Gospel is taught, and people come to Christ? Since working with local pastors, churches grow, others are established, and there is follow up with these pastors.
@@kimberlyrandyfuqua1091 obviously that is different. I would do my own research on the organization. I do donate, I admit most of my focus is locally. Yet, I have donated internationally in the past.
Only in capitalism that free stuff makes people poorer.
Reminds me of the summer years ago where it was announced that our Youth Group was gonna go up to West Virginia for a week to work on two houses of Poor, elderly people in some little town. Being disabled, poor, and older, I went to the YG Leader and asked about the kids coming and doing XYZ at my place, pointing out that it would greatly help me AND they would have an opportunity to serve right here in their own "backyard". The YG Leader scowled at me, said,
"Well, THAT'S WORK!! If you need that stuff done, you need to hire someone to do it!"
Being poor, I didn't HAVE the money to hire anyone!! I learned a valuable lesson, DON'T ASK FOR HELP At your church!!
And, No, I don't go there anymore. I eventually left.
Today's "church" (no denomination in particular) is NOT The First Century Church we read about in Dr. Luke's Book of Acts.
JC nailed it perfectly here.
(Pardon the pun. Wasn't deliberate)
Was it a big church like a McDonald’s church or whatever? I’ve been with smaller churches that had more going on than you’d think, then I’ve been with the big churches in town where it’s sort of corporate or dare I say shallow. It’s an interesting dichotomy of values albeit the prevailing intention of most christians is still to serve (be more Christ-like).
@Jay Edlington, actually no!! We were a small church here in Ga.
You’re correct. Today’s church functions very differently from the Biblical example that you mentioned.
Churches here do local community help days, like building a wheelchair ramp for an old lady or painting someone's house, etc. Sorry you weren't helped.
That's so sad. I'm sorry that happened.
I was at Ark Encounters in Kentucky, it's awesome.. GO!!!
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING LIGHT TO THIS ISSUE.
OMG this is spot on! When I lived in Nicaragua the locals would just smile at all the youth mission groups in their matching T-shirts and happily take their tourist money to spend on things they actually needed.
What does the
O _ _ stand for? Oh right, Oh my Ghandi 🤨.
@@lee-lee2418 chill
@@Goat.Cheese nope, blocked 🙂
🤣
@@lee-lee2418 aww I'm so sad that you blocked me. Please come back...lol
Spot on. The one thing he didn't touch on is that many do this sort of thing to pad out the "Service" line item on their resume for college admission.
This is so painfully true hahah I remember going to Mexico for my youth group mission trip. All I remember was filling potholes with rocks and being told not to drink or eat the food the locals give.
Really connecting with the people there. hey people dont you understand? we are Americans we are better than you are. we cant be eating your food or drinking your water. by the way did you know that Jesus loves you? ......Okay
@@loyevangelists if you've never been to Mexico, you probably don't know that you'll get major diarrhea from drinking the water.
Wow!
@@loyevangelists so sad 😞
My sister and hubby used to be pastors. They went to Mexico every year with a group. I wondered how the locals news got hold of that fact, then realized my sis and hubby had told the news. She was arrogant then and is arrogant now. My sis claims she is saved but 34 years of her tells me she is not saved. NO FRUIT.
When I was on my senior missions trip, I and several others with servants hearts wanted to do more, and were envious of a gal who was setting up showers and gave free haircuts. We were usually stuck at the camp and only allowed to help a few churches and put up a wall to a family s house. Everyone else around us acted like they were on vacation and barely wanted to do anything which ticked us off even more. I would volunteer to help prepare meals and sack lunches with the adults while my peers sat around talking about going to the beach. Yes, seeing new places is fun and nice...but I was told we were there to serve others. That's why I often encourage families to have their kids help at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, hospitals, halfway houses, or memorials to seve as a form of missions because it's not like we have people who need help here too? Yes, visiting other countries is commendable, and I do approve of them! My family has a history of missionaries, but...what I don't approve of are people who have the wrong intentions.
In my college class we are literally learning about how harmful these kinds of mission trips can be! I will be sending this to my classmates 😂
"These kids are gonna be wearing Teva sandals..." lol🤣🤣🤣
I've been on a missions trip like this and literally thought to myself "what are we even doing here?"
We love you John! Your talent is truly amazing. Way funnier than a lot out there! You're like the Lucille Ball of Christian comedy!
“Have you even been to college?”
“Bro I’m a youth pastor.”
“Hm makes sense.”
As a youth pastor’s kid this is hilarious
🤣🤣🤣
@Jason Shoots 😂
Some youth pastor do go to college I believe
Killer scuba diving down there🤣🤣🤣
I'm glad John is making these videos with great ironic humor. All these mega business "churches" have strayed so far from what it means to be the be the hands and feet of God.
Small local churches do that kind of feel good mission trips too. My old local church, which is a small congregation, did that. They hired some kind of 3rd party 'mission' organizer who arranged everything down to the t-shirts. Not just mega churches is what I'm saying.
I always questioned those feel good short term mission trips. Thanks for the validation! You can be sure something is amiss when there are third party organizations that 'offer mission trips' like they're selling tour packages. T-shirts are included. My old church did one of those. I was sad I couldn't go, but now I'm so glad.
" Get out now!" 😂😂
Lol my family is from Guatemala. These kids won’t be having jet lag since we are in the same time zone lol. At least central time zone is
That is hilarious!! 😂
I knew I was doing the right thing staying home and just donating money.
I went on several short term trips as a youth and it forever impacted my faith seeing Christ at work in people of every tribe, language and nation. It deepened my understanding of His church and people worshipping and serving Him beyond America. It moved and inspired me with empathy to pray for the amazing saints around the world who are sold out to sharing the gospel & their lives far from their comfort zone as overseas missionaries. It’s all about the heart and maturity of the kids. Some of them may go and not “get it” until later. I am glad kids didn’t yet have cell phones at my age then as phones and other tech stuff are best kept home on trips like this to stay tuned into what matters most. I can definitely still laugh and understand the irony of this video’s many truths though. :)
Very much depends on the true purpose of the trip. My brother, sister and I have gone for 3 month trips, basically what our visas would allow, and actually worked. It’s a very beneficial experience done in the right way.
he called out the youth kids 😮💨😂
@Nehemiah Watson, AND the "Youth Pastors" and all the church members who support this nonsense!!
I love your content. You are so funny and ur videos make my day 😊
Yes! Finally someone says the obvious about these wildly wasteful, misguided, vanity "mission" work trips! Egads they're awful.
😂Oh dear this hits home😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
Take the Noah’s ark thing back.. right now.
🤣🤣 seriously I've been meaning to visit that
Agreed. I've been to it and it is a great place! Highly recommended. Should be on everyone's bucket list!
We live in Kentucky and my husband lost it at that line 🤣🤣
I know, it is an amazing site; that was obviously a sarcasm 😉.
Yeah that “Noah’s Ark thing in Kentucky” is pretty cool!
As a missionary myself, I found this hilarious and sadly some what true. The way I look at it is that part of my mission is ministering to those that come. Most have the best of intentions and the natives are encouraged by them coming and serving. And I’ve witnessed first hand how much it can change those that come, oftentimes more than those they came to serve.
Very funny sketch though!
Spot on! This couldn’t be more accurate. Send them the $$$ and do the rehab projects at home for the poor and homeless.
Amen!!
The ARK encounter is actually an amazing investment and a fantastic tool! Encourage everyone to visit the site and the creation museum.
My family loves the ark. Such a huge reminder of the scale and reality of the universe and Bible.
People.. Noah’s ark didn’t save ALL animals from a global flood.. Nor was the earth created 6-8K years ago over a period of 6 days. It is intellectually dishonest to pass on the idea that the earth is young and that Noah saved all animals from a global flood.
I am a Christian but cannot stand for this nonsense. God created the universe and we should use science to learn more about his beautiful creation. Jews from 3-5K years ago hardly knew anything about their world and family stories are good for teaching lessons but not scientific facts.
@@edlingja1 I know a lot of people think the way you do. But as a scientist, a mathematian, an engineer, and a Christian, biblical account of creation and the flood makes the numbers work out so much better than the popular evolution fairy-tale. I urge you to open your mind and visit the creation museum and the Ark Encounter. Plan on spending a whole day at each location, as there is a lot to read and consider. The Bible and your relationship with God will become more real and deeper.
Will pray for you Jay.
@@edlingja1 yeah - I was raised Christian but am now more atheist than anything else. But even I think it makes sense if you believe in God or a creator that they created science as a tool with which to build the universe and everything in it. I mean I'm wearing contact lenses, for Pete's sake! A tiny, primitive, ignorant, superstitious, uneducated tribe in the desert thousands of years ago couldn't have even comprehend the idea of that (well maybe they could, but you know, it would be amazing to them and hopefully pretty cool to know humanity progresses like that ....eventually). And Don't get me started on the Church's role in stifling scientific progress over the past two millennia. I mean people were jailed, tortured and killed trying to understand and progress science - for thousands of years.
And as for believing stories like Noah's Ark are real is not just intellectually dishonest, it's intellectually lazy - unethical even - as it teaches to the kids - AND adults - that believing in nonsense is okay even in the face of scientific fact and reality and that's not okay because that kind of "thinking" can prevent real solutions and progress needed by real people and our community and world. You don't need to "believe" or have "faith" when there is proven scientific fact.
I don't consider people who "believe" the claims of the old testament as the same as scientific fact to be "Christian". I call them "biblical literalists".
- Only they're hypocritical in that too as they only take the things from the old testament literally that serve their purpose or what they want to believe - like no one "believes" eating shellfish is an "abomination" or sin, and unless you're Muslim or an Orthodox Jew, we eat pork products, and we don't stone to death teenagers that talk back or "dishonor or disrespect" their parents, etc. etc. etc. The Bible is full of examples the biblical literalists conveniently cherry pick and choose to believe while just disregarding the rest.
Christians to me, true Christians, are people who just try to take the lessons of Jesus to heart and as a way to inform their ethics and practice them in how they treat others and make the world better through their daily thoughts, behavior and actions. In that sense, I know plenty of atheists and agnostics who resemble Christians more than a lot of people who claim to be Christian.
@@edlingja1 saved 2 of each animal, probably babies.
Excellent satire! You are spot on.
Pretty sure it's a documentary.
Thank you for exposing the b.s. of these mission trips! Seen these overprivileged narcissist from western counties who call themselves “Christian” back in my country. It was disgusting realizing what they really do. This topic needs to be talked about more!
I've been on both ends of this..lol!🤣
I've never been on one but the people I've talked to who have been on these trips, have all said that their trip was life-changing and very humbling. I think it's really good for American kids to get a taste of how people in other countries have it, as a lesson in gratitude and humility. BUT, only as long as it can be done in a way that their presence doesn't cause an undue burden on the people who live there. Also, every kid should only be allowed to take a burner phone with no internet for emergencies, which the youth leader holds onto most of the time and they're not allowed to post pics on social media. The mission trip we really need kids to do is a work retreat with no phones, no internet, Period. They have to learn to read books, write letters and actually talk to each other...for like a month hahaha. I'm a mean old lady aren't I lol.
Thank you!! I've thought that way for years. Though missionaries can be encouraged by visitor's and sometimes young people return humbled after a missions trip and observing 3rd world true poverty. It's better to send the funds and hire local worker's for building projects.
Best line: "Great commission..."
This is the best most accurate video I’ve ever seen in my life lol
You hit a home run on his one!!!! I have been saying this for years. I worked for years at the Miami Airport. These missionary groups were always flying through on their way to Central and South America. Pasty white soft American teenagers on their way to a Third World country thinking they're doing good. The big positive out of all this is the education and exposure and hopefully eye opening that all the sheltered American teens receive.
We question these youth trips all the time!
This is wonderful!!!
The answer in genesis ark is auctually cool!
Love you John
There’s definitely painful truth here. But there’s also ways to do it right. There’s ways to help by empowering the community. One of the most important part of mission trips is that it brings in new donors. People get personally invested and want to continue to help the orphanage or wherever the place is. Without money, you can’t do much to help.
I laughed until I remembered the last mission trip kids from our church went to. I think they painted a few things, apparently spent most of their time in some kind of strange worship services. Came back home and they and their advisors who went with them started insisting that we do the same kind of thing. Nearly tore our church apart and closed the doors. Yay, missions trips.
the neon shirts omg 😂
🤣🤣🤣
I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help build a school - I think.
It’s been about ten years.
There wasn’t a camera crew, and the local missionary already had people - we were just there to help.
There was a little sight seeing in the town we stayed in, a little shopping, but nothing extravagant.
Plus we paid for ourselves.
I'm glad that these discussions happen. I went on a trip in my 20's and the world is better for it as it changed my perspectives on the world and my place in it. I see the difference in my approach to the world vs. those who have never left their own culture. But many will go on these trips and not gain those perspectives, and certainly the points made here are valid. I think it can be good if there is a sense of call (vs. "we do a trip every year") and I think the one week in and out can be an issue. You barely have a chance to acclimate before you are heading home again. Definitely hard to build any kind of relationship. My first trip was a month long, and I am grateful for that.
These youth trips have basically become paid for vacations by family and friends.
I’ve aggravated more than a few making these same counter points
Well said and funny too!
You will be absolutely targeted for this!!! 🙏🏾❤💯
This needs to be addressed
This is so good. Challenging and yet creates a self evaluation without condemnation. Our heart will deceive us if we aren’t looking to the word on what service looks like.
Paul served in the communities like it was his actual employment. 100% effort.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! John...I just...Whew...Brilliantly done once again! 15 year old me remembers these days fondly hahaha!
So true! "Misson " trips should be helping your community.
I CANNOT TELL YOU!!!!!
QUITE LITERALLY YOUR BEST VIDEO!!!!
I’m an ex-leader (worst youth pastor wife ever) precisely because of my stance on things like this.
Thank you for slaughtering the sacred cow.
I always wanted to go on a missions trip when I was younger, but it never worked out. From costing to much, to having to raise thousands of dollars yourself or not being "picked" to go, it just never happened. The one where I wasn't "picked" though was weird and still gives me weird vibes. I was in my late teens and we were attending a church and they announced a mission trip to somewhere like Thailand (or a place around there) and if people felt called, to apply to go on this trip. I applied and was initially accepted. Then one Sunday, they suddenly announced that it would be to dangerous for women to go on this trip and that only men could go! A bunch of old men (in their 50's, 60's and maybe 70's) ended up going. It was just weird and the pictures from the trip were weird and I'm not even sure what they did! Some people did question it and we eventually left that church. But it really seems like they used the guise of a mission trip for another type of trip...I sincerely hope not, but I still remember the creepy vibes I got from it!
I was thinking that may be the real reason too. So gross.
That sounds interesting. Honestly you can do missions for so much cheaper and longer. I am currently in Honduras loving every day of my work and have saved so much money
WOw, lots of old men to to thailand for sex.
Brilliant commentary on Youth Group Vacation “Mission Trips.”
John was picking up lumber in a clip a few days ago and now a drill, he fixin to tear something up 😅
This reminds me a of a lady I used to know who paid and raised thousands of dollars to fly all the way across the country to walk in some "a-thon" for a medical charity to "raise awareness." I wanted to tell her, Honey, I promise you people are already aware and all that money would be better spent sending it directly to the charity instead of spending it on a plane ticket, food, accommodations, transportation, etc so you can feel good about yourself and get a couple of pics for your fb.
Man the way you making these sketches real reminiscent of the book of Jeremiah to me ❤ many blessings. Ironic comedy is funny in a tragic wake up call sorta way
This is everything. The Teva sandals 😂
Sad that much of this is true, except the Ark Encounter reference -- that place is great and worth a visit (just remember it's a theme park from a Christian perspective, not meant to be a mission trip)
I was thinking the same thing. Thanks for posting this. Glad you noticed this too.
I thought the whole mission thing was just for the joke but then I learned that’s an actual thing happening in the way described here. Wow.
As an Easter European it is so interesting to see these videos. I just cant relate. You guys are like a different planet.
You have no idea...
As an American what is Europe is that like some sort of protestant or political philosophy/party?
Praying for peace with Russia
What can u not relate to specifically?
@@seedsoflove7684 Our American pride and taking everything for granted. us being spoiled entitled people and we dont even realize it. we just expect certain things that others have no idea of
This is hilarious, especially since my son was a youth pastor for at least 25 years. They went to Mexico many times.
I've never understood why local churches don't invest in 'mission trips' in neighborhoods right next door to many of our nice buildings? Build relationships with your true neighbors. Don't become exclusive. Yes, not everything will be received, but to opt for expensive foreign mission trips just isn't always good stewardship. Take your church funds and re-alocate them to your literal neighbors. Not just on Thanksgiving or Christmas. As a foreign Missionary myself living in Central America the church here often mimics what happens in the first world and it is often not good. Some of us are called to be like Paul and travel abroad to bring the Gospel, but the majority can and should be discipling our neighbors through word and deed. Blessings 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you for this.
Amazing! I laughed so hard! I loved going on short term missions’ trips as a teen - never did the construction ones though. Any other Teen Mania People in these comments?
I was apart of Teen Mania, went to Costa Rica
The problem with deception is that people don’t realise that they are deceived!!
That’s why it’s deception
My former church just announced they are debt free today (after getting the PPP loan last year and undoubtedly getting everyone in attendances stimulus checks) wonderful right 😐
My church goes to Guatemala every year to help at an orphanage there. This year they worked on fixing up places in a village.
Every bit of this is so true!!!!! These people think they need to go halfway around the world to do mission trips or to witness when they do not know the name of their next door neighbor or have not shared the gospel with them. They will ask they friends and family to pray, donate money for them to go, or go with them. Total waste of time and resources. Send money to the local church/mission in that country if you are so led to do so. For heaven's sake, if you are a Dr. nurse, Dentist or some health care provider, give to them to go to some forsaken 3rd world hell hole, but don't ask me for money for your pity vacation!!!
I know a local dentist. Just give $ to your missionary to find a good dentist. Well, depends where it is. Maybe some remote places need a dentist to go in. Still a local would be better. Less risk of a local getting hurt, sick, confused, lost, or kidnapped. But the mission trips can work and do change ppl's lives. I became a full time missionary bc of it. Been here for 20 yrs now.
Let's not get into details 😂😂😂😂
Nailed it!
I think which organization is in charge makes a difference. I went with teen missions for 3 years and it was like the military. We did actual work for 2 months, learned and quizzed 40 bible verses, went through boot camp. Had many rules to keep up cultural relations.
But, I know that not all trips are so intense
God help us all. Amen.
Youth pastors, please see the truth in this video and act on it accordingly!
If we are honest, short term mission trips, especially youth mission trips to a third world country, are really for the benefit of the ones going, not the ones being "ministered to". If you have never been to a third world country, it will open your eyes to a world where people are really in need and, hopefully, it gives you a heart to care about people outside of our extremely blessed nation. I think everyone should go once, and I have donated to support those going on their first mission trip. I see it as an investment in the individual. Beyond that first trip, however, I prefer to support overseas missions that are meeting a need that can't be met locally (like medical missions, disaster relief, organizations that are funding local projects, etc) and training and equipping local pastors, missionaries, and churches (like Gospel for Asia, Surge Project, etc) to do the work themselves. If we can train 10 local missionaries (who already know the language and customs) to do the same type work as 1 American missionary family for the same cost, then it just seems like you are being a better steward of the resources God has blessed you with as you are getting a greater return on your investment.
“Get out.”
🤣🤣
I literally just texted my church and was like we don’t do stuff like this right 🧐🧐😳😳
Haha. Hopefully not
I missed you!!!
FINALLY someone said it this well.
Not a comic skit an honest report. A church I formerly served spent $20k to send a team of 4 to paint a school house and do crafts in a "VBS". I have developed a deep disdain for STMT
$1000 for materials and food for locals. $10,000 for airfare. $4,000 for room, board, local transportation for 10 days. Even that is a lot. Just send the $1000. Or more, as now u have $19,000 in spare change.
It really does seem like just an excuse for a vacation (or to get away from their wife if they’re married).
Funny because it’s true. 25 years of youth ministry nailed in a four minute video
Accurate 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is actually very true!