Ten Commandments for Short-Term Missionaries

 

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1. You shall refrain from expecting to find things as they are at home, for you have left your home to find different things.  

2. You shall not take anything too seriously. Accepting things as they are paves the way for a good mission trip.

3. You shall not let other group members get on your nerves. You raised good money and set aside this time. So, enjoy yourself.

4. You shall not forget that you represent your home country and the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. You shall not be overly worried. The person who worries has no pleasures. Few things people worry about are ever fatal.

6. Remember your passport (or other identification document) so that you know where it is at all times. A person without documents is a person without a country.

7. Blessed is the person who says "thank you" in any language. This is worth more than tips.

8. If in difficulty, use common sense and your native friendliness.

9. Do not judge all Mexicans by the one person with whom you have had trouble.

10. Remember, you are a guest in Mexico. He who treats his host with respect shall be treated as an honored guest.

 

Okay, so these aren't the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. These principles are, however, foundational to success in short-term cross-cultural experiences. So, breaking them can spoil your short-term experience and even tarnish your witness for Christ.