I am skeptical when it comes to short-term humanitarian aid
/ mission trips. I’ll admit it.
This skepticism stems from the fact that I have been on some
bad (and when I say bad, I mean REALLY BAD) short-term trips. And yet, in 11 days I leave for Ethiopia on
my very own short-term trip. Why am I
going? Well… Despite the amount of
terrible trips, there have also been some good ones.
I have learned over the years that a good short-term trip
requires 4 elements: A need, something to offer that need, local support, and continued
partnership. Without these 4, we are
wasting our money and time.
How does my trip meet these 4 Elements? I am so glad you asked…
What is the need?
Care for HIV / AIDS victims.
Doctors, medicine and continued medical care is expensive. Furthermore, the emotional and spiritual impact
of having a deadly, incurable, disease is certainly devastating to most people and
their families.
What do we have to
offer?
We will be traveling with a group of Doctors and Nurses from
Menlo Park Presbyterian. Through
Ethiopia ACT, we will be hosting medical clinics where these Medical
Professionals will be able to offer their services free of charge. In addition, I will be able to utilize
my pastoral background by counseling and praying for many of these
individuals. Through these clinics we
are able to help Ethiopia ACT build relationships within the community - better
relationships equates to more trust and more people being cared for within
Ethiopia.
“When teams hold community-wide clinics and care for the sickest and most needy people living in the neighborhoods we serve, they not only bring medical care to people who desperately need that care, they also build up our relationship with the local government and build our visibility and credibility with the wider community.” – Andy Warren, ACT Program Director
What happens to the
people I meet and help?
On this trip I will be able to meet and build relationships
with all sorts of people. I look forward
to praying with them and reminding them of the love that God has for them. But then what? Are they left to fend for their own? The beauty of Ethiopia ACT is that they are
there for the long haul. The care for
these people is tied to the local church.
This is an essential element to short term trips. When I leave, Ethiopia ACT will continue to
serve and love these people. They are
our local support.
What happens after
the trip?
My church, Redeemer, Orange County, is committed to the
ongoing care of HIV/ AIDS patients through Ethiopia Act. It is a sizable part our monthly budget and we
look forward to supporting them as they plant churches and care for
others. Yes, it feels good to help others but
this is so much more than feeling good about myself. It is about partnering with brothers and
sisters around the globe and sharing in one vision – the love of God, and the
love of others.
If you are interested in learning more about Ethiopia ACT
check out their website at: http://www.mtwact.org/
Or…
If you are interested in supporting financially you can
donate by check (made out to Redeemer Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 9708,
Newport Beach, CA 92658) or you can donate online at http://redeemeroc.org/ministries/global-partnership-donations/ (please
put my name in the memo).
