Has anyone ever

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

I am seriously considering doing this, but fear that I'll be force feeding the Third World Christianity.

 

I already donate to World Vision, who are pissed that I don't send my adopted child Christmas or Easter cards.

 

Can anyone help me out? Advice, stories, etc.?

[St. Gabe 0]

It's not like that, depending on the church sponsoring the trip. I did missionary work in East Africa, including Djibouti: Hence the name... We went over, showed them what we believed in, experienced their culture, took surveys of locals regarding morality, culture and religion, and slept in youth Hostels. It was an overwhelming experience that has shaped my life in so many different ways, and never once did we force-convert anyone. It has been, up to this point, my defining moment, and an experience that will have endless impact on my life. If you are considring it, and trust the church you are going with to me non-judgment oriented and focused on education not indoctrination, then GO GO GO!!! It will be worth it.

 

Hope it works out for you.

 

gabe

[Guest SP-1]

Missionary work largely isn't about force conversion (nor should it ever be). Most sane churches send people over have genuinely been prodded to go by God for the business of helping people first, and sharing their faith by consequence. Sharing faith is always a priority goal, woven throughout the fabric of the hard work, but sharing faith isn't "conversion". The work itself is the concentration.

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Yeah...unfortunately, because of the media in the US, a lot of people give churches a negative rap, believing they want to force people to convert, or simply take their money, which for the most part is completely not true.

 

If you feel your heart is in it for the right reasons, and that you are being guided to do this, then you should go for it.

[Lord of The Curry 0]

God can prod people?

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Rarely. I don't like having to look her in the eye.

[Guest SP-1]

Yes, Curry. He most certainly can. Communication with and guidance from God through prayer are a part of the Christian life.

[SuperJerk 0]

I'm curious to know why God seems to guide so many people in conflicting directions.

[tekcop 0]

This thread was more interesting before you showed up, Robot Jerk.

 

I've always thought missionary was cool. I'm thinking about joining the Peace Corps after I graduate. Not the same thing, I know, but similar.

[Guest SP-1]

1. The validity of the claims.

 

2. Define the people groups you're talking about.

 

Blanket statements will get you nowhere. At least not with me. If you want to generalize then I'll just ignore you. If you want to argue, you'll be ignored. If you want to intelligently discuss, then that's great.