This Is Our City

My church does both. Once or twice each year we send teams to Central America to engage in building and other projects, but we also minister in the inner city, not only of our own general area (Columbus, OH), but also of others not close to home such as Cleveland. But in doing all this, we don't neglect our own suburban area, either (where people are spiritually needy). I realize that not all churches have our particular set of resources, but I think that the Lord provides what is needed for the task(s) to which He has called.

Excellent article. However, was any follow up made of the boy? or did he simply dissappear from the radar? God bless your efforts.

Very much agree with you, Doug. I have mentored several inner-city kids and have transported them to swim lessons at the only inner-city pool in Knoxville. I was so happy that UT Aquatic club did these for free and amazed at how many kids in the community had never been in a pool! I wound up overloading my car for several summers with kids and had to turn down many due to a lack of transportation. I agree with Chany(above) in that every time I see a movie from a returning youth STMT and ending with a middle-class student from the suburbs crying because they had to leave a "new friend" from a third world country, I think how many kids within a 15 mile radius are dying to have a new friend which have access anytime. I also have felt the pain of losing one of my "Martins" seemingly disappearing overnight. Thanks for the article.

Should we give up STMT's? Heck no. Should we consider our daily lives as mission? Heck yes. Serving those around us is vital.

Thank you! In addition to these important points is the concept of attachment and trust. You were able to build a relationship with Martin over a long time, showing him how to trust an adult. Whereas, on short-term mission trips, real relationships with the locals can't be formed. For local children -- especially in orphanages -- the caring adults leave over and over again. It becomes more difficult for children to learn to attach to and trust adults with each successive mission group because of that.