I never expected to be an advocate for short-term service trips. As a matter of fact, after reading the two excellent books “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and “Toxic Charity” by Robert Lupton, I took the opposite approach and actively discouraged these types of trips. However, after stepping outside my comfort zone, living in Mexico for four years and interacting with groups on short-term service trips, I have a much better perspective on the value these trips can bring….

In my mind, short-term service trips matter in three primary ways. First, they matter to the receiver. There trips allow groups to build projects, paint walls, bring food and money and otherwise aid the group they are serving. Second, they matter to the relationship and Christian bonds between the giver and the receiver. Finally, they matter to the giver, oftentimes walks away with a life-changing service experience….

If this resonates with you, if you are interested in reciprocal service where you both give and receive, or if you or a family member might benefit from stepping outside your comfort zone to see and taste new experiences, then I would love to talk. Email me.