Lausanne World Pulse – Themed Articles – The Springboard of Short-term Missions
By Warren Janzen
March 2006
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I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was obvious by the suction cups that they were octopus tentacles. It was also obvious by the delight with which the pastor’s wife served them (cut up, in a large bowl, with chop sticks perched on the side) that I too was supposed to enjoy them. They looked raw, two-toned pinkish and like they would get stuck to the inside of my throat. Just then I remembered the time-tested wisdom of a friend: “When you get into a tricky situation, just think what a great story it will make!” They didn’t stick to my throat, the pastor’s wife was delighted to see me eat the entire bowlful and it was one more experience which helped me understand that I could adjust to a culture dissimilar to my own.
My short-term assignment in Osaka, Japan opened up for me the breadth of God’s creation. I was fascinated by the difference in the people and the culture. As I had to depend on God in various situations, I came to experience his power and leading in my own life. As I drew closer to God’s heart through his word, prayer, music and the experience of his creation, I felt my own heart propelled toward those whom he loves and for whom Jesus died. I was drawn toward those who had not yet heard the gospel.
At the very same time God was working in the heart of a young woman who was on a short-term assignment in a remote mission hospital in the mountains of western Nepal. Her life was changed through her service to people who often had to walk long distances to reach the clinic.
We both saw firsthand what God was doing in other countries. We both experienced the provision, the power and the protection of God in a variety of situations. Most of all, we saw the heart of God for his creation, and we bonded with that heart. God used these experiences to bring Dorothy, my wife, and I together and eventually to bring us to Japan where we served for over fifteen years with SEND International. Our experiences are not unusual. Over eighty percent of the SEND career members have had short-term experience. Their time overseas captured their hearts and refocused their minds.
Establishing a Ministry
In addition to the impact these trips have on individual missionaries, we have also seen a significant impact on whole ministries overseas. We’ve seen the investment of short-term teams as they establish a ministry. In Macedonia for example, Eric led a succession of short-term teams into this region. Through the teams, contacts were made, new ministries were opened and the first church planting work was established. Some of those short-term workers eventually returned as career members to form the core of our team there.
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Warren Janzen is general director of SEND International. Janzen served in Japan with SEND for fifteen years and as Japan area director for five years. He and his wife Dorothy are veteran church planters and experienced leadership trainers. |