Picture it: a bus full of well-meaning Adventists, suitcases stuffed with donated clothes, and hearts bursting with “we’re gonna save the world!” energy. Noble, yes. But also… a little messy.
Because here’s the truth: we don’t need to rescue everyone. We need to show up.
The Problem With the Old Script
For decades, some mission trips have unintentionally leaned into a “savior complex” — that subtle (or not-so-subtle) belief that we, as outsiders, know better.
We parachute in with our pre-packed agendas.
We assume the locals need our fixes more than our friendship.
We check boxes instead of building relationships.
And somehow, despite all our good intentions, the impact often falls short.
Travel Light
What if we reimagined mission trips?
Pack humility before snacks.
Carry curiosity, not assumptions.
Prioritize listening over lecturing.
Celebrate local leadership instead of dominating every decision.
Mission work then becomes less about us “saving” and more about joining in what God is already doing.
Less Awkward, More Alive
The awkward colonial vibes fade when we:
Admit we don’t have all the answers.
Learn from the people we came to serve.
Encourage local solutions instead of imposing ours.
We stop seeing mission trips as a checklist and start seeing them as shared journeys of learning, growth, and mutual respect.
The Invitation
So next time you pack your bags for service:
Leave the ego behind.
Bring your listening ears.
Make space for local voices to lead.
Because the world doesn’t need more “rescuers.” It needs more partners, learners, and friends.
That’s exactly the kind of mission work Adventism was meant to do.
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