Why long term?
In recent years the world of mission has been largely characterised by short-term mission trips which see Christians go overseas for periods of a few weeks to a couple of months. While we believe that these trips are beneficial and a valuable way of demonstrating God’s love for his people, longer-term service is required if real, lasting relationships are to be built. In the countries which make up the Interserve world lasting friendships – surely the best way to demonstrate God’s love for people – require a significant investment of time.
Culture shock!
It is also true that the cultures within which our Partners live and work are significantly different from Western cultures. Learning how to live and work in a totally different culture requires a lot of time, energy and prayer, yet this cultural knowledge is essential if our lives are to honour the countries in which we serve.
For these reasons the main focus of Interserve’s ministry is our long-term work. We cannot hope to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the peoples of Asia and the Arab World if we spend only a few weeks or months living alongside them.