the good, the bad, the ugly of Singaporeans on a mission trip

In November and December we opened up Paaralang Pantao to various groups from Singapore who were keen to experience mission. Perhaps you're thinking of being part of a mission trip one day.. well here are things to consider.

Why would you come on this mission trip?
"I want to experience what a mission trip is like..." If this is your reason, don't come for one for the sake of the locals!!! It sounds more like such a person is here to look, see as a tourist would. To be an observer looking in from the outside. From a missionary's view, that's just rude. The poor, the disdavantaged, the locals are not some kind of exhibits so rich people can go look at.

Sign up for a mission trip because you want to share Jesus!!!

Plan, plan, plan
We had 2 different groups of students join us. One in November, one in December.
The group which came in November had started preparing for their trip since September. They came for 6 days and they had a program for 6 days. They prepared their itinerary well. They also came in during the week rather than a weekend so lessons were on.

The second group decided got their tickets only in November and then a few postponed the trip and came 2 days later. So some had only 5 days and the others had only 3 or 4 days. What's more interesting, they were here over a weekend. During the weekends, school does not function. So there's little the group can do on Sat and Sun.
The 2nd group had no itinerary either for their 3-5 days stay.

Prepare, prepare, prepare!
The 1st group that came in November spent one month in preparation. learning about the culture of the Philippines. They learnt basic Tagalog. They also put together worksheets and lesson plans.

When there were last minute changes, the group could adapt and make the changes. When there was no school, the group did their reflection and sharings. They spent time with the teachers of the school and got to know them too.

The 2nd group had little preparation and were lost most of their time there, especially during the weekend.

Simplicity Simplicity Simplicity!
The 1st group that came with us understood the environment they were in. Of course, they had difficulty getting used to sleeping on the floor and using the CR. But after a couple of days they got used to it.

As much as they wanted to go around and see the place, they respected and understood the rules of the school. So they went out only when a local teacher could take them to the shops or walk around the place. They didn't ask to go to the malls. They didnt bring much money and even if they did, they didn't show it.

The 2nd group was not used to the place, the CR, etc. They complained. The teachers and even the principal felt embarrased that they couldn't afford better logdings for our pampered Singaporeans. They were not happy they couldn't go wandering around and they wanted to go to the malls.

Sensitivity and Dignity!
One of the most shocking things we encountered from our Singaporean visitors occured during this December. I'm so shocked that it took place. Unfortunately I was not there to witness it. I can only apologise to the community there that this had happened.

1 or 2 Singaporeans had decided to play Santa Claus to the kids in the area. They had gone out to the nearby shops and bought toys for the kids. When they got back, they started distributing them to the kids who were of course very happy! Then more kids wanted toys and apparently some kids got upset they didnt get toys. Now because the christmas giving had already started, the adult/s had to out to get more toys for all the kids.

Why is this shocking and even disgusting for something ugly like this to happen on a mission trip? We, rich people, have no right to steal the identity of the poor! We have no right to pity them or feel sorry for them! and go out and buy things for them and give out these things to them. The poor have their dignity! The poor should never grow up and have such a memory of their childhood where rich people came and gave them things! how crippling it is for one's sense of self-worth and esteem!

We should never leave on a mission trip with boxes full of toys and clothes to distribute to poor people! Sensitivity is needed! We bring in school supplies and materials for education. We bring in clothes and toys because we have a project. Like a fundraising project. So the poor can help raisefunds for their school by buying the items like clothes and toys all at very affordable prices for the poor. So that at the end of the day, the poor can say I contributed to the school, I paid for these clothes and these toys! So that parents can have the dignity of having given something to their kid which they had bought.

Poor communities do not need rich people like you and me, to come in for the short term and give them free things. They need long-lasting projects that will give them the support they need to build up their dignity and pride!

I'm very proud of the teens who gave their hearts to children and elderly they met. I'm very proud of the youths who came and dialogued with the community, with the teachers and principal. Kudos to those who helped with the Taas Noo Campaign (anti drug campaign). Congratulations to those who prepared for TB Awareness and supported our TB testing. I'm touched that there were those who lived in Simplicity for all their days there, never once complaining about the CR or the floor they slept on or the food. I'm so glad for all those who came and shared Jesus with each other and with the locals there, through their sharings, conversations, their programs, etc.

Mission is not an action. Mission is not a task. Mission is a process. To those who are reading this and if you were one of those who had been here November or December, you'll realize that mission is not easy. Mission does not take place in 3 days or 6 days or even 14 days. Mission takes place over the course of a lifetime and beyond.

Don't just go for mission and look see. That's not mission. Mission is not about
"going there for 5 days.. to do alot of things!" Mission is NOT humanitarian work!

If you're really interested in mission even after reading this... come join acts29. just email us at enquiry@acts29mission.org