I’ve had several conversations over the past few weeks about the cost of missions. A good friend and I discussed trips I’ve taken to Africa. In Africa they often say it would be so much better for them to get the thousands of dollars per person spent for an American to come there as a direct cash donation instead. I agree. What I try to explain is that unless someone comes to Africa and has a hands-on experience they will be hard pressed to send over thousands of dollars as a donation. In that case the expense to go and see bears fruit much beyond the trip. Fruit that would not have otherwise been harvested.

Another conversation had to do with the rising cost of domestic missions. With gas costs fluctuating, material costs rising and other economic factors it’s hard to maintain or reduce the cost of organizing a mission trip. With the economy in turmoil it’s harder to find the funds to go on a mission trip. More and more people are asking, ‘Is it worth the money to go on a mission trip?’

For some this is a legitimate question. Your personal financial situation has changed and you simply cannot afford the money it takes to do mission. For many, however, it’s often an emotional response to difficult times. Their financial situation is the same as always…maybe even better…but the hard times in which we live cause us to scrutinize every expense. You hear the stories of people with means feeling guilty about spending money.

I encourage everyone to look at reality when considering missions. If you really are in a personal financial downturn then it’s wise to cut back. If you’re feeling guilty because your finances are as secure as ever, spending that money to help others is as important, if not more so, now than ever.