Rethinking our methods and goals in short-term missions

Each year, thousands of Americans board airplanes with an intense desire to make a difference in global poverty. They are driven by love for others and good intentions. But unfortunately, good intentions are not enough. Sometimes these well-meaning individuals end up harming the very people they are attempting to help.

In Know Before You God, Gary Miller calls us to re-examine our short-term mission trips. His goal is not to discourage us from reaching out to other people and cultures, but rather, to help us rethink our methods and goals. If your aim is to actually help people in developing countries while avoiding long-term harm, this book is a must-read. There are things you should know before you go.

Contents

• 1. Will This Be the Year?
• 2. Good Intentions
• 3. One Project—Two Views
• 4. What Happened?
• 5. Not All Poverty Is the Same
• 6. Identifying Root Causes
• 7. Cultural Conflict
• 8. Where Should We Start?
• 9. Avoiding the Pitfalls
• 10. Why Should I Go?
• 11. Motives and Goals
• 12. The Greatest Danger

• Endnotes
• About the Author
• Additional Resources by Gary Miller
• Bibliography