Short-term missions have done a lot of damage. |
Gena Thomas served as a missionary in northern Mexico for over four years with her husband, Andrew. While there, the couple founded and managed El Buho, a coffee shop ministry that still serves the town of Hidalgo. Gena holds a masters in International Development. |
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A Smoldering Wick, published in June 2016, aims to teach three things:
a theology of biblical
justice rather than American charity |
a theory of humility
learned from past mistakes |
a practice of development principles adapted
for STMs |
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(chapters 1-2)
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(chapters 3-7)
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(chapters 8-10)
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Chapter 1 of A Smoldering Wick free download
Please note, this is not an accessible version of Chapter 1. Please email me at connect@genathomas . com for that.
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How can A Smoldering Wick help you move from charity to justice?
Whether you are just being introduced to short-term missions, have attended one or many STMs, or are an STM leader, there is something in this book for you. Likewise if you are a long-term missionary or a local pastor who receives teams regularly, there are specific resources for you. By clicking on the Resources page in the tab, you will find a section dedicated to help you navigate A Smoldering Wick and the resources on this website, including resources from renowned international development agencies.
What People are Saying
"The book has encouraged me to take a big step back and examine everything in terms of our work in Nicaragua: my motives, my god-complex, my savior complex, my definition of poverty, and especially how I talk to others about the work we'll do and how we 'market' it for financial supporters." |
"A Smoldering Wick should be required reading for anyone participating in a short-term mission trip whether it's across the street or to the other side of the world. As an African, I have seen first-hand the damaging consequences of ill-conceived trips on receiving communities, and we must do better than this. Gena Thomas makes a comprehensive and insightful contribution to this effort and does so with grace and humility." |
"I think that A Smoldering Wick is going to make a major contribution to the cause of the Kingdom." |
"This is the book I wanted to write: a powerful critique of Western charity and short-term missions, interwoven with the framework for a more hopeful way forward. Grounded in her own experience as a missionary in Mexico, Gena Thomas has written a book chock-full of tips and tools, theological insights and practical plans so you and your church can do mission better." |
"As someone who has both hosted and led short-term mission trips, I understand the value of an intelligent and honest book to guide those invested in short-term missions work through the myriad of difficulties, both cultural and theological, toward truly effective cross-cultrual kingdom service. Gena Thomas has crafted a book which bridges the gap between the theological and the practical, something which clears the path for meaningful engagement for all parties involved." |
"For those of us who know that the crisis facing Western missions is every bit as much a matter of theology as it is sustainability, this book is a true gift. As only a careful and seasoned practitioner could, Gena Thomas has written a book that belongs to a small but growing collection of resources that are vital for helping us develop a new vision and practice for participating in God's global mission." |
