Gena L. Thomas
  • Home
  • Writings
    • Books >
      • A Smoldering Wick
      • Separated by the Border
    • Publications
    • Blog
    • Resources
    • About
  • Hashtags
    • #WOCwithPens
    • #JustMissions
  • Store

You have participated in STMs -- and you like them, or you don't!

Icon of a suitcase
You have been on one or more short-term mission trips. You either like them or you don't. Maybe you like the concept of them, but struggle with the details. Maybe you like the details of traveling and meeting new people, but struggle with the concept of what a short-term mission trip is. Maybe you don't struggle at all, you just want to learn more about the church's role in the Great Commission. 

Recommended chapters to read in A Smoldering Wick:
Chapter 3 - What a Short-term Mission Trip Shouldn't Be
Chapter 4 - Intellectual Development of Western Christians
Chapter 1 - What is Justice?
Chapter 2 - What is Charity?
Chapter 6 - Fostering Community and Fostering in Your Community
Chapter 7 - How Integritizing Our Marketing Strategies Leads to Justice       
Chapter 9 - Why Participatory Development Matters for the Church
          A Lesson from Mexico
          Partnering in Development
          Typology of Participation


Recommended Reading

Picture of boats with link to Claudio Oliver's article Why I stopped Serving the Poor

Claudio Oliver:
Why I Stopped Serving the Poor


Next steps after reading A Smoldering Wick:

1. Discuss your thoughts and questions that arose while reading the book with other like-minded church members.
2. Decide what you will do differently on your next short-term mission trip.
3. Discuss with your church leaders better ways in which your church's STMs can be more sustainable. 
Buy the book
Footer Image that quotes Bible passage in Isaiah where Book title comes from and also says Faith, Reason, Justice