Sign up for our free newsletter:

Q. What can missions workers do to manage risk?

A. We can't cover all the things that can go wrong. But here are some things it helps to remember:

• Jesus rewards risk. Long before accountants noticed that the market rewards risk, Jesus promised (in Matthew 6:25–33) to reward those who risk for Him.
  
  
• There are no guarantees. Life's a risk. But take some simple precautions. Use safe airlines. Be in partnership with local people who can advise you on safety issues. Make sure all participants have good insurance.
  
  
• Don't go looking for risk. There are plenty of thrills on a missions trip without manufacturing them.
  
  
• When you do need to risk, risk on things that are worth it. Sometimes that means spiritual realities the world simply can't see. Sometimes it means doing things that will build trust. Sometimes, for instance, we eat risky food to build trust.
  
  
• Train yourself to be alert, knowledgeable, and wise. Watch what's going on around you. Think through what you can do to reduce risk at no expense to cultural sensitivity. Have clear, wise rules for participants: in before dark; walk in groups; limit luggage, personal articles, and spending money; don't flash your wealth; take cheap cameras or—something really radical– leave your camera at home.
  
  
• Don't make the focus of your trip eliminating risk. How boring! When things do go wrong, be calm and compliant. And give yourself a break. Don't heap guilt on top of mistakes. Know that God is honored by your risk for Him.
  
  

Mack Stiles is southeast regional director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Adapted from Mack & Leeann's Guide to Short-Term Missions (InterVarsity, 2000) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

In light of what You endured for me, Savior, empower me to move out of my comfort zone for You.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help