The Oregonian printed a modest article today that questioned the value of many short mission trips. On the trips under discussion, well-meaning Christians fly around the globe to spend a week or two in their target location building, digging, and painting. The article suggested that much effort was often wasted on projects not really needed by the foreign communities selected to receive attention. In one of the silliest examples, six different groups flew overseas to paint the same village wall six different times in a single summer.

“You are free to live as God’s slaves.” (1 Peter 2:16)

In Isaiah 45:4, it says: “I have called you by name and given you your title, though you have not known me.” To be called by name—what can be more personal than that? God calls the prophets by name, and they jump up and say, “Here I am, Lord!” Some, like Jonah, try to run away from their calling and must be dragged, kicking and screaming, to serve. Others are more eager, or at least compliant. They allow burning stones to be placed in their mouths to purify them, they eat scrolls that taste like honey, they travel, lecture, harangue, make metaphor.