Service learning teams and short-term mission opportunities have incredible potential to help participants stretch their faith, to help others, and gain a bigger picture of what God is doing in the world. To be effective, and to serve others in ways that are helpful, preparation is essential. This book will help readers think through things such as:
-Deciding whether or not to join a team (and addressing the problem of team members dropping out)
-Thinking carefully about fundraising
-Anticipating group conflict, and strategies for preventing and managing conflict
-Preparing for cross-cultural encounters and cross-cultural reflection
-Reentry and reflection
The book is designed for groups (whether for those preparing many teams at once or for individual teams) and for individuals themselves. It includes careful Christian reflection and draws on cross-cultural experience and research. It can be used as a workbook to encourage deliberation about the most pressing issues likely to be faced in preparing for service learning and short-term mission opportunities with the goal of promoting lifelong change.
