When I asked missionary colleagues, “What would cause a missionary to be tempted not to be totally honest and transparent?”, two main answers surfaced.

Short-term missions has moved from being part of a larger missions vision and instead has become the primary goal of many missions programs. What was once a preparation step for long-term service has become the final destination.

Dear Chris, Thanks for your e-mail and your interest in development on the mission field. That excites me. You asked about our philosophy on development. I have to admit that most of my development philosophy comes from my fiascos rather than my successes.

Sebastian (fictitious name) met us soon after the border officials checked all our necessary papers and approved us for entry. For several days, Sebastian led us on a whirlwind tour of the church in mainland China. He told us stories about untold suffering. Along the way, Sebastian recounted his own journey as a Christian leader.

I was somewhat shocked to read the following statement by a respected Christian leader who is involved in a controversial approach to Muslim evangelism: “I am praying Phil will lift his Fatwa against our ministry among the followers of Ishmael.”