Randy was interviewed by his local church, Good Shepherd, for their annual Global Outreach weekend. He shares some of his family's experiences visiting missionaries.

Some have asked me, wouldn’t it be better just to take the money spent on short-term trips and send it to the mission field instead? In some cases, yes. But many short-term missions trips are strategic and greatly help the national churches, missionaries, and indigenous people. 

Question from a reader: I've spoken to many long-term missionaries who have surprised me with their opinion about the effectiveness of short-term missions.  We spend a tremendous amount of money on “missionary tourism” in America, often to the detriment of long-term support.  What are your thoughts on short-term missions?