Each year, thousands of Americans board airplanes with an intense desire to make a difference in global poverty. They are driven by love for others and good intentions. But unfortunately, good intentions are not enough. Sometimes these well-meaning individuals end up harming the very people they are attempting to help.
In Know Before You Go, Gary Miller calls us to re-examine our short-term mission trips. His goal is not to discourage us from reaching out to other people and cultures, but rather, to help us rethink our methods and goals. If your aim is to actually help people in developing countries while avoiding long-term harm, this book is a must-read. There are things you should know before you go.
Gary Miller was raised in California and today lives with his wife Patty and family in the Pacific Northwest. Gary works with the poor in developing countries and directs the SALT program for Christian Aid Ministries. This program offers business and spiritual teaching to those living in chronic poverty, provides small loans, sets up local village savings groups, and assists them in learning how to use their God-given resources to become sustainable.