Reverse Mission Trip
We plan to have a reverse mission trip to Mexico City and the surrounding countryside in 2011. If one word could sum up the philosophy of this mission experience it would be “reverse.”
- Instead of bringing knowledge, we focus on receiving knowledge, frequently from unexpected
people and places. - Instead of being the gift-givers, we will focus on being gift-receivers, gaining the gifts of insight and new perspectives from our global community
- Instead of working for one week and then simply going home, we will learn and struggle for one week in ways that will challenge our worldviews for the rest of our lives
- Instead of transforming others, we are the ones who will be transformed.
Perhaps an excerpt and schedule from the program’s website says it better than I:
“Our Transformational Immersion Program follows what is referred to as a “reverse mission” process rather than the work projects that often come to mind when people think of a church-related trip abroad. Instead of coming with all the tools, resources and solutions to overcome poverty and injustice our participants are invited to enter into a partnership of mutuality that calls us to hear, learn and grow through dialog and relationship with those on the margins of life. The true “mission” happens when groups return home, transformed by new encounters and moved to act for justice in their own local communities and the wider global world that we all share.”
Orientation Analyze the Reality
- Walking tour of the local area - Biblical reflections on the struggles of God’s
- Visit historical center of Mexico City people
and nearby archaeological sites - Presentations on global economics and
Experience the Reality politics
- Overview of Mexican history Experience the Hope
- Visits to marginalized communities - Visit the Basilica de Guadalupe
- Impact of globalization on the - Visits to faith-based community projects
countryside and urban settings - Worship celebration in a local church
We will need to get passports and make sure you have international travel insurance before departure. The cost will be between $1200 and $1500 with all adults and youth ages 16 or older welcome! This is not a youth trip or an adult trip. This is an everyone trip!
