My old home church has gotten into short-term missions. Although there’s no doubt it broadens their horizons, the old Palm Beach attitude goes with you everywhere. Consider this statement from Rick Miessau, one of the leaders of their mission to Haïti:
“Just sitting there and talking, we raise their social status,” he said. “Kids are hungry for inspiration and ideas. We tell them stories about our lives and how we do things.”
I’m not sure that Mr. Miessau, working at the South Florida Water Management District, lives on the island or not, but being at Bethesda he’s certainly acquired the attitude. Just talking with a Palm Beacher moves you up in life, let alone becoming one.
Now if my church people here in east Tennessee would only grasp this simple truth…
Positive Infinity 