To download a printable version of this transcript, click here.
 
 
iQuestions Faculty, Dr. Tim Kimmel 
 
 
Question: 
 
My wife thinks it’s a bad idea to take our children to a developing 
country for a short missions trip. I think it's good for them to see how 
others live. Who's right? 
 
Answer: 
 
You know, I love this question because there is a lot more behind it 
than just right on the surface. 
 
Being able to expose your kids to short-term missions is a fabulous 
idea, no matter where it is in the world. But there is always tension 
between a mom and dad as to whether this is a wise idea, when you 
think of all the dangers that might be out there. 
 
But listen. If I’m going to side on one side or the other, I tend to lean 
with the dad here, because, I’ll tell you why. It is fabulous to get your 
kids out there and exposed to what God is doing in climates and 
environments that they are just not used to. They have to depend on 
the Holy Spirit. They have to see the God’s Word played out. It’s 
awesome to do this thing. And, on top of that, it gives them a chance 
to see you all in that environment.  
 
Now, listen, there are kids living in those third world countries, there’s 
millions of them, and their parents aren’t worried about them being 
there. And there’s a lot of missionary kids out there, and they aren’t 
worried about it because, you see, God is great. He is awesome. He 
can protect you in those situations. 
 
 
 
But I know that a lot of kids have their faith finalized in those 
environments, but while you are at it, let me mention something. Be 
careful that you don’t spend a week or two in a third world 
environment and say, “OK. That’s our mission involvement for the 
year.” Or, “That’s our service to God for the year.” No, what you want 
do is you want to bracket that week or two weeks in the mission field 
with twenty-five weeks on either side of it serving God right where you 
live.  
 
And when you develop a heart of service and a passionate love for God 
that shows itself in this unquenchable love and concern for everybody 
else around you, it’s amazing how your kids can really get that heart. 
 
So, you might have a third-world experience under your nose in your 
own town. There’s the inner city, there’s a lot of places that are in 
distress that you could expose them to. But listen, when it comes right 
down to it, don’t worry about trying to always keep your kids safe. I’d 
rather you try and get your kids strong. And getting them out there 
like that and watching the Holy Spirit work in them is the best way to 
do it. 
 
 
To download a printable version of this transcript, click here.