Mission Trips

[barry72]

I'm wanting to get everyone's opinion and input on funding for mission trips. It seems that it's common for those wanting to attend a mission trip to seek donations and funding from their local churches to allow them to travel to whatever country they're going to and provide food and shelter for themselves and the trip leader.

My problem is this....you may have 40 people each raising $6,000 to go on a mission trip and visit a country for a week and do missions work...then get on a plane and come back to America. So $42,000 has been spent on traveling, hotels, and food? That $42,000 could be raised to build a church in that country, or provide food and shelter for hundred's.

I personally have been on a mission trip, but I paid for the trip out of my own pocket and asked for donations from my church which I collected to give to the missionaries stationed in that country (South Africa). What are your thoughts on mission trips and funding?