<p>“The absence of skill isn’t the only issue; donating $ for local initiatives stimulates the local economy (hiring local carpenters to built houses) and self-sufficiency and is therefore of far more value than hosting a group of well-meaning unskilled teens.”</p>
<p>This attitude reminds me of the criticism aimed at the woman who “wasted” a bottle of expensive perfume washing Jesus’ feet. I think it’s important for young people to actually go and physically help the poor–even if it’s just a week-long trip. A lot of churches emphasize this kind of trip for youth, and it has nothing to do with college applications.</p>