Very very interesting. Thank you for all your answers. I had assumed the church funds these things so I am surprised to find out many times the people themselves have to raise money to go.
A woman at my gym did mission work in China. When she was talking to my dad about it she said, “they are all atheists there.” In a disgusted tone. My dad spared telling her heis an atheist himself. I wonder what religion specifically she is, I know she is a Christian. Knowing China doesn’t permit it, I am shocked people take that risk.
@GracieT I think if they are introducing the religion it is hard not to say they are not trying to persuade people into it. I guess it depends what “introduce” means. Many Evangelical Christians eat, breath, and talk the talk in all parts of their day. They sound like they are preaching even when they aren’t trying. I do think missionaries also care about helping in a tangible way, not just spiritial, but I think the majority of the time there is a bit of wanting to bring people to the faith. Maybe I am wrong, but that is how it seems to me. Although, some religions I feel that more than others.
I have one more question: faiths that have an expectation of their followers doing mission work, is it required they go out of the country?