Why do evangelicals do missionary trips to places like Ethiopa, Mexico?
My church is sending groups to both places within the year, and it occurred to me that these countries are already largely Christian, I think most of the citizens identify as Christian. Ethiopa has been a Coptic Christian country for centuries, and Mexico is largely catholic. Am I wrong about this? I have noticed that some evngelicals have a disrespect for Catholicism, and other Denominations. I hope that's not the reason.
Comments
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
There's the inspiration for most missionaries. The majority think that their denomination has the correct path to salvation, which is why they go to catholic nations such as Mexico and Brazil.
I think you seriously overestimate the number of born again Christians in both countries. However, these short term mission trips are often more about helping the local churches with various ministries. The people who go will be working with the local churches helping them with such things as building projects, community outreach, etc.
Missionaries do more than just convert.
They also run schools, charities, and other social programs in deeply impoverished parts of the world.
...because the Christianity that exists in Mexico is not Christianity but a kind of Catholic mysticism. What's more, places like Ethiopia and Mexico are OVERRUN with faith healers and prosperity preachers, taking their money in exchange for blessings.
They are largely superstitious, not necessarily Christian.