text: Yes, I was a missionary in India for six months and the Philippines for over a year.  I'm currently serving in Singapore (which is not a poor country).\nI think the most stunning effect of mission work is how it opens our eyes.  If you have grown up in America, you truly have no idea what real poverty is.  Even our "poor" people are much, much better off than those in povery in 3rd world nations-there's no comparison.  \nSo I think the way it changed me was it gave me new compassion for those in need, and also affirmed my conviction that the only way our world can ever be changed is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.