They focus on the local bake sale for the parish rather than the absence of water in a far off African village. Of course, the most charitable and best Christian hearts always begin their charity at home, but this focus on family and community first can easily devolve into focusing only on these things. Also, in the self-obsessed American culture of well, the self-help movement (perhaps one reason Borthwick prefers ten rather than twelve steps) such a focus on the home front can easily lead to a selfish and solipsistic vision that encompasses a merely personal rather than inclusive spirituality.

The solution is to begin at home, but with the aim stretch one's worldview, and indeed one's local Christian community's worldview, to the international sphere. Borthwick does not promise this will lead to automatic spiritual ease as a Christian, it might not provide...

But ultimately one will lead a better life by helping others lead a better life, even if they live in far off lands.
Christianity is an international religion, not a localized network of charity, or a faith focused on the self -- this is the author's central mission and thesis. One cannot separate the charitable spirit from the spirit of the missionary abroad. One need not seek out converts. One must merely seek out fellow Christians full of fellow feelings for the world, and imbue one's international political activities with charity and with a Christian sentiment.

Works Cited

Borthwick, Paul. A Mind for Missions: Ten Ways to Build your Worldview. Navpress, 1996