Missions & Dependency

What a complicated subject! I've been thinking hard recently about this subject in relation to our ministry in Mexico as well as conversations with friends here and leaders over at Palm. I've read three books on the subject in the past couple months. First, a classic CCDA volume by John Perkins called, "Beyond Charity: A Call to Christian Community Development." This was written in the 90's with much practical wisdom gained from decades of CCD work in the US. He of course hightlights the CCDA "mantra" of the "3 R's" especially that of relocation which is essential to get to know the reality of the poor but also doing development with (not for) the poor. One leader commented to me that that is fine for those with that kind of call but missions is also for others who are called to be donors and prayer supporters. So, just recently, another book has come out by a pair of authors from Covenant College but also related to CCDA. The book, "When Helping Hurts: Alleviating Poverty without Hurting the Poor and Ourselves," is a more academic book that looks at experiences from Africa as well as the US. This one does have helpful advice for all those with a heart of compassion for the poor even as it highlights the urgency to look at macro issues of economics while trying to do something to deal with the micro. They are especially harsh toward short-term missions and emphasize the need for ongoing long term involvement. Finally, "When Charity Destroys Dignity: Overcoming Unhealthy Dependency in the Christian Movement," is written by a long time missions consultant who served briefly in Africa but was not invited back for daring to raise these difficult issues. Glenn Schwartz is maybe the sharpest critic of the three concerning the traditional way of doing missions from a western perspective. At times, he seems to be advocating for an isolationist position allowing each culture complete autonomy over their own church development without any assistance from the outside. His failure is the lack of analysis of the economic interdependance of our globalized world or sufficient appreciation for the injustice that exists. Let me close with some questions of my own for further reflection...
1.) What about the traditional role of Western "faith missions" that fully support western missionaries? Is this dependency?
2.) What about the North's responsibility for past economic injustice or colonialism that has hindered development in countries of the South? Is it fair to talk about dependency now after the injustice has been done?
3.) Finally, Glenn talks about the need for Westerners to abstain from mission meetings especially when the talk is about money. This requires an enormous amount of trust and humility from the Westerner and he sums it up well here:

"There is plenty of evidence to show that church planting without causing dependency is possible. Also dependency where it exists has been shown to be curable. [10] However, in each case there may be a price to be paid. First, it may include a generous dose of humility and cultural sensitivity. Second, it might mean a serious time of reflection on how to get out of the current state of dependency in which congregations find themselves. Third, it might mean serious hard work over a longer rather than shorter period of time. Anyone looking for a quick and easy solution will probably be disappointed. "