Missionary work

The modern day practice of "missionary" work has been bothering me as of late.  Obviously, the spread of the gospel, at least in the first few centuries, occurred via the traveling missionary.  But the modern day missionary and his modus operandi seem radically different than the original model.
First, what many deem as missionary work is really just humanitarian aid.  Now, I have no problem with humanitarian aid, as long as it is actually helpful and labeled as such.  But don't go on a "mission" and never preach the gospel.
Second, much of what people call missionary work is terribly individualistic.  When we look back at what the apostles and their immediate successors did for missionary work, it was anything but individualistic.  They went out and started churches and then came back around one year later to make sure the church was growing right.  Nowadays, people want people to "make a decision" and "read their Bible."  But a person is not a believer without the body of Christ and the sacraments.
One may answer that they don't need to start a church in location x because there is already one there.  The obvious response to that circumstance is that there is then no need for missionaries in that location x.
If someone feels a great need to help spread the gospel in location x, then send money and support and prayers for location x.  And then work out your own salvation in the place God has put you.