I am always amazed at the excitement and nervousness from those going on their first short-term mission trip, most of the time they don’t know enough to know what they need to be nervous about. There is an excitement in their eyes as they head into the unknown. They prepare testimonies and lessons, not knowing how God will use them or if they will be effective. They pack what is recommended and wonder if it will be enough. They comfort their parents and loved ones, and try to reassure them everything is going to be alright, while at the same time not knowing what the future holds. But through leading and prayer, the journey begins.
A lot of mission team members, especially those who have never been on mission before usually become broken spiritually sometime during the week of the trip. They discover a new outlook on sharing, faith, trust, and God. Why is this? It is simple, during the week they are constantly hearing the word of God either from others sharing or through the preaching or their own study. They also see the word of God come to life. That doesn’t mean that the bible gets up and starts walking around. But they see the Spirit of God begin to work in the lives of the people they come in contact with. They walk the streets with a single purpose, to find the person of peace with whom they can share the good news of the gospel. Some are hit with the hard truth that not all will accept the gospel, so they plant a seed not knowing the condition of the soil. Other times they begin to pour out water onto unknown soil, unaware that a seed exist and has been waiting for the moisture that God will use to bring it to life. They get excited and don’t know what to do when out of the ground springs forth life. A miracle, they get to see cold dead bones come to life. After that experience, they have a drive to share and no longer need to be pushed in front of people to share with. Oh what it would have been like in Acts to walk the streets and see God work, bringing people to life through the proclamation of the Gospel. But wait, could that still happen? And could it happen here?
After returning home and a couple weeks of rest, life returns to normal. The mission was accomplished, people were saved and now we are back comfortable, safe, fed, and loved. Or are we? There is always a sense of completion at the end of a mission trip. Not that that would be wrong in the short term, but there is a since of that was where we were on mission at, but now we are back and we have things to get done. Real stuff, school, work, friends, problems, and you know life. Right?
One of the greatest tragedies we have is short-term missions. I know you saw a bunch of people get saved, and God really “showed up”, but stay with me. There is a since of awe and wonder during the week of a mission trip. And we look forward to the next year when we can go and feel that same since of awe and wonder. But let’s compare it to a race shall we. Anyone who runs foot races understands that you have different splits. These are markers throughout the race to gauge your progress, and to ensure you are on pace. A short-term mission trip is sort of like a split. It is a time to see if you are where you need to be in your spiritual life, in your reading and study of the word, apologetics, doctrines, and if you can articulate them to the world around you. The shortness of the week gives you the opportunity to push yourself hard and to evaluate yourself. The tragedy is that the short-term is looked at, as the race itself. We return with a sense that we ran and will rest up to run again next year.
The race however is not over. In fact it is just beginning. When you return home, it is like passing the first mile marker. The street is no longer filled with cheering fans, the road narrows, and the reality of the race sets in. Here is where we must work our hardest. This is where we must pull from prayer and scripture, the strength to press on. Where most might sit and rest, we must run to win. We don’t just return to normal life, we return with a renewed sense of awe for what God has been doing and we must now trust even more so that He will continue His work. We saw on foreign soil God work in others lives. Now we must trust that He will work in ours for His glory and to reach those around us. We are home; this is where we must turn from our sins, where we must love God more than mother and father, more than friends and things. This is where we live out what we preach, if we believe that which we have taught. Did we believe it? Do we believe it? If so, then are we disciplined for the miles ahead? Paul tells the church at Corinth “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified”. Are we disqualified or are we still in the race?
There are no short-term missionaries; there are only missionaries in different context. When we return to our Jerusalem, let us seek the hope that is only found in Christ. Let us not lean on our own understanding, our own wisdom, which is foolishness. Let us not fall victim to busyness and the lure of shiny objects that promise fulfillment. Let our knees be worn out for those nearest to us. Let our time be determined by the cross and His call, trusting that He will provide the time for work, family, fun, and ministry, as we continue the race. We have found our greatest joy in walking by faith; let us not check our faith with Homeland Security as we return home. But let us be reminded daily where our ultimate security is found and where our joy is greatest. Wherever you woke up at, wherever you find yourself, wherever you stand today, then that is your mission field. Time to get running.
Robert
20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Mesothelioma Lawsuits mesothelioma law firm (Robert)
褋胁械褉褏屑芯褖薪邪褟 锌芯谢薪芯薪邪锌褉邪胁谢械薪薪邪褟 锌谢邪薪械
We cater to specialized industries with our custom-designed bead mills, ensuring optimal particle size reduction. Contact us for tailored solutions.
tonic greens reviews
Hello this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to
get guidance from someone with experience. Any help
would be enormously appreciated!
Take a look at my web site; tonic greens reviews
useful site
Hi, i believe that i saw you visited my site thus i got here to
go back the favor?.I am attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its good enough to use a few of your ideas!!
Feel free to visit my page useful site
asbestos Settlement
Mesothelioma lawyers assist the victims and
their families throughout the legal process. They prepare cases, file lawsuits, and
asbestos Settlement trust claims.
They also negotiate settlements, and fight for a fair trial
verdict.
Pinterest
Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness on your put up is simply nice and i could think you’re an expert in this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to stay
updated with impending post. Thank you 1,000,000 and
please carry on the gratifying work.
Feel free to visit my page – Pinterest
axio88 click
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to more introduced agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?
japanese porn
Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s
webpage link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same for you.
Look into my blog post :: japanese porn
原油価格は2024年にいくらになる予想ですか?
If you are in search of a easy story that focuses on sweet romance,
give it a shot. The remake of the UK collection of the identical title,
“Life on Mars” focuses on a pacesetter of against the law investigation workforce.
It additionally showcases the inescapable things in life like the tendency of individuals to make the identical
type of selections or the certain manner things go regardless of the tries to change
them.
double glazing repair near Me
One Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me Success Story You’ll Never Be Able To double glazing repair near Me
evisa vietnam
Your method of describing the whole thing in this post is genuinely
nice, all can effortlessly know it, Thanks a
lot.
wd808 jp
Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit
more. Kudos!
Beli viagra murah
What’s up to every one, it’s genuinely a good for me to go to see this web page, it contains priceless Information.
child porn
You actually mentioned that effectively!
wd808 jp
I was very happy to find this great site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!!
I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new stuff in your blog.
South wales electricians
Phill Llewellyn
Electrician & Company director
Mobile: 077 1124 8561
Email: info@gsp-electricians.co.uk
All major cards accepted via our reader
Find us on:
Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, google, yell, Ratepeople, NICEIC
Registered accreditations:
EAL, City & Guilds
Electrical vehicle charge (EV) installer, AM2
Inspection, Testing & Periodic
The institution of Engineering and Technology
Member: 1101012700
Registered Business Address:
19, Aberffrwd Road, Mountain Ash, wales, CF45 4AR
Company No:
13478126
Vat registration number:
388756231
위탁판매 도매
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.
위탁판매 도매
jewelers Portland
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured
I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog
article or vice-versa? My blog goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I
believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Wonderful blog by the way!
다바오 포커 충전 방법
Credit Card Points Systems – You Wrote A Joke 다바오 포커 충전 방법
evisa vietnam
Nice weblog right here! Also your website quite a
bit up very fast! What host are you the use of? Can I get your associate link in your host?
I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Abby
whoah this weblog is wonderful i really like studying your posts.
Stay up the great work! You recognize, many persons are hunting
around for this information, you could help them greatly.
caluanie muelear oxidize price in usa
Hi there mates, its impressive article on the topic of cultureand
entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
remote control lawn mower
I got what you intend, regards for posting. Woh I am glad to
find this website through google.
Stop by my blog post – remote control lawn mower
Cinda
Thank you for any other informative website. The place else could I get that
kind of information written in such an ideal approach?
I’ve a undertaking that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info.
porn videos
You actually stated this exceptionally well.
vertical laboratory planetary ball mill semi circle model
Our planetary mixers blend materials with exceptional uniformity, making them a staple in advanced material research. Request a quote with full specifications.
mesin penggiling laboratorium bubuk nano
Mix and blend with confidence using our mixers, designed to handle even the most challenging materials.
Dian
What’s The Job Market For Window Doctor Near Me Professionals Like?
window doctor near me (Dian)
pg soft demo
Hi to every , because I am really eager of reading this weblog’s
post to be updated regularly. It includes good information.
Brazilian Wood
I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how much effort you place to make any such magnificent informative site.
horizontal planetary ball mill
Elevate your lab’s capabilities with our high-performance planetary ball mills, renowned for their quality and value.
서울출장안마
Fine knowledge, Thanks a lot!
my website https://www.cnmontessori.co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=2102676
"https://howis.info/2024/07/28/online-kurs-300895z/"
Открой для себя безграничные возможности онлайн обучения! Представь себе: ты можешь получать знания, не выходя из дома, в любое удобное время и без лишних затрат на транспорт и учебные материалы. Это не просто обучение – это твой путь к успеху и личностному росту!
Онлайн обучение – это гибкость и удобство. Забудь про строгие расписания и долгие поездки. Учись тогда, когда тебе удобно, будь то ранним утром или поздней ночью. Всего несколько кликов – и ты уже на лекции или практическом занятии.
Неограниченный доступ к знаниям – вот что делает онлайн обучение уникальным. Тебе доступны курсы ведущих университетов и специалистов со всего мира. Лучшие преподаватели и эксперты готовы делиться своими знаниями и опытом. Ты можешь выбрать курс по любой интересующей тебя теме и начать учиться прямо сейчас.
Экономия времени и денег – еще один несомненный плюс. Забудь про дорогу в учебное заведение, затраты на проживание и питание. Все материалы и лекции доступны в цифровом формате, их можно пересматривать и перечитывать столько раз, сколько нужно.
Не забывай о комфортной и индивидуальной атмосфере обучения. Ты можешь учиться в своем темпе, задавать вопросы и получать ответы в любое время. Личное внимание и поддержка преподавателей помогут тебе усвоить материал лучше и быстрее.
Онлайн обучение – это твой билет в будущее. Начни прямо сейчас и открой для себя новые горизонты знаний и возможностей. Не упусти шанс стать лучше и успешнее с помощью современных технологий!
Feel free to visit my site – https://jimsusefultools.com/index.php/Online_Kurs_801613T
porn videos
Nicely put. With thanks.
Такелажные работы
I’ve been browsing online more than three hours lately, but I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours.
It’s lovely value enough for me. In my view, if
all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content material as you probably did, the web will be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Nkbmib
buy generic finax over the counter – buy uroxatral cheap buy cheap generic alfuzosin
Debbie
Are You Responsible For An Demo Gatotkaca Pragmatic Budget?
12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money gates of gatot kaca – Debbie –
비아센터 후기
Hello there I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to
say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but
I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time
I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.
Warren
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
Many thanks
7 Days to Die α21で視点変更はどうやるの?
This website certainly has all of the information I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
tonic greens
If you are going for finest contents like me, just go to see this web page daily as it
offers feature contents, thanks
Also visit my web page: tonic greens
growth matrix
I visited many websites except the audio quality for audio songs current
at this website is actually wonderful.
Feel free to visit my site :: growth matrix
Michealscofs
Found an article that’s definitely worth your time – take a look https://www.demilked.com/author/sarreckjsy/
Dorris
15 Gifts For The Door Doctor Lover In Your Life the door doctor;
Dorris,
Window replacement Jacksonville FL
Amazing plenty of good data.
전세 대출
No Collaterals, Just Unsecured Personal Loans For
A Bad 전세 대출
london heathrow to london gatwick transfer
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and
I will be waiting for your further write ups
thank you once again.
Glamorouslengths.Com
What’s The Current Job Market For Windows
And Doors Bedford Professionals? Windows And Doors Bedford (Glamorouslengths.Com)
힙합 에볼루션 다시보기
Best Online Casino – Quick Cash Withdrawal Casino 힙합 에볼루션 다시보기
1億のマンションで家賃収入はいくらですか?
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.