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.
thabetgolf
Hi there to every one, the contents present at this web site are genuinely amazing for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
London Escorts and Massage
I like reading a post that can make men and women think.
Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
SBI証券の100万円まで無料はいくらですか?
I blog often and I truly thank you for your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
年収の3分の1以上借りれるのは？
I believe that is among the so much significant info for
me. And i’m glad studying your article. However wanna observation on few general issues, The website style is wonderful, the articles is in reality excellent : D.
Excellent activity, cheers
6mm Remington ammo
Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your articles.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the
same topics? Many thanks!
tonic greens reviews
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this webpage on regular basis to obtain updated from newest gossip.
Visit my homepage; tonic greens reviews
poker review site
Hi colleagues, how is all, and what you would like to say concerning this article, in my view its actually remarkable in support of me.
used appliances London Ontario
Wonderful stuff Thank you!
fela lawsuits
What Will Fela Railroad Be Like In 100 Years? fela lawsuits
rtp itcbet hari ini
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Regards!
Cameroonian rap
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of
your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it
better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
laboratorinis maisomasis rutulinis malunas
Explore the many accessories and options available for our ball mills, designed to enhance their functionality and versatility.
вулкан на деньги
Отдельно также можно отметить работу службы поддержки, которая в режиме 24/7 готова решать проблемы посетителей азартного клуба.
資本の証券化とはどういうことか?
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this
site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of
times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance.
I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.
Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Chrome.
Exceptional Blog!
Rickey
I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info
for my mission.
tiranga game
Scam
lg american fridge freezer black
Are You Sick Of Buy Chest Freezer? 10 Inspirational Sources That
Will Revive Your Passion lg american fridge freezer black
Danny
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with useful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable process and our whole community will be thankful to you.
바카라사이트
Wow, this article is good, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of
things, therefore I am going to let know her.
바카라사이트 theci01.com 카지노사이트
카지노사이트 theci01.com 온라인바카라
온라인바카라 theci01.com 검증카지노
온라인카지노 theci01.com 안전바카라사이트
안전바카라사이트 theci01.com 안전카지노사이트
안전카지노사이트 theci01.com 온라인카지노
검증카지노 theci01.com 슬롯사이트
검증카지노커뮤니티 theci01.com 슬롯나라
카지노커뮤니티 theci01.com 안전카지노
검증바카라 theci01.com 안전사이트
슬롯사이트 theci01.com 카지노사이트주소
안전슬롯사이트 theci01.com 바카라사이트주소
강친닷컴 theci01.com 온라인카지노
강원랜드 theci01.com 온라인바카라
강원랜드카지노 theci01.com 카지노노하우
마카오카지노 theci01.com 바카라노하우
필리핀카지노 theci01.com 바카라하는곳
오카다카지노 theci01.com 카지노하는곳
솔레어카지노 theci01.com 슬롯하는곳
시오디카지노 theci01.com 슬롯잭팟
베트남카지노 theci01.com 검증슬롯사이트
온라인검증커뮤니티 theci01.com 강원랜드여자
먹튀제보 theci01.com 마카오여자
먹튀검증사이트 theci01.com 필리핀여자
먹튀노하우 theci01.com 필리핀밤문화
바카라노하우 theci01.com 오피사이트
카지노노하우 theci01.com 강남오피사이트
슬롯노하우 theci01.com 강남안마
안전슬롯 theci01.com 강남스웨디시
안전바카라 theci01.com 서울카지노
안전카지노 theci01.com 서울바카라
왁싱잘하는곳 theci01.com 바카라하는법
홀덤테이블 theci01.com 카지노하는법
홀덤하는곳 theci01.com 온라인바카라주소
홀덤하는법 theci01.com 온라인카지노주소
바카라하는법 theci01.com 에볼루션바카라
카지노하는법 theci01.com 라이트닝카지노
에볼루션카지노 theci01.com 우리카지노
에볼루션바카라 theci01.com 로얄카지노
프라그마틱카지노 theci01.com 마이크로카지노
프라그마틱슬롯 theci01.com 타이산카지노
주식잘하는법 theci01.com 플라그마틱카지노
주식노하우 theci01.com 프라그마틱스롯
경마노하우 theci01.com 온라인채팅
경마사이트 theci01.com 출장안마
주식사이트 theci01.com 카지노환전
만남사이트 theci01.com 우리카지노주소
오피사이트 theci01.com 온라인바카라사이트
아로마하는곳 theci01.com 온라인카지노사이트
랩핑잘하는곳 theci01.com 슬롯하는법
Brigitte
Wow, this paragraph is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things,
thus I am going to tell her.
dual planetary ball mill
Our jar mills are perfect for small-scale mixing and grinding, ensuring accurate results every time.
geng138 asia
I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I certainly liked reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the tips coming. I enjoyed it!
BOKEP INDO
Thanks for sharing such a nice opinion, article is pleasant, thats why i have
read it fully
Brazilian Wood Reviews
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had
been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear
idea
Also visit my blog post; Brazilian Wood Reviews
live chat itcbet
Hello to every body, it’s my first go to see of this web site; this web site consists of amazing and actually good material designed for readers.
seat ibiza key fob not working
How The 10 Most Disastrous Seat Arona Key-Related FAILS Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented seat ibiza key fob not working
molino planetario de bolas horizontal de alta resistencia
We cater to specialized industries with our custom-designed bead mills, ensuring optimal particle size reduction. Contact us for tailored solutions.
Porn
It’s awesome to pay a visit this web page and reading the views of all colleagues about this paragraph,
while I am also zealous of getting knowledge.
Pam
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful &
it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you
helped me.
836614
10 Life Lessons That We Can Learn From Pet 836614
Unblocked
Great info. Lucky me I recently found your site by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve bookmarked it for later!
asbestos Legal
Pleural mesothelioma affects the chest wall and lungs.
Patients diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma typically suffer from symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain and coughing.
Feel free to visit my webpage :: asbestos Legal
itcbet live chat
I every time spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s articles all the time along with a cup of coffee.
replace
10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong Concerning Shop Glass Repair replace
sushi
Thanks for finally talking about > Short term
missions are not the race – The Hus Report < Loved it!
Dangerous Goods relocations
Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This type of
clever work and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal
blogroll.
Dexter
7 Things You Never Knew About Green Mobility Scooters green power (Dexter)
evisa vietnam
Everything is very open with a clear description of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
Paula
I am sure this article has touched all the internet people,
its really really pleasant post on building up new
web site.
data keluaran hk siang geng138
I precisely wished to thank you very much yet again. I am not sure the things I might have undertaken in the absence of the smart ideas documented by you on that industry. It was actually a real distressing matter in my position, but witnessing your expert fashion you managed that took me to leap with gladness. Now i am thankful for this work and thus hope you recognize what a powerful job that you’re putting in instructing the others thru a site. More than likely you’ve never met all of us.
パチンコ店で18歳未満の客がいたらどうなる?
Buy low and sell high, it seems a very simple idea,
when dealing with the merchandise trade, but the all funds may not be surely clear
whether the price range of the financial commitments is very low or strong.
What if you need a new credit card or plan to buy a house
and don’t know a thing about mortgages?
the growth matrix reviews
Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have created some nice methods and we are looking to
trade methods with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail
if interested.
My web blog – the growth matrix reviews
podwojny planetarny mlyn kulowy
Our ball mill media are carefully selected to optimize grinding efficiency and final particle size. Ask us about the best media for your application.
Группа Болгария
Fastidious replies in return of this difficulty with firm arguments and explaining the whole thing about that.
証券会社が損失補填をするのは違法ですか？
If that happens, investors who buy this Goldman Sachs 4
year CD will leave major moolah on the table because their upside
is capped and there is no compounding of interest. The best way to invest money
safely includes keeping it in savings account, which will not only allow you to withdraw money when you need it, but
can also earn interest on it.
dofollow high authority links
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for game of thrones season 1 episode 3 online free watch
Uta
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!!
Finally I have found something that helped me. Many thanks!
Yuppie CBD
Introduction: As the health and wellness industry continues to gain momentum, a new trend has emerged in recent years – the rise
of Yuppie CBD.
memek becek
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site,
how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
트라이얼스 에볼루션 이스터에그
Proper Behavior On The Roulette Table 트라이얼스 에볼루션 이스터에그