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.
citron lime exportateur
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment.
There’s no doubt that that you ought to publish more about this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about
such topics. To the next! Many thanks!!
mikrocomputeriseret touch screen planetarisk kuglemolle
For a controlled environment that meets your specific requirements, explore our glove box options.
tonic greens reviews
Wonderful post but 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 further. Many thanks!
Feel free to visit my web-site; tonic greens reviews
fitspresso
Nice replies in return of this issue with real
arguments and explaining all on the topic of
that.
Here is my web page … fitspresso
empresa de facturación
Thanks for finally talking about > Short term
missions are not the race – The Hus Report < Loved it!
web site
I am regular visitor, hoᴡ are you everybody?
Tһis post posted att this web site is truly nice.
vertikalus planetinis rutulinis malunas skirtas naudoti pirstiniu dezuteje
Discover the benefits of our cryogenic ball mills, perfect for preserving material properties during grinding. Reach out for a detailed product overview.
evisa vietnam
Great info. Lucky me I came across your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved it for later!
equiti login
Fantastic write ups, With thanks.
Roderick
5 Killer Quora Answers On Replacement Double Glazing Units
Near Me double glazing units near me (Roderick)
bluevelvetrestaurant
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think
that you could do with some pics to drive the message home
a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.
Birth Defect Attorney
A Provocative Rant About Birth Defect Lawyer Birth Defect Attorney
lab jet mill pricelist
Affordable high-tech milling solutions, designed to boost productivity and lower operational costs, consult us now.
anxiety
First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t
mind. I was curious to find out how you center
yourself and clear your head prior to writing. I’ve
had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any recommendations or hints? Many thanks!
wielostanowiskowy laboratoryjny mlyn kulowy z walcowanym zbiornikiem
From basic mixing to high-shear blending, our mixers cater to diverse material processing needs.
evisa vietnam
You actually make it appear so easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be
really one thing which I think I’d by no means understand.
It kind of feels too complex and extremely vast for me. I’m taking a look
forward to your subsequent publish, I’ll attempt to get the
grasp of it!
evisa vietnam
Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly
digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
수유식튀김기
Very good article. I certainly love this website. Thanks!
수유식튀김기
kraftig planetkuglemolle med fuld retning
Experience the quiet and vibration-free operation of our latest ball mill designs, ensuring a peaceful work environment. Contact us for a test drive.
pepek becek
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my
own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more
than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Промокоды на скидки
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance.
I must say you have done a great job with this. Also, the blog loads very
fast for me on Firefox. Superb Blog!
fertilization
It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be
happy. I have learn this publish and if I may just I wish to counsel you some attention-grabbing things
or tips. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles referring to
this article. I desire to read even more issues approximately it!
online pharmacy
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to
have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free
to shoot me an e-mail.
Claudia
Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.
Seo Company glasgow
Five Killer Quora Answers To SEO Company Glasgow Seo Company glasgow
xtb criar conta
I have read so many articles or reviews concerning the blogger lovers however
this piece of writing is actually a pleasant piece
of writing, keep it up.
khoidongsocom
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 website to come back down the
road. Cheers
www.Healthndream.com
Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if
you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having
problems finding one? Thanks a lot!
My web blog http://www.Healthndream.com
賲胤丨賳丞 賰乇賵賷丞 賰賵賰亘賷丞 賲夭丿賵噩丞
Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and support for all our equipment.
Laurene
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and
found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited
from your writing. Cheers!
หนังโป้
Heⅼlo! This is my first visit to your blog! We aгe a collection of vοlunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the
same nichе. Your blog pr᧐vided us valuable information to work on. You һave ɗone a wonderful
jօЬ!
Find Out More
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to
get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a great job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Internet explorer.
Excellent Blog!
Puff Wow
Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you
can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.
Feel free to visit my web blog – Puff Wow
thai porn
Thanks to my fatheг who shared witһ me concerning thiѕ blog, thіs web
site is in fact amazing.
창원출장마사지
Thank you! Ample tips!
my website … http://nkuk21.co.uk/activity/10385358
mau777
Hurrah, that’s what I was searching for, what a data!
existing here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
новый адрес omg
I’m not sure why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
billionaire brain wave
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – billionaire brain wave
login geng138
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in web explorer, could test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a good part of people will pass over your magnificent writing due to this problem.
銉┿儨鐢ㄣ儨銉笺儷銉熴儷
Enhance your lab’s safety with our custom-built glove boxes, offering a controlled environment for sensitive operations.
hk siang itcbet
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were very helpful very helpful.
광진구보청기
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you can do with some pics to drive
the message home a bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog.
An excellent read. I will definitely be back.
the billionaire brain wave review
Hello There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. This
is an extremely neatly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark
it and come back to read extra of your helpful information. Thank you for the post.
I will definitely return.
Here is my page – the billionaire brain wave review
visit website
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing
through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless,
I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking
back frequently!
data keluaran hk siang itcbet
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were very beneficial very helpful.
8 advantages procurement planetary ball mill
Experience the precision and versatility of our planetary ball mills, crafted to meet the evolving needs of modern labs.
geng138 cloud
I precisely wanted to appreciate you once again. I’m not certain the things that I might have created without the type of tactics contributed by you on my theme. It previously was a very terrifying issue in my circumstances, nevertheless coming across a expert way you dealt with that made me to leap for joy. I am grateful for the advice and even hope you realize what a powerful job you were getting into teaching some other people all through a site. Probably you have never met all of us.
phengold reviews
This article gives clear idea designed for the new viewers of blogging,
that really how to do blogging and site-building.
pionowy kwadratowy planetarny mlyn kulowy model produkcyjny
For advanced materials research, we offer state-of-the-art laboratory ball mills tailored to precise requirements.
casino bonus
Discover the ultimate Telegram group for BetWhale Casino!
Unlock the latest bonus codes, exclusive deals, latest games, and
life-changing jackpot prizes. Stay informed and enhance your experience.
Join us now at https://t.me/betwhalecasino