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.
アドバンスクリエイトの配当の権利確定日はいつか?
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this site are really remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
株で20万円以下で住民税を申告しないとどうなる?
Alexander followed his father in the family business and took his expertise to
the United States at Boston University’s School of Oratory in 1873.
There, Bell was given more opportunities to explore his interests
in the transmission of speech via electric signal. Some ventures require less capital, while a few enterprises will
need more time to run even.
bokep indonesia
Great delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the great effort.
fabrica de moinho de esferas horizontal de laboratorio top 10
Protect your samples and operators with our glove boxes, designed with safety in mind. Contact us for specifications.
wd808-slot
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help
from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your
own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m
not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks
gaming lounge chair
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems?
A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great
in Chrome. Do you have any solutions to help
fix this issue?
Here is my blog :: gaming lounge chair
Office Fitout Dubai
I was recommended this website by means of my cousin. I’m now not certain whether this
post is written by means of him as no one else recognize such detailed about my trouble.
You’re incredible! Thank you!
spa austin texas
Hi there, I found your web site by the use of Google even as searching for a related topic, your
web site came up, it seems to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, just changed into aware of your weblog thru Google,
and located that it is truly informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
Lots of other folks shall be benefited out of your
writing. Cheers!
my web site; spa austin texas
bokep indonesia
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
I was seeking this certain info for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
responbet
I every time spent my half an hour to read this website’s articles or reviews everyday along with a mug of coffee.
denticore reviews
When someone writes an post he/she keeps the
plan of a user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.
So that’s why this paragraph is great. Thanks!
My web page denticore reviews
lung clear pro reviews
Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find 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-site :: lung clear pro reviews
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
porn videos
Helpful stuff, Appreciate it.
upvc Door repairs near me
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Upvc Door Repairs Near Me upvc Door repairs near me
chicken business suppliers
I got this web page from my buddy who informed me regarding this site and at the moment this time I am browsing this web
page and reading very informative articles or reviews at this place.
bentley key fob programming
The Reasons Why Replacement Key For Bentley Continental Gt Is Everyone’s Obsession In 2023 bentley key fob programming
抵当権 質権 違い
The EU actively supported the finalisation and adoption by the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) Archived 2015-08-15 at the Wayback Machine of the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) as the international statistical standard.
www.annunciogratis.net
5 Killer Quora Answers To Double Glazing Repairs Leeds double glazing Repairs leeds;
http://www.annunciogratis.net,
bokep hot jepang
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s articles all the time along with a mug of coffee.
child porn
Thanks a lot! Lots of info!
lightweight couch
I truly love your website.. Great colors &
theme. Did you create this amazing site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own blog and would love to learn where you
got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thank you!
my site … lightweight couch
도매 위탁 판매사이트
Saved ass a favorite, I really like your blog!
도매 위탁 판매사이트
where can i get celexa prices
cost of generic celexa without dr prescription
payday loan
payday loan
wd808 JP
Thanks for finally talking about > Short term missions are not the race –
The Hus Report < Loved it!
situs slot online
I’m really inspired along with your writing talents as neatly as with the structure for your weblog. Is that this a paid topic or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..
parsel4D
An intriguing discussion is definitely worth comment.
I think that you need to publish more about this issue, it might not be a taboo
matter but generally folks don’t discuss such subjects.
To the next! Many thanks!!
parental Anxiety symptoms
How To Explain Anxiety Disorders Symptoms To Your Grandparents parental Anxiety symptoms
ms office software price in india
What’s up mates, fastidious article and nice arguments commented
here, I am in fact enjoying by these.
My web blog: ms office software price in india
Slot Depo
Hello, for all time i used to check weblog posts here early in the morning,
since i enjoy to learn more and more.
xmovies8
I’ve learn some excellent stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much effort you put to make one of these excellent
informative site.
young ace rapper death scene
Hey I am so excited I found your blog page, I really found you
by mistake, while I was searching on Digg for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just
like to say kudos for a marvelous post and a all round
interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through 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 a lot more, Please do keep up the superb b.
bokep tante jilbab
Highly descriptive article, I liked that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
dr robert macarthur orange county - ca
Nicely put, Thank you.
car accident lawyer
Very nice article. I absolutely appreciate this site. Continue the good work!
bokep di perkosa
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace,
when i read this post i thought i could
also create comment due to this sensible article.
key fob toyota
See What Key Fob Toyota Tricks The Celebs Are Using key fob toyota
старда казино рабочее зеркало
Сначала хорошо прокручиваю слот в демке, минут так на 10, а потом переключаюсь в платный и дальше ОК.
evisa vietnam
Highly descriptive article, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be a part 2?
vegetarian recipes
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering
problems with your site. It appears as though some of the text
within your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this
is happening to them too? This may be a problem with my web browser because
I’ve had this happen previously. Thanks
SLOT DEPOSIT 5000 ⚡ Developer Game Online Paling Fantastis Terbaru 2024
Hi colleagues, good article and good arguments commented at this place, I am actually enjoying by these.
spinlagi slot
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I
get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Appreciate it!
bokep indo
Hi! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent information you have
right here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon.
靾橃 鞁ろ棙鞁?鞙犾劚 氤?氚€ 氚橃洂順?氇嵏
Our mixers feature advanced mixing mechanisms for optimal mixing performance and reduced mixing time.
daman games
Sex
evisa vietnam
This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a
reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost
moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
homepage
We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable process and our entire community can be thankful to you.
bokep viral
Hello my family member! I want to say that this article
is amazing, great written and include almost all vital infos.
I’d like to see more posts like this .
sex porn viagra nigger whore
Porn