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.
English language tutors in Chiang Mai
Hello, yup this paragraph is truly fastidious and I have learned lot of things from
it regarding blogging. thanks.
Feel free to surf to my web blog … English language tutors in Chiang Mai
renault key repair
5 Renault Clio Key Replacement Projects For Any Budget renault key repair
frisco tx realtor
Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I am going to send this article to him.
Fairly certain he will have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
Feel free to visit my web-site: frisco tx realtor
Brushfinger3.werite.net
What Experts From The Field Want You To Learn erb’s
Palsy lawsuits (Brushfinger3.werite.net)
provadent review
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was entirely right.
This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
My blog … provadent review
카지노사이트
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has really peaked my interest.
I’m going to take a note of your site and keep checking
for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
Feel free to visit my webpage; 카지노사이트
Olderworkers.Com.au
Guide To Private ADHD Titration UK: The Intermediate Guide To Private ADHD Titration UK adhd Titration (Olderworkers.Com.au)
hospitality internships usa
Normally I don’t learn article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me
to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me.
Thanks, very great article.
Look into my homepage – hospitality internships usa
prodentim com scam
I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this
great article at at this place.
Feel free to visit my website :: prodentim com scam
glass shower door hardware
I have read several good stuff here. Certainly
worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort
you put to create the sort of wonderful informative website.
my webpage: glass shower door hardware
Table Tennis Quotes
you are in point of fact a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is
incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick.
Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece.
you have done a magnificent task in this topic!
my blog; Table Tennis Quotes
learn English in Chiang Mai
Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no
backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?
my web site; learn English in Chiang Mai
symptoms of Untreated adhd
Here’s A Little-Known Fact About Adult Treatment For ADHD symptoms of Untreated adhd
울산출장마사지
Amazing information. Cheers!
Also visit my site: https://Crowwe.com/groups/ten-ways-you-can-reinvent-%ec%b6%9c%ec%9e%a5%ec%95%88%eb%a7%88-without-looking-like-an-amateur/members/all-members/
frisco tx realtor
This is really fascinating, You are an excessively professional blogger.
I have joined your feed and sit up for in the hunt
for more of your magnificent post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social
networks
Feel free to visit my web page – frisco tx realtor
casino slots
See What Play Casino Slots Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use
Of casino slots
frisco tx realtor
What’s up to all, how is everything, I think every
one is getting more from this website, and your views are good in support
of new visitors.
Also visit my web site :: frisco tx realtor
tonic greens reviews
Piece of writing writing is also a fun, if you be
acquainted with afterward you can write otherwise it is complex to write.
Review my blog post: tonic greens reviews
تعمیر کولر گازی
تعمیر کولر گازی تهران
sex toys for ass
Buy Anal Sex Toys: The Ugly Real Truth Of Buy Anal Sex Toys sex toys for ass
slot gampang scatter
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after
I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyhow, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
Upvc Window Hinge
20 Quotes Of Wisdom About Upvc Windows Near Me Upvc Window Hinge
Social Media Marketing Bangkok
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme
in our community. Your website offered us with
helpful information to work on. You have performed an impressive activity and our whole
neighborhood will likely be grateful to you.
My blog Social Media Marketing Bangkok
smart hemp
Awesome post.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – smart hemp
the growth matrix
I just like the valuable information you supply in your
articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again right here regularly.
I’m quite sure I will be told a lot of new
stuff proper right here! Good luck for the next!
Here is my page :: the growth matrix
how do i shop goodwill online
Guide To How Do I Shop Goodwill Online: The Intermediate Guide For How Do I Shop
Goodwill Online how do i shop goodwill online
evisa vietnam
A motivating discussion is worth comment. I
think that you should write more about this topic, it may not
be a taboo subject but typically people do not speak about these
issues. To the next! Cheers!!
pragmatic slot
These are genuinely enormous ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some nice factors here. Any
way keep up wrinting.
evisa vietnam
Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing
the other person’s website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar for you.
evisa vietnam
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should
also pay a quick visit this webpage on regular basis to get updated from newest information.
evisa vietnam
I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A number of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not working
correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?
man up gummies
Howdy this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know 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 advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
my homepage – man up gummies
mpo slot
always i used to read smaller content that as well clear their motive,
and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading here.
Bangkok Digital Marketing Services
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts by you
later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now
😉
Look into my website: Bangkok Digital Marketing Services
Digital Marketing Agency Bangkok
Thank you, I’ve just been looking for information approximately this topic
for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve came
upon till now. But, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you positive in regards to the supply?
Also visit my homepage … Digital Marketing Agency Bangkok
jun88 vietnam
Having read this I believed it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some
time and energy to put this content together.
I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving
comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
evisa vietnam
Wow, this post is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing these things, therefore I
am going to convey her.
evisa vietnam
I have fun with, result in I discovered just what I was having a look for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
카지노사이트
That is very fascinating, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look ahead to in the hunt for more of your great post.
Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks
Check out my web site … 카지노사이트
daman game
Scam
sandibet
Very good site you have here but I was wondering if you knew of
any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed
here? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get suggestions from other experienced people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Kudos!
슬롯사이트
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group
of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same
niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
my webpage :: 슬롯사이트
泻褌芯 褟胁谢褟械褌褋褟 谢邪斜芯褉邪褌芯褉薪褘屑 蟹邪胁芯写芯屑 锌芯
Our enterprise specializes in supplying a diverse range of planetary ball mills, tailored for precise material grinding needs. Reach out for detailed specifications.
Corporate wear suppliers USA
What’s up, I would like to subscribe for this weblog to obtain most recent updates,
therefore where can i do it please assist.
Look at my blog :: Corporate wear suppliers USA
double glazed Window repairs near Me
A Journey Back In Time: What People Discussed About Window
Glass Repairs 20 Years Ago double glazed Window repairs near Me
鐞嗗寲瀛︾爺绌舵墍 绔瀷閬婃槦銉溿兗銉儫銉?瑙掑瀷
Mix even the most viscous materials with ease using our high-torque mixers, designed for heavy-duty applications.
christmas recipes
I love what you guys tend to be up too. This sort of clever
work and exposure! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
Devin
The Reasons Sectional Sleeper Sofa Is Fast Becoming The Most Popular Trend In 2023 4452346.xyz
(Devin)
Personal Injury Lawyers
What’s Holding Back From The Personal Injury Law Industry?
Personal Injury Lawyers
www.youwantech.com
A Productive Rant About Boat Accident Claim boat Accident
lawsuits (http://www.youwantech.com)