3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 79,542

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.

79542 Responses

  1. realtor in Frisco TX
    | Reply

    Great blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
    Any recommendations? Thanks!

    My web-site realtor in Frisco TX

  3. More Help
    | Reply

    Hi there excellent website! Does running a blog similar to this require a massive amount work?
    I have absolutely no understanding of computer programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, should you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners
    please share. I understand this is off subject nevertheless I just wanted to
    ask. Kudos!

  11. frisco tx realtor
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about adding a little
    bit more than just your articles? I mean, what
    you say is fundamental and all. But think about if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts
    more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and
    clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche.

    Superb blog!

    Also visit my site: frisco tx realtor

  12. wd808 login
    | Reply

    This design is steller! You certainly 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!) Wonderful job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

  13. frisco tx realtor
    | Reply

    Wonderful work! That is the type of info that are supposed to be shared across the web.
    Shame on the search engines for now not positioning this post
    higher! Come on over and consult with my website .
    Thanks =)

    my blog; frisco tx realtor

  25. discover this info here
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Cheers

  36. f2 ibomma
    | Reply

    I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or
    weblog posts on this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this information So i’m happy to express
    that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed.
    I most indisputably will make sure to don?t overlook this site and give
    it a look on a relentless basis.

  37. realtor in Frisco TX
    | Reply

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and
    tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just
    so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83
    views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Here is my web blog – realtor in Frisco TX

  39. frisco tx realtor
    | Reply

    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating
    it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas
    for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
    great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over
    time.

    my site frisco tx realtor

  40. realtor in Frisco TX
    | Reply

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading
    it, you may be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back someday.
    I want to encourage continue your great posts, have a nice
    evening!

    Here is my web-site: realtor in Frisco TX

  42. tonic greens reviews
    | Reply

    When I initially commented I seem to have clicked on the
    -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the exact same comment.
    Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service?
    Cheers!

    my webpage … tonic greens reviews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *