3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 145,935

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.

145935 Responses

  3. japan travel bureau (malaysia) sdn. bhd
    | Reply

    Dynamic Packaging merchandise have become fairly in style as
    consumers look to create their very own travel expertise.
    But confusion about the precise time wasn’t a huge problem till the 1800s, when railroad trains started making it possible to shortly travel from
    one place to the subsequent. If we discuss the perfect place
    to remain in Madeira, it might depend on the people as they have one thing to offer to everybody.
    It’s a cruel place on the market, and the vital lesson is that you are by no means protected from something and may live in concern your whole life.
    Now, don’t assume you’re crazy if you happen to learn that and are left
    considering that our complete “clear day/lightning” thesis is in query.
    In any case, what sense does it make to say that you just will need to have clouds to form lightning but that
    lightning can come from a clear blue sky? However in the spirit of kinda freaking everyone out, let’s simply be clear that it might
    probably occur – and has.

  6. кухни в краснодаре
    | Reply

    Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
    sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
    your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but
    I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any helpful hints for beginner blog writers?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  13. tiger168
    | Reply

    Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will ensure
    that I bookmark your blog and may come back in the foreseeable future.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice day!

  15. sarang777
    | Reply

    This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking
    more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social
    networks!

  22. SonoFit
    | Reply

    Howdy! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I needed
    to ask. Does building a well-established website like yours take a large
    amount of work? I am brand new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for new
    aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!

  26. asbestos Law
    | Reply

    A mesothelioma lawsuit is a viable way for asbestos Law victims of all
    ages to get compensation. The money received could be used to pay medical expenses, lost
    income and other financial costs.

  31. Kanye West poster custom
    | Reply

    Hey friends,

    I just secured this awesome Kanye West poster and I had to let you know with you! The design is excellent and the artwork are so bright. It definitely introduces Kanye’s core and flair into my dorm.

    If you’re a Kanye West lover, this is a key piece for your array. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and you can admire the passion that went into making this wall art.

    I came across mine from an fantastic store that specializes in Kanye West posters, and the assistance was outstanding. They assisted me find the right poster for my home.

    For anyone looking to add a dash of Kanye’s cultural impact to their environment, this poster is an excellent pick. It’s not just a wall hanging, it’s a showcase to Kanye’s musical path.

    Any other fans bought one of these? It’d be awesome to hear your feedback and discuss your experiences.

    Let’s continue the Kanye West devotion alive!

  39. carbon credits price
    | Reply

    hi!,I really like your writing so so much! percentage we communicate extra about your post on AOL?
    I need a specialist on this space to unravel my problem.
    Maybe that is you! Looking forward to see you.

  42. alpha bites
    | Reply

    Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and
    I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially
    the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was
    looking for this particular info for a very long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

    Also visit my site; alpha bites

  44. sandibet
    | Reply

    Hi there, There’s no doubt that your web site might be having web
    browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari,
    it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that,
    wonderful website!

  46. barista training course
    | Reply

    Definitely believe that which you stated. Your
    favorite reason seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries
    that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and
    defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  47. Mega Search Engine
    | Reply

    I have learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how a lot effort you set to make any such great informative web site.

  49. babak food equipment
    | Reply

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this
    site before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to
    me. Regardless, I’m certainly happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!

Leave a Reply

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