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.
boostaro powder
I simply couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual
information an individual supply for your visitors?
Is going to be back steadily to inspect new posts
My page … boostaro powder
Malpractice lawyers
The Top Malpractice Claim The Gurus Have Been Doing 3 Things Malpractice lawyers
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
the growth matrix reviews
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your
website. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire
out a developer to create your theme? Great work!
Look into my web-site the growth matrix reviews
Felicitas
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto
a friend who had been conducting a little homework
on this. And he actually bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this topic here on your site.
scam
Awesome article.
Carrol
11 Creative Methods To Write About Malpractice Law malpractice attorneys [Carrol]
eddafay
10 Facts About Childrens Bunk Bed That Can Instantly Put You In A Good Mood eddafay
Daniela
7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your Accident Legal accident lawyers, Daniela,
elsycrays
The Next Big Event In The Lock Smith For Cars Industry elsycrays
Window & Door Doctor
Where Can You Find The Best Upvc Door Doctor Near Me Information? Window & Door Doctor
gluco freedom
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative
and interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for
something regarding this.
Feel free to visit my web-site … gluco freedom
پت شاپ
Nicely put, With thanks.
man up gummies reviews
If some one desires to be updated with hottest technologies after that he must be go to see this site and be up to date everyday.
Also visit my page man up gummies reviews
Asbestos Legal
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs
(pleura) and stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart.
Symptoms usually develop as time passes.
Feel free to visit my web-site Asbestos Legal
Skoda Fabia Replacement Key
Where Will Replacement Skoda Key Be One Year From Now? Skoda Fabia Replacement Key
sumatra slim belly tonic
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m
going to return yet again since I book marked
it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you
be rich and continue to guide other people.
My page … sumatra slim belly tonic
the growth matrix pills
Excellent site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find high
quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!
my website :: the growth matrix pills
sex
Very good info. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve bookmarked it for later!
Upvc Door Repairs Near Me
What’s The Reason? Door Repairs Near Me Is Everywhere This Year Upvc Door Repairs Near Me
pro nerve 6 review
This design is incredible! 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!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented
it. Too cool!
Look into my webpage: pro nerve 6 review
orgonit eshop
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 four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Bless you!
sleeper sofa with recliner
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Sleeper Sofa Queen sleeper sofa with recliner
lottery defeated
I think that what you published was actually very logical.
However, what about this? suppose you were to write a awesome title?
I ain’t suggesting your content is not solid., but
suppose you added something to possibly get people’s attention? I mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report is a
little boring. You could peek at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create news
headlines to get viewers to open the links. You might add a related video or a pic or two
to get people excited about what you’ve written. Just my opinion, it would bring your
posts a little bit more interesting.
My website; lottery defeated
3222914
Check Out: How Drip Coffee Maker Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It 3222914
evisa vietnam
Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am
a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed some nice
procedures and we are looking to trade methods
with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.
exhibition stands dubai
Immerse yourself in the variety of exhibition stand designs that we have had executed in the past with numerous
sizes of exhibition stands in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that
makes certain that your brand is enhanced through our designing process.
Veterans Disability Law Firm
There Are Myths And Facts Behind Veterans Disability Lawsuit Veterans Disability Law Firm
lottery defeated software
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet
my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this
for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Also visit my web-site; lottery defeated software
tiger168
Excellent website. Lots of helpful info here.
I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thank you on your sweat!
Roxana
You’ll Never Guess This Window Repair Near Me’s Benefits window repair
– Roxana,
medical malpractice Lawsuit
The 15 Things Your Boss Wants You To Know About Medical Malpractice Attorneys You’d Known About Medical Malpractice Attorneys medical malpractice Lawsuit
smart hemp
Your style is really unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you’ve got the
opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web
site.
Feel free to surf to my blog … smart hemp
the growth matrix reviews
I’m really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
A number of my blog audience have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?
My web-site … the growth matrix reviews
what is boostaro for
What’s up, yup this piece of writing is actually good and I
have learned lot of things from it about blogging. thanks.
Feel free to visit my webpage – what is boostaro for
webpage
Many thanks! I enjoy it!
lottery defeated
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to
commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also
make comment due to this brilliant post.
Feel free to surf to my web site … lottery defeated
24live
I’m extremely impressed together with your writing abilities and also with the format on your blog.
Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to
look a nice blog like this one these days..
the growth matrix
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast
coming again to read more news.
Also visit my web site: the growth matrix
tonic greens reviews
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about tonic greens reviews.
Regards
Adhd medication names
See What ADHD Medication Names Tricks The Celebs Are Using Adhd medication names
Williamfem
rgbet
rgbet
is the growth matrix a scam
Keep on writing, great job!
my site: is the growth matrix a scam
www.Annunciogratis.Net
10 Apps To Aid You Manage Your Where To Buy Chest Freezer are any chest
freezers frost free (http://www.Annunciogratis.Net)
Evan
Unexpected Business Strategies That Aided
Citroen Remote Key Replacement To Succeed citroen relay
key – Evan –
the growth matrix
Hi there friends, pleasant paragraph and nice
urging commented at this place, I am genuinely enjoying by
these.
Also visit my webpage; the growth matrix
Stephan
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just
extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired
here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.
sight care
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this
web site on regular basis to get updated from most up-to-date gossip.
Here is my blog post; sight care
9363280.xyz
25 Surprising Facts About Mesothelioma Asbestos Claims 9363280.xyz
dildos and butt plugs
20 Things You Should Be Educated About Uk Butt Plugs dildos and butt plugs