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.
온라인슬롯
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how
to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never
seem to get there! Thanks
Feel free to surf to my blog; 온라인슬롯
제주출장마사지
Nicely put. With thanks.
My web blog http://donga-well-ageing.org/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=724393
zapatillas de futbol
It’s awesome designed for me to have a website, which is good in favor of my
knowledge. thanks admin
prodentim reviews 2022
What’s up, the whole thing is going perfectly here
and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s truly excellent,
keep up writing.
Feel free to visit my page; prodentim reviews 2022
the growth matrix reviews
First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to
ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear
your head prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there.
I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are
wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or
tips? Appreciate it!
Stop by my site :: the growth matrix reviews
residence permit by investment
Hi there Dear, are you in fact visiting this website
regularly, if so after that you will without doubt obtain nice knowledge.
My web blog residence permit by investment
tonic greens herpes cure
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing
this article and also the rest of the site is also really good.
Also visit my web blog: tonic greens herpes cure
카지노 검증 사이트
Excellent website you have here but I was wanting to know if
you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics
talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get
responses from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
Thanks a lot!
Take a look at my web blog: 카지노 검증 사이트
토토사이트 모음
Hello, the whole thing is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s in fact excellent,
keep up writing.
Feel free to surf to my web page; 토토사이트 모음
porn
Hi there very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..
I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally…I’m satisfied to
search out so many useful information here in the put up, we need work out extra techniques on this
regard, thank you for sharing.
tonic greens
I go to see every day a few web pages and sites to read articles or reviews, except this webpage presents quality based writing.
Also visit my web page :: tonic greens
agen slot Jaya365 indonesia
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided
to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I
enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look
when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded
on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
Anyways, superb site!
alphabites
As the admin of this web page is working, no hesitation very soon it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
my homepage :: alphabites
where to buy cheap fridge
15 Fridge With Ice Maker Benefits That Everyone Should Be Able To where to buy cheap fridge
tonic greens herpes review
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout of
your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got
to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two images.
Maybe you could space it out better?
My web-site; tonic greens herpes review
3 wheel Strollers
The One 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Mistake That Every Beginner Makes 3 wheel Strollers
hvilke scenarier kraever brug af korundkugler i laboratoriekuglemollen
Optimize your mixing protocols with our adjustable speed mixers, capable of handling a diverse range of materials and viscosities.
lottery defeater software reviews
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness
of valuable experience on the topic of unpredicted emotions.
my web site – lottery defeater software reviews
209.97.162.57 lừa đảo người chơi
Truly quite a lot of wonderful tips.
Brandi
hey there and thank you for your information – I have
certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this web site, since
I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to I could get
it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and
can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and
could look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
Make sure you update this again soon.
laboratuvar kavanoz degi虈rmeni虈 nedi虈r kullanimi nedi虈r
Mixers that cater to specific industries – we’ll provide you with tailored specifications upon request.
does the growth matrix work
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new
project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have
done a wonderful job!
Have a look at my web-site: does the growth matrix work
the growth matrix male enhancement free download
Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired!
Extremely helpful info particularly the closing section :
) I deal with such info much. I used to be seeking this
particular information for a long time. Thank you and best of
luck.
Have a look at my blog post :: the growth matrix male enhancement free download
residence permit by investment
I used to be able to find good information from your content.
Feel free to visit my web-site – residence permit by investment
the growth matrix pills
If some one needs to be updated with most recent technologies afterward he must
be pay a quick visit this web page and be up to date daily.
Look at my webpage :: the growth matrix pills
man up gummies
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for providing this info.
my web site … man up gummies
residence permit by investment
I think everything said was actually very reasonable.
However, think on this, suppose you were to write
a killer headline? I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to
run your website, however what if you added a post title to possibly get people’s attention? I mean Short
term missions are not the race – The Hus Report is a little
boring. You might look at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create news titles to get
people to click. You might add a video or a pic or two to get
people excited about everything’ve written. In my opinion, it could bring your blog a little bit more interesting.
My web-site – residence permit by investment
913875.xyz
10 Stove Fireplace-Related Projects To Extend Your Creativity 913875.xyz
SCATTER HITAM: Daftar Link Situs Slot Gacor Slot88 Kok Gampang Jackpot Hari ini
I got this web site from my friend who informed me about this
web page and at the moment this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative posts
at this place.
sumatra slim belly tonic reviews
Whats up very cool site!! Guy .. Beautiful ..
Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take
the feeds also? I am happy to find so many useful information right
here in the submit, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
Feel free to surf to my blog; sumatra slim belly tonic reviews
volvo Xc60 emergency key
Volvo Xc60 Replacement Key Cost 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners volvo Xc60 emergency key
penis enlargement
penis enlargement
web design agency
You could definitely see your skills in the work you write.
The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
Always follow your heart.
Take a look at my web-site … web design agency
pronerve 6
You could definitely see your skills within the work you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
Take a look at my web page: pronerve 6
롤대리
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price?
Cheers, I appreciate it!
Feel free to visit my web blog … 롤대리
curious kind graphic design studio michigan
Asking questions are in fact nice thing if you are not understanding something entirely,
however this post gives fastidious understanding yet.
my blog curious kind graphic design studio michigan
Best roof box
I am extremely inspired with your writing talents and also with
the layout to your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway stay up the excellent high quality writing,
it’s rare to look a nice blog like this one today..
Feel free to surf to my webpage – Best roof box
jaka jest cena planetarnego mlyna kulowego
Our ball mill factory boasts cutting-edge technology and strict quality control, ensuring low prices without compromising standards.
birth defect lawsuit
Tips For Explaining Birth Defect Attorney To Your Mom birth defect lawsuit
Kia Rio Key
5 Laws To Help The Kia Picanto Key Replacement Industry Kia Rio Key
Masterslot69 Gacor
It is in reality a great and helpful piece of info.
I’m happy that you just shared this useful information with us.
Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
yuksek enerji虈li虈 gezegensel bi虈lyeli虈 degi虈rmenleri虈n ustun performansi nelerdi虈r
Innovative milling technology provider, combining advanced design with cost-effective manufacturing, ready to consult.
provadent independent reviews
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this site daily, this web
page is in fact fastidious and the visitors are in fact sharing fastidious thoughts.
my web blog provadent independent reviews
personal Injury Lawsuit
10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Personal Injury Settlement personal Injury Lawsuit
Personal Injury
Guide To Personal Injury Compensation: The Intermediate
Guide On Personal Injury Compensation Personal Injury
sex
This article is truly a pleasant one it assists new net visitors, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
Rogelio
https://stanproperty.com/new-launch/
Nicely put. Kudos.
Nissan keys
10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Get A New Nissan Qashqai Replacement Key Nissan keys
residence permit by investment
Very quickly this web site will be famous amid all blog people,
due to it’s good articles or reviews
Here is my web-site; residence permit by investment
sumatra slim belly tonic
Yes! Finally something about sumatra slim belly tonic.