3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 78,185

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.

78185 Responses

  1. evisa vietnam
    | Reply

    This is the perfect blog for everyone who wishes to find out about this topic.
    You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
    You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for many years.
    Excellent stuff, just wonderful!

  2. AliceSwile
    | Reply

    Kristien Liebelt from Thornton was trying to find heat phd thesis transfer
    Karlotta Mollohan uncovered the response to an inquiry heat phd thesis transfer
    dissertation nursing student retention toolkit
    how to write a literature review for a dissertation proposal
    free custom term paper
    dissertation findings and analysis chapter

    [url=https://custompaperwritingservices.com/]essay writer[/url]
    [url=https://payforanessaysonline.com/]essays writer[/url]
    [url=https://theessayswriters.com/]someone write my essay[/url]

    [url=https://one2bay.de/forum/showthread.php?tid=24500&pid=579667#pid579667]the best online essay writing service[/url] f2_7c46

  10. xhamster
    | Reply

    This platform is guilty of sharing child pornography, a serious crime.
    Avoid it at all costs and report it to the authorities.

  15. eerr
    | Reply

    I simply could not depart your site before suggesting that I really
    loved the usual info an individual supply on your visitors?
    Is going to be back incessantly in order to inspect new posts

  19. leaky faucet repair
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for
    a author for your weblog. You have some really great articles and I feel I
    would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some
    of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for
    your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

  24. alpha bits
    | Reply

    Hi! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone.

    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

  26. cara cepat menang main slot online
    | Reply

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
    one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so
    any support is very much appreciated.

  33. porno
    | Reply

    It’s awesome to pay a quick visit this site and reading
    the views of all colleagues concerning this post, while I am also keen of
    getting know-how.

  35. evisa vietnam
    | Reply

    I am not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.

    I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  36. tonic greens
    | Reply

    Hi there! This article couldn’t be written any better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this article to him.
    Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    my webpage: tonic greens

  37. sex
    | Reply

    When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
    and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thank you!

  40. bugil
    | Reply

    Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I’ve really enjoyed browsing
    your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and
    I’m hoping you write again soon!

  43. online tutoring for university students
    | Reply

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website
    and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your
    blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment
    and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  47. gluco freedom
    | Reply

    I’m very happy to uncover this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!!

    I definitely really liked every part of it and
    I have you book-marked to see new things on your blog.

    my website: gluco freedom

  50. evisa vietnam
    | Reply

    It’s awesome to go to see this site and reading the views of all friends on the topic of this paragraph, while I am also keen of getting experience.

Leave a Reply

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