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.
small loveseat
Thanks for sharing such a nice thinking, piece of writing is good,
thats why i have read it entirely
Also visit my homepage :: small loveseat
Bookmarks
Insolvency is essentially a credentials process.
My homepage; Bookmarks
Skinny jeans high Waist
You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be
actually something that I feel I would never understand.
It kind of feels too complicated and very large for me.
I am having a look forward on your next submit, I will attempt
to get the dangle of it!
Chicago Facts
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your site?
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 one or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Also visit my web site – Chicago Facts
High boots high heels
Hey I am so glad I found your website, I really found you
by accident, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else,
Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post
and a all round interesting blog (I also love
the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at
the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do
keep up the superb b.
Bookmarks
Finest Arizona Bad Guy Protection Attorney.
my web blog Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Bankruptcy is basically a credentials procedure.
My site Bookmarks
Bookmarks
USP human growth hormonal agent (somatropin).
my page :: Bookmarks
Gainesville Computer Repair
you are really a just right webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing.
It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
In addition, The contents are masterwork. you’ve performed a great job
in this matter!
Review my blog … Gainesville Computer Repair
Bookmarks
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Review.
Here is my blog post; Bookmarks
Bookmarks
XYGENYX, a licensing company for FDA-registered products.
Review my blog post: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
USP human development hormone (somatropin).
My web site: Bookmarks
bankruptcy attorneys in the area
Finest Arizona Bad Guy Protection Lawyers.
Also visit my blog post; bankruptcy attorneys in the area
Tracee
A synthetic USP human development hormonal agent (somatropin).
Feel free to surf to my site – ai detector tool grammarly (Tracee)
Bookmarks
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Testimonial.
my website; Bookmarks
which collagen peptide is best
Than those who did not take which collagen peptide is best supplements.
company
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Window And Door Company Near Me’s Benefits company
cheapest theology degree online
NewULife Ranks. Welcome to my NewUlife Testimonial.
my homepage :: cheapest theology degree online
Bookmarks
Than those that did not take collagen supplements.
Here is my web page; Bookmarks
are chapter 13 bankruptcies discharged
Contact Arizona bankruptcy legislation workplace currently.
Feel free to visit my site – are chapter 13 bankruptcies discharged
best spermidine supplement reddit
This is where best spermidine supplement reddit supplements
been available in.
colostrum vs collagen peptides
Than those who did not take colostrum vs collagen peptides supplements.
Bookmarks
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Evaluation.
Feel free to visit my web site; Bookmarks
how can you learn how to sing better
These noises exercise different vocal cables.
Feel free to surf to my homepage: how can you learn how to sing better
what brand of vitamins are best absorbed
This is where spermidine supplements come in.
My site what brand of vitamins are best absorbed
Emely
Spaces have views over Lake Windermere or our gardens.
My site spa hotels newby bridge (Emely)
best ai detector for essays
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
Check out my blog best ai detector for essays
what is chapter 11 bankruptcies
Bankruptcy what is chapter 11 bankruptcies basically a
credentials process.
kia sportage key replacement cost uk
Ten Kia Car Key Replacement That Will Improve Your Life
kia sportage key replacement cost uk
are prescription vitamins better than otc
This is where spermidine supplements been available in.
my homepage; are prescription vitamins better than otc
Ai detector turnitin free online
NewULife Ranks. Welcome to my NewUlife Evaluation.
My blog: Ai detector turnitin free online
Do Pill Supplements Work
This is where spermidine Do Pill Supplements Work can be found in.
Bookmarks
My Arizona Lawyers aided me with my criminal situation.
Also visit my homepage: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
In this case, the life insurance company’s cash.
Stop by my web page: Bookmarks
запчасти для японских грузовиков
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after browsing through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking it
and checking back often!
is colostrum the same as collagen
Than those that did not take is colostrum the same as collagen supplements.
roots promo code
XYGENYX, a licensing firm for FDA-registered products.
Also visit my webpage – roots promo code
Bookmarks
Present law covers 3 legal procedures.
My web page – Bookmarks
newby bridge hotel phone Number
Spaces have sights over Lake Windermere or our gardens.
Have a look at my web page newby bridge hotel phone Number
Bookmarks
Ideal Arizona Crook Protection Lawyers.
Look into my webpage; Bookmarks
bankruptcy lawyer houston texas
Chat with licensed legal representatives until
you’re satisfied.
Also visit my website; bankruptcy lawyer houston texas
the root brands discount code
They have products to market or solutions to supply.
Feel free to surf to my web blog … the root brands discount code
Bookmarks
An artificial USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Check out my web-site Bookmarks
swan hotel spa newby bridge offers
Rooms have views over Lake Windermere or our yards.
Also visit my site; swan hotel spa newby bridge offers
spermidine supplements reviews
This is where spermidine supplements reviews supplements come in.
Bookmarks
Rooms have sights over Lake Windermere or our gardens.
Also visit my site :: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
my web blog – Bookmarks
Bookmarks
These audios exercise various singing cords.
My homepage Bookmarks
bankruptcy Lawyer arlington texas
You can anticipate creditors to call until you submit.
Feel free to visit my website; bankruptcy Lawyer arlington texas
Arizona Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Most Phase Arizona Chapter 13 bankruptcy
strategies must be 3 to five years long.