3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 81,496

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.

81496 Responses

  1. Derrick Utah
    | Reply

    I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or
    weblog posts on this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled
    upon this web site. Reading this info So i
    am glad to exhibit that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what
    I needed. I so much for sure will make sure to don?t forget this website and give it a look on a constant basis.

  4. evisa vietnam
    | Reply

    whoah this blog is excellent i really like reading your articles.

    Keep up the good work! You know, many persons are looking around for this info, you can help them
    greatly.

  8. Italian restaurant
    | Reply

    Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing difficulties with your
    RSS. I don’t know why I can’t subscribe to it.
    Is there anybody else having identical RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  10. slot demo pragmatic terlengkap
    | Reply

    Someone essentially lend a hand to make severely articles
    I’d state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far?

    I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible.
    Great activity!

  11. 札幌のすすきので時間つぶしに何ができますか?
    | Reply

    For instance, if an individual is experiencing symptoms
    of depression, a mental health psychologist may recommend therapy or counseling to address the underlying issues.
    Similarly, if an individual is struggling with substance
    abuse, they may require specialized treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication-assisted treatment.
    Accept that in their fast-paced environment pivots
    may be required and speed is of the essence.

  15. 人がゴミのようだアニメ
    | Reply

    CI Financial is a Canadian investment management company based in Toronto, Ontario.
    8) Resource Management: Finance is very essential
    for efficient resource management. Every business from its commencement and through
    its development and growth will need finance.

  18. 近畿ろうきん 借り換え
    | Reply

    Locations such as Gurgaon are well known for their malls,
    businesses, offices – the lifestyle of the people living here is fairly high as well.
    Apart from the already mentioned fact that it is easy to resell property
    in Delhi, property prices also appreciate pretty well over here.

  19. Kasey
    | Reply

    Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some nice methods and we are
    looking to swap solutions with other folks, why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  23. pepek
    | Reply

    There is definately a great deal to know about this topic.

    I like all of the points you have made.

  29. ファブリーズ 会社
    | Reply

    Electronic fuel injection first appeared on the Electra Glide model.
    In what year was the first motorcycle rally
    held in Sturgis, South Dakota? In what year did Harley-Davidson begin selling in India?
    More than 130,000 motorcycles were built before Harley-Davidson off-loaded the company after 22
    years.

  31. バブい 意味
    | Reply

    This made the citizens of China inclined towards the digital mode of payments.
    This type of digital currency employs technology that’s decentralized in order
    to permit the different users to create payments which are secure and also,
    to store money without necessarily utilizing a name or even going right through a
    financial institution.

  32. concrete lifting near me
    | Reply

    Fantastic blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring
    writers? I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress
    or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m
    totally confused .. Any suggestions? Thank you!

  36. 自分を奮い立たせる 言葉
    | Reply

    For those who take the online version of the test, scores for all
    three sections are available 10 to 15 days after the test date.
    Purchase a test product in China drop ship, small inexpensive product, observe how long it takes to appear, how well it is packed and the quality of the product sent to you.
    The schools will be sent a report including any additional GRE scores you
    have earned in the past five years.

  38. Watches
    | Reply

    Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you provide.

    It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material.

    Fantastic read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including
    your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  39. 健康 保険 証 紛失 警察
    | Reply

    Millennials were raised in an era where kids had a say in what they did
    both in school and afterward. Sure, millennials as a
    whole are savvier than other generational groups at social media.
    Yet, don’t assume this makes any individual millennial
    automatically adept at social media or able to use it for business purposes.

  42. J1に昇格できるチームは何チームですか?
    | Reply

    In the week leading up to September 16, 1992, or “Black Wednesday,” Quantum Funds earned $1.8 billion by shorting British pounds and buying German marks.
    In the following months, hedge fund public relations firms have slowly started
    ramping up their attack in an attempt to convince people that hedge
    funds could once again be a vital part of any portfolio.

  47. Osvaldo
    | Reply

    Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Best Mesothelioma Attorney
    Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It mount vernon mesothelioma attorney
    (Osvaldo)

  48. スタジオアリス クーポン券
    | Reply

    Companies that have a good track record provide a steady payment of dividends also.
    2. They help in steady wealth creation and also pay out dividends regularly.
    Large companies are the leaders of their domain and are relatively stable than the
    small companies in a volatile market which makes them ideal for
    investors who want to create wealth without an extra risk.

  49. ラムリサーチの株価の予想は
    | Reply

    On February 5, 1969, a few days after the Brussels show closed, Capri went
    on sale across Europe and the UK.S. While waiting until the
    end of the show might seem to be a bit anticlimactic,
    the effect boosted attendance on the last day to record levels, and the car was hailed as an instant
    success in design and concept.

  50. political news
    | Reply

    Thanks a ton for being my own mentor on this subject matter. My partner and i enjoyed your article greatly and most of all enjoyed reading the way in which you handled the issues I widely known as controversial. You are always quite kind towards readers really like me and assist me to in my existence. Thank you.

Leave a Reply

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