3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 116,892

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.

116892 Responses

  3. slot deposit 1000
    | Reply

    When someone writes an article he/she retains the image
    of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.
    So that’s why this paragraph is amazing. Thanks!

  7. look at here now
    | Reply

    I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and exposure!
    Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve added you guys
    to my own blogroll.

  9. yacht rentals dubai
    | Reply

    Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to grasp so much about
    this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you simply could
    do with some p.c. to power the message home a bit, however instead
    of that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read.

    I will certainly be back.

    My web-site … yacht rentals dubai

  12. 링크모음
    | Reply

    I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your
    blog? 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 two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    My webpage :: 링크모음

  13. سایت بت فوروارد
    | Reply

    Hi! Quick question that’s entirely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks
    weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find
    a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!

  16. macauslot88
    | Reply

    Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I
    decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
    I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait
    to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, wonderful site!

  17. toto 4d
    | Reply

    Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this
    blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  21. discover this info here
    | Reply

    Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness
    in your post is simply great and i could assume you are an expert on this
    subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed
    to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  23. akun slot maxwin
    | Reply

    Great blog! Do you have any recommendations for
    aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m
    a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many options out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
    Any suggestions? Thanks!

  24. Nerve Fresh Reviews
    | Reply

    Having read this I believed it was very informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and effort to
    put this information together. I once again find
    myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

  26. billionaire brain wave
    | Reply

    It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

    Here is my web page; billionaire brain wave

  28. hipaa secure now
    | Reply

    What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful
    and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to contribute &
    assist different customers like its helped me.
    Great job.

  36. sor777
    | Reply

    I visited various web pages except the audio feature for audio songs current at this web
    page is truly superb.

  37. look at here
    | Reply

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was once entirely right.

    This submit actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how a lot time I had spent for this info!
    Thank you!

  38. Camelot Exchange
    | Reply

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!

    I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later on. All the best

  39. Indosat HiFi
    | Reply

    continuously i used to read smaller posts that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading at this place.

  43. Water filtration Fullerton CA
    | 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
    four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Thank you!

  44. nerve fresh
    | Reply

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home
    a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Have a look at my page; nerve fresh

  45. nitric boost
    | Reply

    Wow, fantastic weblog layout! How long have you been running a blog for?

    you make running a blog look easy. The overall look of your
    web site is wonderful, let alone the content!

    Feel free to visit my blog; nitric boost

  46. AliceSwile
    | Reply

    Pris Chiaminto from Arlington was searching for apa dissertation editors
    Winnah Redfield stumbled upon the resolution to a research question apa dissertation editors
    sample thesis proposal literature review
    write dissertation in one month

    [url=https://writingpaperforme.com/]custom paper writer[/url]
    [url=https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/]reddit do my homework[/url]

    [url=https://bengalkittens.org/why-some-cats-pee-outside-the-litter-box/#comment-238095]dissertation guide for construction students 3rd edition[/url] f5_112a

Leave a Reply

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