3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 80,899

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.

80899 Responses

  4. york halal chicken
    | Reply

    My brother suggested I may like this website. He used to be entirely right.

    This submit truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how a
    lot time I had spent for this information! Thank you!

  5. memek
    | Reply

    Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring
    on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and
    would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know
    my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely
    interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  6. visa requirements to visit vietnam
    | Reply

    Fantastic site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of
    any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get feedback from other
    experienced individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate it!

  7. site
    | Reply

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough
    time locating it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve
    got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand
    over time.

  9. phenq
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog.
    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 really
    like to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back
    to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Thanks!

    Look at my website – phenq

  10. click for more,
    | Reply

    Hi there! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
    I will be coming back to your website for more soon.

  11. do tonic greens work
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am inspired!
    Very helpful information specially the final section 🙂 I care for such
    info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time.
    Thank you and good luck.

    Look into my site; do tonic greens work

  26. vietnam evisa application
    | Reply

    Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually realize what
    you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my website
    =). We may have a link trade arrangement between us

  28. Heck Real Estate Sales
    | Reply

    Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m
    impressed! Extremely useful information specifically the
    last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular
    info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  30. pronerve 6 scam
    | Reply

    of course like your web site but you need to check the
    spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find
    it very bothersome to inform the reality nevertheless I’ll definitely come
    back again.

    Here is my web blog – pronerve 6 scam

  31. 1
    | Reply

    I’ve been roԝsing online more than 2 hours today, yet
    I never found any іnteresting article like уours.
    It is рretty worth enough for me. Personally, if аll weƄ owners and
    bloggers made good content as you did, the web wilⅼ bbe much more useful than ever before.

    Also visit my web blog: 1

  33. seo company
    | Reply

    A person essentially assist to make significantly articles I’d state.
    This is the first time I frequented your web page and up to now?
    I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual
    submit incredible. Wonderful activity!

  34. pronerve 6
    | Reply

    I all the time emailed this web site post page to all my
    contacts, for the reason that if like to read it then my contacts will too.

    Feel free to visit my page: pronerve 6

  37. additional reading
    | Reply

    Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after going through many of the articles I realized it’s new to me.

    Anyways, I’m definitely pleased I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking
    it and checking back frequently!

  41. code promo 1xbet
    | Reply

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But just imagine if you added some great pictures or
    video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips,
    this website could undeniably be one of the greatest in its field.

    Very good blog!

  43. Markus
    | Reply

    Natural Ways To Treat Anxiety Techniques To Simplify Your Daily Life Natural Ways To Treat Anxiety Trick That
    Everybody Should Know natural ways to treat anxiety
    – Markus –

  47. methamphetamine
    | Reply

    Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a
    sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to
    her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab
    inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell
    someone!

  49. pronerve 6
    | Reply

    Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided
    to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good site!

    Feel free to visit my web site – pronerve 6

Leave a Reply

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