3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 80,210

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.

80210 Responses

  2. MPO SLOT GACOR
    | Reply

    Wonderful work! This is the kind of info that should be shared around the web.
    Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this put up
    upper! Come on over and discuss with my web site . Thanks
    =)

  6. Tonic Greens Reviews
    | Reply

    Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that
    they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the
    top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people
    could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.

    Thanks

  7. man up gummies
    | Reply

    Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hey there, You have performed an excellent job. I’ll definitely
    digg it and for my part suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this
    website.

    Here is my web-site :: man up gummies

  8. 198Slot
    | Reply

    Hi, There’s no doubt that your blog could be having browser compatibility
    problems. Whenever I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE,
    it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick
    heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!

  11. look at here
    | Reply

    Definitely imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to
    be on the web the simplest thing to keep in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get
    irked while people think about worries that
    they just do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also
    outlined out the whole thing with no need side
    effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be
    again to get more. Thank you

  13. the growth matrix
    | Reply

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and
    tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.

    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Also visit my site – the growth matrix

  16. Office Fitout Dubai
    | Reply

    I really like your blog.. very nice colors
    & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone
    to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like
    to know where u got this from. kudos

  22. A片
    | Reply

    Thanks , I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for ages and yours
    is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive in regards to the source?

    my website A片

  24. tile cleaner near me
    | Reply

    It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve learn this publish and if I may just I want to counsel you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles regarding this article.
    I desire to read even more things approximately it!

  26. the growth matrix youtube
    | Reply

    Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you may be a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back sometime soon. I want to encourage yourself to
    continue your great writing, have a nice weekend!

    Feel free to visit my webpage … the growth matrix youtube

  28. look at here now
    | Reply

    Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I’ve really
    enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll
    be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

  29. t.me
    | Reply

    Hi outstanding blog! Does running a blog similar to
    this require a massive amount work? I have absolutely no expertise
    in coding but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow,
    if you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners
    please share. I know this is off subject
    nevertheless I simply had to ask. Kudos!

  30. Bokep Perawan
    | Reply

    Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due
    to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?

  32. caluanie muelear oxidize parteurize
    | Reply

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and
    was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a
    pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers

  33. online
    | Reply

    You’ve made some decent points there. I looked on the web to learn more about the issue
    and found most people will go along with your views on this site.

  34. vietnam visa cost
    | Reply

    Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I to find It really useful & it helped me
    out a lot. I’m hoping to present one thing back and
    aid others such as you helped me.

  39. tonic greens
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your
    feeds and even I achievement you access consistently
    rapidly.

    My web-site … tonic greens

  41. vietnam visa cost
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.

    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?

    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Thanks

  47. Professional ADA website audit
    | Reply

    I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.

    Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?

    Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like
    to know where u got this from. cheers

  48. phenq and adderall
    | Reply

    hello there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something
    new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues
    using this website, as I experienced to reload the site many times
    previous to I could get it to load correctly. I
    had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m
    complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if
    ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and
    could look out for much more of your respective
    intriguing content. Make sure you update this again very soon.

    my site: phenq and adderall

Leave a Reply

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