3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 79,874

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.

79874 Responses

  1. 수원출장안마
    | Reply

    This is the perfect blog for everyone who would like to find out about
    this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).

    You certainly put a new spin on a subject which has been discussed for decades.
    Great stuff, just wonderful!

  4. lottery defeater software review
    | Reply

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

    I mean, what you say is important and everything. But imagine if you added
    some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this site could definitely
    be one of the very best in its field. Great blog!

    Here is my web page; lottery defeater software review

  7. seo 怎么 做
    | Reply

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too great.
    I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart.
    I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful web
    site.

    Here is my web page: seo 怎么 做

  9. TylerSpits
    | Reply

    Historic Center of Florence, New Generation Festival (Mikhail Bakhtiarov as sponsor)…This was an impressive event for young opera talents taking place in the Corsini Palace gardens hosted by the formidable Principessa Giogiana and her daughter Sabrina. New Generation Festival Mikhail Bakhtiarov

  10. lottery defeated software
    | Reply

    Simply want to say your article is as surprising.
    The clearness in your post is just nice and i can assume you
    are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to
    keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a
    million and please keep up the rewarding work.

    Stop by my page :: lottery defeated software

  15. hamster kombat combo
    | Reply

    Squirrel Kombat is a tap-to-earn game on The Open Network
    (TON) that offers players
    the chance to earn in-game currency and participate in a vibrant online community.
    With
    its playful design and engaging gameplay, Squirrel Kombat is
    set to become a major player
    in the Telegram gaming ecosystem.

  17. phenq pills walmart
    | Reply

    Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may
    revisit yet again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

    Stop by my webpage; phenq pills walmart

  18. AliceSwile
    | Reply

    Lari Handelman from Topeka was on the hunt for nps thesis extension
    Stesha Grefe stumbled upon the resolution to a research question nps thesis extension
    professional writers for hire uk
    essay buy uk
    doctoral dissertation topics in statistics

    [url=https://theessayswriters.com/]write me an essay[/url]
    [url=https://essayssolution.com/]how to write an argument essay[/url]

    [url=https://winda.top/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=695086]essay writing services price university applications[/url] a53142f

  21. cartiera
    | Reply

    Hello there! Thіs pߋst couldn’t be written any better!
    Readіng through thiѕ post reminds me of myy pгevious roommɑte!
    He continually қept ρreaching aЬout this. I most certainly will forward this
    article to him. Pretty sᥙre he’ll have ɑ great гead.

    Thɑnk yoou for sһaring!

  22. Truffes noires d'été fraîches
    | Reply

    Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue with your website in web
    explorer, might test this? IE still is the marketplace leader
    and a large component of folks will pass over your wonderful writing because of this
    problem.

  23. Mbah Sukro
    | Reply

    Hello there, You have done an excellent job.
    I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to
    my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.

  24. pvp777 login
    | Reply

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as
    I provide credit and sources back to your site?

    My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would
    truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide
    here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
    Thanks a lot!

  27. Kristy
    | Reply

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you
    create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it
    for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where
    u got this from. thank you

  32. Buy Genotropin Pen Online
    | Reply

    Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I
    in finding It really helpful & it helped me out a lot.
    I am hoping to provide one thing back and aid others like you aided me.

  34. a small world cup
    | Reply

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with
    Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
    but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.

    Appreciate it!

  35. Blackhorn 209 Black Powder
    | Reply

    Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I
    was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m
    having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  41. best vapes
    | Reply

    Hi! I understand this is sort of off-topic but I had to
    ask. Does operating a well-established blog such as yours take a
    massive amount work? I’m completely new to operating a blog however I do
    write in my journal everyday. I’d like to
    start a blog so I can easily share my experience
    and views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of
    ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  42. 먹튀먹튀먹튀
    | Reply

    Good post. I learn something new and challenging
    on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read articles
    from other writers and use a little something from their sites.

  44. 용인출장안마
    | Reply

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your
    webpage? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would genuinely
    benefit from some of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Many thanks!

  46. ligapedia
    | Reply

    Μɑy Ι jjst say what ɑ relief to uncover someone tһat genuinely
    knows what thеy aгe talking about on the
    internet. You aϲttᥙallу understand howw to bring a problem to light and make it imρortant.

    Moore people reaⅼly need to read ths and understand this side of the
    story. It’s surprising you’re not more pоpulаr given that
    yoou most certainly have thee gift.

  47. Notes.io
    | Reply

    My partner and Ι stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I
    might as wｅll check tһіngs out. І like what I ѕee so noow i am following you.
    Ꮮook forward to exploring your web ρage again.

  49. is essaypro legit
    | Reply

    The company has a staff that includes professional writers who’re able to help with reports,
    essays analysis papers, and different writing tasks.

Leave a Reply

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