3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 78,164

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.

78164 Responses

  3. hey
    | Reply

    I like what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and coverage!

    Keep up the superb works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.

  4. gangbang indo
    | Reply

    I blog often and I genuinely appreciate your content.
    This great article has truly peaked my interest.
    I will book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week.
    I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  6. SteveFleef
    | Reply

    В нашей семье все было против нас… Банки отказывали в ипотеке, аренда квартиры съедала большую часть дохода. Тогда я узнал про “Бест Вей” и решил, что это наш последний шанс. Роман Василенко встретился со мной лично, рассказал о кооперативе и как все работает. Я решил попробовать и не пожалел. Внес первый взнос, и через шесть месяцев мы уже переехали в свою квартиру! Это было что-то невероятное. Теперь мы выплачиваем оставшуюся сумму и знаем, что квартира скоро будет полностью нашей. Огромное спасибо Роману и его команде за их честность, профессионализм и заботу. Вы действительно помогаете людям, и это бесценно!

  7. rustavi 2 live
    | Reply

    you are truly a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents
    are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent job on this
    subject!

  10. Indian Young Bhabhi Sucking Fucking With Lover
    | Reply

    When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and
    now whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails
    with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able
    to remove me from that service? Appreciate it!

  15. Aroma IPTV
    | Reply

    Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It’s the little changes that produce the
    greatest changes. Thanks for sharing!

  16. 1nwin bonus
    | Reply

    Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this webpage; this web site carries awesome and truly excellent stuff designed for visitors.

  17. масса земли в кг физика
    | Reply

    имена овнов значение рейтинг самых
    верных женщин по знакам зодиака
    и к чему снится что замужняя
    женщина в белом свадебном платье
    черная магия приворот на соль
    что значит сон про увольнение

  19. fitspresso reviews
    | Reply

    What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I
    have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out
    loads. I am hoping to contribute & help different
    users like its aided me. Good job.

    Feel free to surf to my website … fitspresso reviews

  20. 1nwin poker online
    | Reply

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to reach my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is written on your website.Keep the posts coming. I enjoyed it!

  24. 1nwin bantuan
    | Reply

    Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in internet explorer, could test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a huge component of folks will omit your excellent writing due to this problem.

  27. agenolx
    | Reply

    I just like the valuable information you supply for
    your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a
    look at once more here regularly. I’m somewhat sure I’ll learn a lot of new stuff proper here!

    Best of luck for the following!

  28. Smriti Irani Ka Bf Video Pron
    | Reply

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come
    here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to
    create your theme? Outstanding work!

  30. livestream lua dao
    | Reply

    vaults.live la mot website gia mao kenh cakhiatv. Tai day cac
    ban se khong duoc nghe cac binh luan vien quen thuoc cua cakhia nhu giang a
    cay, giang a lu, giang a pho. Thay vao do la cac binh luan vien thieu chuyen nghiep.

    Ngoai ra neu khong can than cac ban se bi website nay lua dao cac keo bong
    da khong tuy tin, lua dao nhung nguoi ca do va dam me bong da

  34. BlockTech
    | Reply

    blocҝtechbuzz.com

    Exрlore Blocｃk Tech

    Join the aɗventure at BlockTech Buzz, whеre every clik brings you the lawtest and greatest in gaming, crypto, and cоol tech gadgets.
    Whetheг you’re a beginner oor a seɑsoned prо, we have sometһing for everyone.

  35. dpo
    | Reply

    I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
    This post posted at this web page is in fact pleasant.

  38. Judi Slot Online
    | Reply

    We stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to finding
    out about your web page for a second time.

  39. porn videos
    | Reply

    Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring
    a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot
    of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!

  41. AC installation
    | Reply

    Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one
    and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam
    feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance
    is very much appreciated.

  42. exness demo account
    | Reply

    The name of the writer is Roseline Bertrand. Maryland is location she
    loves most. Since I was 18 I have been working as an administrative assistant.

    What me and my family love will be cycle but I’ve been taking on new things lately.

  43. is herpesyl a scam
    | Reply

    Hi, I do believe this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit once again since i have
    book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.

    Feel free to surf to my page – is herpesyl a scam

  44. Pozadejte o Online Mala Pujcka Ihned Na Ucet v Cesku - Bez Dani!
    | Reply

    Přijetí hypoteční platby může být problematické pokud nemáte rádi čekání v
    dlouhých řadách , vyplnění extrémní formuláře , a odmítnutí úvěru na základě vašeho
    úvěrového skóre . Přijímání hypoteční platby může být problematické, pokud nemáte rádi čekání v
    dlouhých řadách , podávání extrémních formulářů , a odmítnutí úvěru na základě vašeho úvěrového skóre .
    Přijímání hypoteční platby může být problematické , pokud nemáte rádi čekání v dlouhých řadách ,
    vyplnění extrémních formulářů a odmítnutí úvěrových
    rozhodnutí založených na úvěrových skóre . Nyní můžete svou hypotéku zaplatit rychle a efektivně v České republice. https://groups.google.com/g/sheasjkdcdjksaksda/c/3LS2FKb589Q

  46. activetrades mt4 descargar
    | Reply

    Hi, I believe your blog could be having browser compatibility
    problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, fantastic blog!

  48. bandar togel online
    | Reply

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

  49. 온라인카지노
    | Reply

    Having read this I believed it was extremely informative.

    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together.

    I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

Leave a Reply

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