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.
Real Estate Lawyer Brooklyn
I do consider all the ideas you’ve offered to your post.
They’re really convincing and will certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for beginners.
May you please lengthen them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
evisa vietnam
Ridiculous story there. What occurred after? Thanks!
evisa vietnam
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future
but I’m having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different
then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely
unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to
ask!
sexbombo.com/vid/xporn6181738711
Thank you foor every othyer informativve web site. Thhe
ploace lse may just I am gettiing thhat kind of info witten in such ann
iideal way? I hage a challenge tha I’m simpoly now worling on, aand I’ve
been on the look ouut forr suc information.
Aviator Predictor & Aviator Predictor Download
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me
when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added
I get four emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that
service? Cheers!
cleaning windows near me
An interesting discussion is definitely worth
comment. I believe that you should write more about this topic, it may not be
a taboo subject but usually people do not talk about these topics.
To the next! All the best!!
Here is my blog post :: cleaning windows near me
Leather Couch
What’s The Job Market For Leather Couch Professionals Like?
Leather Couch
evisa vietnam
Inspiring story there. What occurred after? Take care!
evisa vietnam
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website.
I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content by
you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now
😉
pool pump installation near me
You actually revealed it exceptionally well.
evisa vietnam
Thanks designed for sharing such a fastidious opinion, piece of writing is good, thats why i have read it fully
evisa vietnam
I was curious if you ever considered changing the structure of your website?
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 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
evisa vietnam
First off I would like to say excellent blog!
I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not
mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and
clear your thoughts prior to writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas
out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Many thanks!
evisa vietnam
Hi there, this weekend is fastidious for me, because
this moment i am reading this impressive informative piece of writing here
at my house.
청소기 렌탈
Thankfulness to my father who informed me concerning this webpage, this website is truly remarkable.
청소기 렌탈
rajasatu88
Hello there I am so thrilled I found your web site, I
really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Bing
for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say
thanks a lot for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog
(I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked
it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
much more, Please do keep up the awesome job.
evisa vietnam
I feel this is among the so much vital information for me.
And i’m happy reading your article. But should commentary
on few basic things, The site taste is perfect, the articles is really nice
: D. Just right process, cheers
evisa vietnam
If you would like to take a great deal from this article then you have to
apply such methods to your won weblog.
evisa vietnam
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if
you knew where I could locate 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!
evisa vietnam
Wonderful site. Lots of useful information here.
I’m sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thanks in your sweat!
ngentot anjing
Hi there everyone, it’s my first visit at this web page, and post is truly fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting such
articles.
mikro bilgisayarli dokunmatik ekranli planet bilyali degirmen
Proven ball milling processes, delivering consistent results with minimal downtime, consult our experts for more.
roloflix.com/pagegal971209413
Wonddrful post however I was wondering iif you could write a
lite more on this topic? I’d be ver thankful iif you could elaborate a
liftle bit more. Thank you!
truc tiep bong da lua dao
unfriendcoal.com la mot trang web livetream truc tiep bong da gia mao thuong hieu cakhiatv cua cac binh luan vien quen thuoc nhu giang
a lu, giang a pho, giang a cay…Ngoai ra trang unfriendcoal.com con thuong
xuyen gioi thieu cac trang web ca do, keo nha cai, lua dao nguoi
xem. Noi chung unfriendcoal.com la mot website lua
dao, khong uy tin anh huong nghiem trong den cong dong
nguoi yeu thich bong da, mon the thao vua
xxx mom son fuck HD movies
Howdy! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how
to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone.
I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any suggestions, please share.
Thank you!
sell business singapore
Excellent site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message
boards that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of community
where I can get advice from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!
self folding mobility scooters
What Scooters Folding Experts Would Like You To Learn self folding mobility scooters
Husqvarna 268
Kudos, I enjoy this!
amazporn.com/sexo/viewxxxtube2zaha15
I thinbk everything said wwas veryy reasonable. But,
think on this, what if yyou ttped a catcxhier post title?
I ain’t saying yourr content isn’t solid, however whgat iif you added a tktle that mkes people wan more?
I mean Short term missins arre noot thee rasce –
Thhe Huss Report is kinda plain. Youu shoud peedk at Yahoo’s home ppage andd seee how they write poist headlines to gget vierwers tto click.
You mightt addd a video or a pictur or twwo tto grb peoplpe excitedd abbout everything’ve got tto
say. In myy opinion, itt could makee your blkog a little bit more interesting.
zwoltek01
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post!
It’s the little changes that will make the
greatest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Visit my blog post zwoltek01
สล็อตออนไลน์
This info is worth everyone’s attention. How can I find out more?
Valeron83sop
Hello.
Treat yourself with a $200 credit to use at five different restaurants at Ignition Casino Resort Spa when you stay two nights. -https://tinyurl.com/3cxurpma
Good luck 🙂
Valeron83sop
Hello!
Once you sign up for free at this casino , you can claim Cafe Casino No Deposit Bonus Codes. Check the promotions lobby regularly so that you never miss out on the opportunity to claim a No Deposit Bonus . Alternatively, Cafe Casino Free Spins or No Deposit Bonus codes are also mailed to … -https://discord.gg/B5Bjg5azkF
Good luck 🙂
bangbros
Thanks for some other informative website. The place else could I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal method?
I have a challenge that I’m simply now operating on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.
mikropocitacovy planetarni kulovy mlyn s dotykovou obrazovkou
Discover the perfect planetary ball mill for your lab, crafted with precision and priced to help you achieve greatness.
Leeds Escorts and Massage services
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this
website. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you in the
future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get
my own, personal website now 😉
Vauxhall Insignia Replacement Key
10 Meetups About Replacement Car Key Vauxhall You Should Attend Vauxhall Insignia Replacement Key
bokep viral
Hi everybody, here every person is sharing these familiarity, so it’s pleasant to read
this weblog, and I used to pay a visit this website everyday.
best fridge-freezer
What Makes The Fridge Freezer So Effective? In COVID-19 best fridge-freezer
pkv games arenaqq
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this fantastic
blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed
to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and
will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
who sells the best lab ball miller
https://www.lab-mill.net/de/keramik-kugelmuhle/keramik kugelmuhle
سایت سیگاری بت
If some one needs to be updated with hottest technologies
afterward he must be visit this web site and be up to date daily.
アダルト メーカー
and it can create trauma bonds between narcissists and those they seek to dominate.ラブドール エロAll children of narcissists suffer.
คาสิโนออนไลน์ที่ถูกกฎหมาย
สวัสดีครับผู้เล่นทุกท่านที่สนใจเกี่ยวกับ WM Casino!
WM Casino เป็น เว็บไซต์คาสิโนที่มี ความน่าเชื่อถือและได้รับความนิยมจากผู้เล่นมากมายทั่วโลก ทาง WM Casino มี
เกมคาสิโนออนไลน์หลากหลายประเภท
เช่น เกมบาคาร่า, รูเล็ต, เกมสล็อต และอื่นๆ ที่จะทำให้คุณสนุกไปกับ ความสนุกและความตื่นเต้นในการเล่นเกมคาสิโนออนไลน์ ไม่ว่าคุณจะเป็น มือใหม่หรือมือเก๋าก็สามารถเข้าร่วมสนุกได้ที่นี่ อีกทั้งยังมี โปรโมชั่นและสิทธิพิเศษมากมายที่จะทำให้คุณได้รับ ประสบการณ์ที่ดีที่สุดในการเล่น พร้อมกับระบบการเงินที่มี ความปลอดภัยและระบบการเงินที่รวดเร็ว มาร่วมสนุกกับ WM Casino
วันนี้และสนุกไปกับ เกมคาสิโนที่คุณชื่นชอบได้เลยครับ!
Here is my web blog: คาสิโนออนไลน์ที่ถูกกฎหมาย
เว็บความรู้
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide
credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours
and my users would definitely benefit from a lot of the information you
provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you.
Regards!
My blog … เว็บความรู้
Fitspresso reviews
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare
to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
pet shop
You expressed this wonderfully!
Louisaxort
Came across an intriguing article – it’s worth your attention, trust me https://msk-intimcity.ru/
労災 保険 料 計算 方法
For instance, a man who cannot find employment is experiencing a trouble, while a city with a massive unemployment fee makes it not simply a private bother however a public challenge.
سایت سیگاری بت
I think the admin of this site is actually working hard
in favor of his website, since here every material is quality based information.