3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 80,813

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.

80813 Responses

  1. game gacor
    | Reply

    Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give
    a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles.
    Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the
    same subjects? Thanks for your time!

  4. ветошь белая х/б купить спб
    | Reply

    Ветошь – это старые тряпки, которые обрели новую жизнь благодаря мастерам искусства.
    В Санкт-Петербурге ветошь стала
    неотъемлемой частью многих художественных проектов и мастерских.

    Мастера создают из нее удивительные вещи – ковры, сумки, одежду, аксессуары.
    Они используют ветошь как материал для творчества, придавая ей новую жизнь и статус.

    ветошь белая х/б купить спб

  6. Packers and movers in Ahmedabad
    | Reply

    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this publish and if I may just I wish to suggest you few attention-grabbing things or suggestions.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this
    article. I wish to learn more things approximately it!

  9. ads508
    | Reply

    Hi to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this
    web page, and your views are fastidious in support of new visitors.

  10. 86asik
    | Reply

    It’s very straightforward to find out any matter on web as compared
    to textbooks, as I found this piece of writing at
    this web page.

  12. Lovers Tissue for Men
    | Reply

    Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this website?
    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems
    with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform.

  14. SRASurvivors
    | Reply

    I believe that is one of the most significant information for me.

    And i am glad reading your article. However wanna statement on few normal things, The website
    style is wonderful, the articles is in reality excellent : D.
    Excellent process, cheers

  20. sewa bus di jakarta
    | Reply

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I
    realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking
    back frequently!

  23. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog
    site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  24. maria ozawa
    | Reply

    After looking into a number of the blog articles on your website, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a blog.
    I book marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon.
    Take a look at my website too and let me know
    what you think.

  25. stem cell therapy
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo
    News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed
    in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Thank you

  27. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    Hey there are using WordPress for your site platform?

    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set
    up my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  30. Pasang IndiHome Aja
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired!
    Extremely helpful information specially the remaining part 🙂 I deal with such
    information much. I used to be looking for this particular information for a
    long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  31. Mostbet
    | Reply

    Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening.
    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this content together.

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

  42. 咖啡师学院
    | Reply

    Great work! This is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared across the internet.
    Shame on the search engines for no longer positioning this post higher!
    Come on over and talk over with my website . Thanks
    =)

  44. asbestos lawyer
    | Reply

    A mesothelioma lawyer who is skilled can aid patients and their families receive compensation from asbestos lawyer trust funds.
    When selecting an attorney for victims, they must take into consideration the
    following aspects:

  47. Spiral Knights hack proof
    | Reply

    Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to make
    a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never
    seem to get anything done.

  49. the growth matrix work
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about including a little
    bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is
    valuable and everything. Nevertheless imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this site could definitely be one of the best in its niche.
    Fantastic blog!

    Here is my website … the growth matrix work

Leave a Reply

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