3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 80,005

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.

80005 Responses

  6. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a
    formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.

  7. bokep panas
    | Reply

    Hi there this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering
    if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to
    manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from
    someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  8. check out this site
    | Reply

    Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
    It’s always exciting to read through content from other writers and practice something from their sites.

  9. Jackpot Camertoto
    | Reply

    of course like your website however you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I will surely come again again.

  14. boating
    | Reply

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and
    was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like
    this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  16. cách làm sữa chua tại nhà với dâu tây
    | Reply

    Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is simply great and i could assume
    you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated
    with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  23. lung clear pro
    | Reply

    Neat blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download
    it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really
    make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your theme.
    Thanks

    Also visit my blog post: lung clear pro

  25. Jessejoria
    | Reply

    The Significance of Oscillation Regulation Tools in Industrial Equipment
    Across industrial environments, machines and rotating devices act as the foundation of output. Yet, a of the most frequent problems which may hinder the functionality along with longevity exists as oscillation. Vibrations may lead to a variety of complications, ranging from minimized accuracy and efficiency to heightened erosion, finally causing high-cost downtime as well as fixes. This is why vibration control equipment is vital.

    Why Oscillation Control remains Critical

    Vibration within machinery can cause multiple harmful effects:

    Lowered Functional Productivity: Excess vibration could cause misalignments along with distortion, decreasing total effectiveness of such systems. Such a scenario might bring about slower production schedules as well as elevated energy consumption.

    Elevated Damage: Persistent resonance hastens total deterioration in machine components, leading to more frequent repairs along with an chance for unexpected breakdowns. This doesn’t merely elevates operating costs as well as limits the lifespan of the equipment.

    Protection Risks: Uncontrolled oscillation can bring major security risks both to both the machinery as well as the operators. In severe cases, extreme situations, such vibrations can result in catastrophic equipment breakdown, jeopardizing workers along with bringing about extensive devastation to the environment.

    Precision as well as Quality Concerns: For businesses that rely on precise production, such as production as well as aviation, vibration may result in discrepancies with manufacturing, producing faulty goods along with more waste.

    Reasonably Priced Solutions for Vibration Management

    Investing in resonance control equipment is not just a necessity and also a sound investment for any business involved with equipment. Our advanced vibration management systems are built to eliminate vibrations from any equipment or rotating machinery, guaranteeing seamless and efficient functioning.

    Something that sets our systems apart is its affordability. It is recognized that the significance of cost-effectiveness within the current market, which is why we provide premium vibration regulation systems at costs that won’t break the bank.

    By selecting our offerings, you’re not only preserving your equipment and enhancing its operational effectiveness but also putting investment into the sustained success of your company.

    Conclusion

    Vibration management proves to be a vital component in preserving the effectiveness, protection, and lifespan of your equipment. Through our cost-effective vibration management tools, you can ensure that your production run smoothly, your products maintain high quality, and your employees stay secure. Don’t let vibrations affect your company—invest in the proper tools today.

  27. HarryRed
    | Reply

    plinko crypto casino
    Virtual casino platforms offer an exciting variety of games, several of these today include cryptocurrency as a payment option. Between the best services, BC Casino, Fortune Panda Casino, Axe Casino, and Bitkingz Casino are getting more attention, while Bit Starz stands out through several awards. Cloudbet stands out for operating as a licensed cryptocurrency casino, guaranteeing security for players and fairness in gameplay, and Fair Spin Casino together with Mbit deliver a wide range of digital currency games.

    For dice games, virtual currency casinos including BTC Dice offer an exhilarating experience, allowing gamblers to wager with Bitcoin and other virtual currencies including Ether, LTC, DOGE, Binance Token, and USD Tether.

    To online gambling enthusiasts, choosing the right casino provider is essential. Thunderkick Gaming, Play and Go, Red Tiger, Quickspin, Pragmatic, Playtech, NLC, NetEnt, ELK, and Microgaming Casino are among the best providers known for their innovative slot machines, high-quality graphics, and easy-to-use interfaces.

    Casino streams has turned into a new thrilling form for bettors to interact with virtual casinos. Famous streamers including Classy Beef, Roshtein Casino, Labowsky, DeuceAce, and Xposed share their gambling moments, commonly sharing big wins and sharing tips on top strategies for casino games.

    Additionally, casinos such as BC Casino, Bitkingz Casino, and Rocketpot also feature Plinko games, a favorite game with straightforward mechanics with large possibilities for massive payouts.

    Learning about gaming responsibility, cashback options, and anonymous gaming in crypto casinos is necessary for bettors trying to improve their enjoyment. Deciding on the best crypto wallet, exploring no-registration casinos, and acquiring tactics for popular games like Aviator Casino Game allows players stay informed while enjoying the excitement of gambling.

  29. Sahabet
    | Reply

    Sahabet
    Casino’da yeni oyuncular, en yüksekbonusu alarak oyun keyfini çıkarabilir.
    En sevilen slotlar Sahabet’te en iyi ödüllerle dolu.
    En yüksek bonusları toplayın ve depozitonuza +%500 kazanın. Sahabet, 2024’ün en kârlı kumarhanesi olarak
    dikkat çekiyor.

  30. additional resources
    | Reply

    Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!

    I actually enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will be sure to
    bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a nice evening!

  31. twitpocalypsecom
    | Reply

    Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
    Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to
    all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!

  33. sancotvvn
    | Reply

    My partner and I stumbled over here by a different page and thought I
    might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.

    Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.

  36. ngewek
    | Reply

    A person necessarily assist to make significantly articles I might state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far?
    I amazed with the research you made to make this particular
    post incredible. Fantastic activity!

    my website … ngewek

  37. boat tour dubai
    | Reply

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but
    after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say excellent
    blog!

    my web blog: boat tour dubai

  40. aircond inverter
    | Reply

    After looking over a handful of the articles on your blog,
    I seriously like your way of writing a blog.
    I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be
    checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know how you feel.

    Review my site: aircond inverter

  45. www.sabteasan.ir
    | Reply

    Unquestionably consider that which you stated.
    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet
    the easiest thing to be mindful of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while
    other folks think about worries that they plainly do not realize about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as outlined out
    the entire thing without having side effect , other people can take a signal.
    Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  46. Rumus Togel
    | Reply

    Your website is an outstanding example of thoughtful design and intuitive user experience. The content is not only informative but also engaging, making it a pleasure to navigate. The attention to detail in both aesthetics and functionality truly sets your site apart. Keep up the fantastic work!

  48. 먹튀검증
    | Reply

    Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult 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 unique.

    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  49. Cheap Graphic Tees
    | Reply

    My brother recommended I would possibly like this website.

    He used to be totally right. This post actually made my day.
    You can not consider just how a lot time I had spent for this
    information! Thank you!

    Also visit my website :: Cheap Graphic Tees

  50. جلب الزوج
    | Reply

    Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new
    initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided
    us beneficial information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    My page – جلب الزوج

Leave a Reply

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