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.
Download Original
whoah this blog is excellent i really like studying your posts.
Stay up the great work! You know, lots of persons are hunting around for this info,
you can help them greatly.
Bandar Togel Terpercaya
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Bandar Togel Terpercaya Bandar Togel Terpercaya
Pasang IndiHome Aja
Hi there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to
all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
escortexxx.ca
How To Create An Awesome Instagram Video About Rollator Walker With Seat rollator walker with seat Uk (escortexxx.ca)
car key programming
Does Technology Make Reprogramming Car Key Better Or Worse?
car key programming
Malissa
Lightweight Motorized Folding Wheelchair Tips From The Top In The
Business folding electric wheelchairs for sale uk – Malissa
–
telegra.ph
The Little-Known Benefits Of Greenpower Scooter green power Scooter reviews (telegra.ph)
Luella
15 Up-And-Coming Situs Togel Dan Slot Terpercaya Bloggers You Need To Check Out situs togel
online (Luella)
My Web Page
My brother suggested I may like this web site. He was totally right.
This publish truly made my day. You can not believe just how a lot time I had
spent for this info! Thanks!
click now
It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before ending I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my experience.
Electric Automatic Folding 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
You’ll Never Guess This Electric Automatic Folding 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter’s Tricks Electric Automatic Folding 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter
다이어트한의원
Hi, 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 comments? If so how do you protect against it,
any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.
Nissan Key Fob Replacement Uk
Ten Things You Need To Be Aware Of Nissan Spare Key Nissan Key Fob Replacement Uk
hurley-simonsen-2.mdwrite.net
“‘ การ แปรเปลี่ยน ของ Evolution Gaming ‘”
การ แปรเปลี่ยน
และ ก้าวทันโลก เป็นเรื่องปกติในโลกของ วิทยาการ และธุรกิจ
ซึ่ง ‘Evolution Gaming’ เป็นหนึ่งในบริษัทที่สะท้อนแนวโน้มนี้อย่างชัดเจน
Evolution Gaming เป็นบริษัทชั้นนำในอุตสาหกรรม การพนัน ออนไลน์ โดย ก่อตั้งขึ้น ในปี 2006 และมีการ ขยายขอบเขต อย่างต่อเนื่อง จนกลายเป็นหนึ่งในผู้นำด้านการให้บริการ เกมโชคลาภ สดแบบออนไลน์ที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก
ความ ก้าวหน้า ของ Evolution Gaming
มาจากการ เปลี่ยนแปลงและพัฒนา นวัตกรรมอย่างต่อเนื่อง
บริษัทมีการ ประยุกต์ใช้ เทคโนโลยีล่าสุดมาใช้ในการ สร้างสรรค์ เกมและการ ออกอากาศสด
ผ่านแพลตฟอร์มออนไลน์
ทำให้ผู้เล่นสามารถสัมผัส ประสบการณ์คาสิโน
แบบ ออนไลน์แบบเสมือนจริง ได้อย่างสมจริง
นอกจากนี้ Evolution Gaming ยังมีการ สร้างสรรค์ บุคลากรภายในองค์กรอย่างต่อเนื่อง โดยการ
ขัดเกลา ทักษะของ บุคคลากร เพื่อให้สามารถ จัดการ
ความต้องการของ ลูกค้าเป้าหมาย
ได้อย่างมี ความเชี่ยวชาญ ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่ทำให้ Evolution Gaming สามารถ ต่อสู้ และ ก้าวทันโลกอย่างต่อเนื่องในตลาดที่มีการแข่งขันสูง
การ ปรับเปลี่ยน ของ Evolution Gaming
ไม่เพียงแต่สะท้อนถึงความ ความเจริญก้าวหน้า ขององค์กรเท่านั้น แต่ยังเป็นตัวอย่างที่ดีของการ ปรับปรุง และ ทันเหตุการณ์นวัตกรรมในโลกธุรกิจ ซึ่งเป็นปัจจัยสำคัญที่จะนำไปสู่ ความพัฒนา และ
ความเสถียร ในอนาคต
Here is my web site – เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์ที่มีการรับประกันความปลอดภัยและความน่าเชื่อถือสูงสุด
(hurley-simonsen-2.mdwrite.net)
foldable wheelchair uk
What’s The Job Market For Foldable Wheelchair Uk Professionals Like?
foldable wheelchair uk
programming
What’s The Current Job Market For Key Programming Car Professionals?
programming
Toto macau
15 Secretly Funny People Working In Link Togel
Toto macau
pool contractors near me
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I do think that you need to publish more about this subject,
it might not be a taboo matter but typically people do not
discuss such topics. To the next! Best wishes!!
Car Key Programming Cost
14 Common Misconceptions About Spare Car Key
Price Car Key Programming Cost
Olderworkers.Com.Au
Double Glazing Repair In Eastleigh’s History History Of Double Glazing Repair In Eastleigh Upvc Window Repairs Eastleigh – Olderworkers.Com.Au –
High-Performance scooters
Beware Of This Common Mistake With Your Heavy Duty Mobility
Scooters High-Performance scooters
Mostbet
Hi there, I discovered your website by the use of Google even as
searching for a related matter, your web site came
up, it appears to be like good. I have bookmarked it in my google
bookmarks.
Hello there, simply changed into aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that
it is truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you happen to continue this in future.
A lot of other people will probably be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
how long do Anxiety disorders last
10 Beautiful Images To Inspire You About Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms how long do Anxiety disorders last
Reprogramming Key Fob
How To Beat Your Boss With Key Fob Programming Near Me
Reprogramming Key Fob
can mobility scooters go on the pavement
You’ll Never Guess This Can Mobility Scooters Go On The
Pavement’s Tricks can mobility scooters go on the pavement
Jesse Beck
Hey guys! for any gamer in the community check this site Get more info
kingiptv
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your
theme? Outstanding work!
online test for adhd for adults
An Intermediate Guide In ADHD Test Adult online test for adhd for adults
automotive key programmer
The Most Convincing Evidence That You Need Automotive Locksmith Key Programming automotive key programmer
Pasang IndiHome Aja
I think the admin of this web site is really working hard for his website, as here every
material is quality based data.
Mackenzie
A Proficient Rant About ADHD In Adults Test private testing for adhd (Mackenzie)
lost Car key how to Replace
Guide To Lost Car Key How To Replace: The Intermediate Guide The Steps To Lost Car Key How To Replace lost Car key how to Replace
infodlapolaka.pl
Right here is the perfect website for anyone who would like
to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject
that has been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just great!
Replacement mitsubishi Key fob
Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Mitsubishi Key Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It Replacement mitsubishi Key fob
قضيب
I am genuinely happy to read this weblog posts
which consists of tons of helpful information, thanks
for providing these data.
conway-Estes-2.blogbright.Net
Responsible For An Private Mental Health Assessment Budget?
10 Unfortunate Ways To Spend Your Money mini mental
health Assessment (conway-Estes-2.blogbright.Net)
adult adhd assessment london
10 Apps To Help You Manage Your Adhd Assessment For Adults
adult adhd assessment london
jaka je cena laboratorniho kuloveho mlyna
https://www.lab-mill.net/da/planetarisk-kuglefraesning-med-kritisk-hastighed/planetarisk kuglefraesning med kritisk hastighed
apolloiptv
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really recognise what you’re
talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally talk over with my site =).
We can have a link alternate arrangement among us
meki tembem
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that
you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the
same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
Immediate Wise
Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply
placing the other person’s web site link on your page at proper place and other person will also do
same in support of you.
Mobility Scooter pavement
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Mobility Scooter Pavement’s Tricks Mobility Scooter pavement
ngentot
Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to look it over.
I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will
be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and outstanding design.
Here is my page ngentot
mary barra laughing
Exceptional post however I was wondering if you could write a litte
more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
bitspower.com
What Is The Evolution Of Car Key Program Near Me car keys programmed
near me (bitspower.com)
collapsible mobility scooters
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Collapsible Mobility Scooters’s Benefits collapsible mobility scooters
Marylyn
What an insightful and thought-provoking post ! I ought to proclaim,
your examination of this pivotal matter was genuinely superior .
The breadth and intricacy you incorporated to
the discussion was exceptional, projecting new light on the complexities
at hand .
I came across myself concurring as I scanned through your skillfully composed assertions .
The approach you were capable to extract
the essential ideas excluding oversimplifying
was particularly outstanding .
It’s evident you’ve committed a substantial amount
of effort into investigating this topic .
This post has offered me a significant amount to
ponder and has compelled me to reconsider certain facets of my
individual perspective .
I am grateful for you investing the time to impart your proficiency – entries like this are exceptionally invaluable in developing the broader
conversation.
I await with excitement reading additional your
data in the months to come . Kindly sustain the exceptional endeavors
!
Here is my website :: micro gaming, Marylyn,
Natural Stone Wall Cladding
I know this web site provides quality based articles or reviews and other information, is there any other
web page which gives these kinds of stuff in quality?
Pasang IndiHome Aja
Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s weblog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar for
you.
which adhd Medication is best for me quiz
Where Is Medication For Inattentive ADHD Be 1 Year From Right Now?
which adhd Medication is best for me quiz