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.
where to buy plant based meals
where to buy plant based meals-based vapes have
a host of possible benefits.
Divorce attorney midland tx
XYGENYX, a licensing firm for FDA-registered items.
Feel free to visit my blog :: Divorce attorney midland tx
plant based vape uk
Mobile vaporizers utilize batteries as a power source.
Feel free to visit my website … plant based vape uk
24 hour child care centers
Hi, just wanted to mention, I loved this post. It was inspiring.
Keep on posting!
My web blog; 24 hour child care centers
solar energy definition and examples
It’s easy to get a business electricity quote today.
Have a look at my blog post … solar energy definition and examples
Mostbet
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely
fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired
here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say
it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it wise.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a
wonderful web site.
Also visit my homepage; Mostbet
plant based vape juice
Some people plant based vape juice flavored pure nicotine
solar energy advantages and disadvantages quizlet
We could say we use solar energy advantages and disadvantages quizlet energy for our
kids.
Bookmarks
I leave a response whenever I like a article
on a site or I have something to contribute to the
discussion. Usually it’s a result of the passion displayed in the
article I browsed. And on this article Short term missions are not the race
– The Hus Report. I was actually excited enough to post a thought 😉 I do have a couple of questions for you if you
tend not to mind. Is it just me or does it look like a few
of these remarks appear like written by brain dead people?
😛 And, if you are writing on other places, I would like to keep up with you.
Could you list every one of your community pages like your twitter feed,
Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Feel free to visit my blog … Bookmarks
lakeside hotel & spa newby bridge cumbria la12 8at
Rooms have sights over Lake Windermere or our gardens.
Feel free to visit my web page … lakeside hotel & spa newby bridge cumbria la12 8at
Bookmarks
Plant-based vapes have a host of prospective advantages.
My web page … Bookmarks
Leanne
5 Killer Quora Answers To Crate And Barrel Sleeper
Sofa crate and barrel sleeper sofa; Leanne,
bảng hiệu alu
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and
also with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or
did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice
quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one today.
plant based vape australia
This vaporizer has a number of special features.
Check out my web blog; plant based vape australia
family law attorney kerrville texas
Real HGH Benefits (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Evaluated Yet).
My page: family law attorney kerrville texas
divorce attorney dallas cost
XYGENYX, a licensing company for FDA-registered products.
Have a look at my homepage divorce attorney dallas cost
skoda Citigo replacement key
Skoda Citigo Replacement Key Tools To Ease Your Daily Lifethe One Skoda Citigo Replacement Key Trick That Everybody Should
Know skoda Citigo replacement key
somaderm mlm
Our knowledge includes large business tasks.
Stop by my site :: somaderm mlm
divorce lawyer dallas texas free consultation
Genuine HGH Perks (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Evaluated
Yet).
Feel free to surf to my web blog divorce lawyer dallas texas free consultation
vegan vape juice brands
This vaporizer has a couple of unique functions.
Also visit my blog … vegan vape juice brands
Bookmarks
In this instance, the life insurance business’s money.
Here is my web blog; Bookmarks
Singleradish4.Werite.Net
You’ll Never Guess This Mitsubishi Colt Key Replacement’s Secrets Mitsubishi Colt Key Replacement (Singleradish4.Werite.Net)
Bookmarks
The IQ is the best completely dry herb vape I have tried.
My site – Bookmarks
Articlescad.com
Think You’re The Perfect Candidate For Cabin Bed Adult? Answer This Question double bed Bunk beds for adults (Articlescad.com)
Accommodation Newby Bridge Lake District
Spaces have views over Accommodation Newby Bridge Lake District Windermere or our gardens.
Bookmarks
In this case, the life insurance policy business’s loan.
Here is my site: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Some people vape flavorful nicotine
Feel free to visit my web site: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Rooms have views over Lake Windermere or our yards.
Feel free to visit my web page … Bookmarks
plant based meat alternatives uk
The intelligence is the very best completely dry natural herb vape I have actually tried.
my homepage plant based meat alternatives uk
Hotels newby bridge windermere
Areas have views over Lake Hotels newby bridge windermere or our yards.
Florence
Our proficiency extends to large industrial tasks.
Have a look at my page – new u life hgh gel price (Florence)
where to buy plant based meals
Some people vape flavored pure nicotine
Also visit my site; where to buy plant based meals
moving house electricity connection
It’s time to look into energy comparison.
Here is my blog post … moving house electricity connection
family law attorney lubbock texas
They have items to sell or services to offer.
Here is my webpage :: family law attorney lubbock texas
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
family law attorney athens texas
XYGENYX, a licensing company for FDA-registered items.
Take a look at my page … family law attorney athens texas
where can you buy plant based foods
The intelligence is the best dry natural herb vape I have attempted.
Feel free to visit my homepage :: where can you buy plant based foods
Bookmarks
Authentic HGH Rewards (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Tested Yet).
Feel free to surf to my site; Bookmarks
somaderm pdf
Our knowledge reaches large business tasks.
Feel free to visit my web-site: somaderm pdf
key cut place near me
The 3 Greatest Moments In Car Keys Cut Near Me History key cut place near me
Tami
Sofas Sectionals 10 Things I’d Like To Have Known Earlier
most comfortable sectional sofa (Tami)
is cbd legal in south africa
Here are 20 of our favorite full spectrum is cbd legal in south africa
gummies.
starting daycare
Respect to op, some fantastic information.
My web-site – starting daycare
male masturbation sleeves
7 Things About Cheap Fleshlight You’ll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing male masturbation sleeves
broad spectrum cbd gummies Benefits
Full-broad spectrum cbd gummies Benefits CBD oil
should be taken sublingually.
Bookmarks
Unlike various other service providers, we value your time.
Feel free to visit my website: Bookmarks
apollo iptv
Nicely put. Regards!
online Test for adhd
5 Testing For ADHD Tips From The Pros online Test for adhd
Hotels newby bridge
Rooms have views over Lake Windermere or our gardens.
Feel free to visit my web site: Hotels newby bridge
compare electricity in northern ireland
Your average annual compare electricity in northern ireland consumption.