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.
best female sex Toy
9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Best Female Sex Toys best female sex Toy
цептер швейцария
That is a good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise information… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read article!
Natural Stone Wall Cladding
Ahaa, its nice discussion concerning this piece of writing here at this weblog, I have read all
that, so now me also commenting at this place.
상품권 현금화
always i used too read smaller articles or reviews which also cleear their motive, and that is alxo
happening with this paragaph whhich I amm reading here.
상품권 현금화
Sacramento Auto Injury Law Expert
Nicely put. Cheers!
Pengurusan PIRT digital
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this website, and your views are pleasant in support of new people.
Best automatic masturbators
This Is The History Of Mens Masturbation Toys In 10 Milestones Best automatic masturbators
lottery defeated software review
I constantly emailed this weblog post page to all my friends, as if like to read it next my friends will too.
Here is my web page lottery defeated software review
JAV HD
I blog often and I genuinely appreciate your content.
This article has truly peaked my interest.
I’m going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Jasa PIRT makanan homemade
I was very pleased to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for your time due to this fantastic read!! I definitely really liked every part of it and i also have you book marked to look at new things on your site.
Medical Malpractice Lawyer Advocacy Los Angeles
You have made the point!
www.trottiloc.com
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Retro Style Fridge Freezer Retro style fridge freezer (http://www.trottiloc.com)
Ambrose
Nicely put. Thanks.
Tall integrated fridge freezer 50 50
Why All The Fuss About Fridge Freezers Built In? Tall integrated fridge freezer 50 50
private Psychiatrist london cost
The History Of Private Psychiatrist Diagnosis private Psychiatrist london cost
누수탐지
Hurrah! At last I ggot a web site from where I can genuinely
get useful data regarding mmy study and knowledge.
누수탐지
giro francesco messeri
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really realize what you’re talking about!
Bookmarked. Kindly also seek advice from my web site =).
We could have a link change arrangement between us
SEO tips for contractors
Many thanks! Lots of stuff.
Marketing plan for general contractors
Nicely put. Thanks a lot!
good psychiatrist Near me
4 Dirty Little Secrets About The Good Psychiatrists Near Me
Industry good psychiatrist Near me
Local marketing for general contractors
Superb stuff, Cheers.
childrens Bunk beds
Best Childrens Bunk Beds Tools To Help You Manage Your Daily Life Best Childrens Bunk
Beds Trick Every Person Should Learn childrens Bunk beds
Nc lottery
You have 180 days from the date of a drawing to come forward and claim prizes in Georgia.
Here is my web site http://www.thecormacs.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=roll74.tokka-blog.com%2F28922299%2Ffreetto-net-your-ultimate-lottery-analysis-guide
fxgt No deposit bonus
I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
incline Treadmill argos
14 Common Misconceptions About Compact Treadmill With Incline incline Treadmill argos
Konsultan PIRT Bandung terpercaya
Great weblog right here! Additionally your web site so much up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link to your host? I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
securityholes.Science
10 Startups Set To Change The Glazing Repair Near Me Industry For
The Better double glazing repair near me (securityholes.Science)
how to buy provadent
Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this site on a regular basis, this site is truly
nice and the visitors are truly sharing fastidious thoughts.
Here is my website: how to buy provadent
Construction marketing strategies
Cheers. I value this!
Content AI
I just like the valuable info you provide on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and test once more right here frequently.
I am relatively sure I will be told many new stuff proper right
here! Best of luck for the next!
lung clear pro drops
Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost
you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks, I appreciate it!
My web page … lung clear pro drops
Cheryl
15 Top Table Freezer Benefits You Should All Know fridge freezer
to buy (Cheryl)
Situs terpercaya
It’s amazing designed for me to have a web site, which is helpful
in favor of my knowledge. thanks admin
laboratuvar yatay gezegensel bilyali degirmen
https://www.lab-mill.net/nl/werkingsprincipe-van-goedkope-lab-poedercoatingmolen/werkingsprincipe van goedkope lab poedercoatingmolen
giro messeri
What’s up, the whole thing is going perfectly
here and ofcourse every one is sharing information,
that’s actually fine, keep up writing.
Jasa PIRT dengan biaya terjangkau
Wow, this post is pleasant, my sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to tell her.
cách chọn bưởi ngon
Great work! This is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the net.
Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher!
Come on over and seek advice from my website . Thanks =)
Mostbet
Hi there, this weekend is good in support of me,
for the reason that this moment i am reading
this wonderful educational post here at my house.
Also visit my blog post: Mostbet
12137697
How Do You Explain Boot Mobility Scooter To A Five-Year-Old
12137697
Persyaratan PIRT produk makanan
Good blog post. I absolutely appreciate this website. Stick with it!
forest green scrubs
Nicely put. Many thanks!
opensourcebridge.science
You’ll Never Guess This Composite Door Frame Replacement’s Benefits composite door Frame replacement (opensourcebridge.science)
where to buy small freezer Chest
The Largest Issue That Comes With Mini Chest Freezer Uk, And How You Can Fix It where to buy small freezer Chest
บาคาร่าออนไลน์
I am in fact glad to glance at this website posts which carries lots of useful facts, thanks for providing such data.
Treadmill With Incline For Small Spaces
Five Reasons To Join An Online Treadmills With Incline Buyer And
5 Reasons Not To Treadmill With Incline For Small Spaces
SEO audit for general contractors
You stated this perfectly.
Comedy
bookmarked!!, I really like your website!
cameradb.review
10 Quick Tips About Fiat 500 Key Replacement Fiat 500 stolen without keys (cameradb.review)
아프리카 별풍선
I have been browsinjg online greateer than 3 hours these days, but I by no means found any interesting artihle like yours.
It is pretty value sufficient for me. In my view,
if all site owners andd bloggers made just right content material as you
did, thee net might be much more useful than ever before.
아프리카 별풍선
Jasa izin PIRT Bandung murah
Wow, this paragraph is good, my sister is analyzing such things, thus I am going to convey her.