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.
Upvc window companies near me
Seven Explanations On Why Upvc Windows Luton Is Important Upvc window companies near me
Fireplaces Shop
How To Explain Free Standing Electric Fireplace To A Five-Year-Old Fireplaces Shop
Merica389 gacor hari ini
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!
Veleco
Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Veleco Veleco
toyota car key Replacement price uk
7 Small Changes You Can Make That’ll Make The Difference With Your Toyota
Keys Replacement toyota car key Replacement price uk
Elmerdooma
Found an enthralling article, I recommend you to read https://chayka.ixbb.ru/viewtopic.php?id=273#p283
srikandi389
I dugg some of you post as I thought they were invaluable handy.
www.52Av.one
5 Killer Quora Answers To Link Togel Resmi link togel resmi (http://www.52Av.one)
now patient
You revealed that terrifically.
modern freestanding electric fireplace
A Guide To Freestanding Bio Ethanol Fireplace From Beginning To End modern freestanding electric fireplace
leather sofas for Sale near me
The Most Hilarious Complaints We’ve Heard About Leather Sofa With
Chaise leather sofas for Sale near me
Shelby
Why You Should Be Working With This Pragmatic 프라그마틱 무료게임 (Shelby)
togel4D
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Togel4d Login’s Benefits togel4D
best wall Mounted electric fireplace
15 Best Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Bloggers You Need To
Follow best wall Mounted electric fireplace
Sleeper Sofa queen
Guide To Sleeper Sofa Queen: The Intermediate Guide For Sleeper Sofa Queen Sleeper Sofa queen
jejucordelia.com
This Is The History Of Swan Retro Fridge Freezer Cream In 10 Milestones side by
side fridge freezer with external controls; jejucordelia.com,
casino games for money
While they provide awards in many various classes, it’s the casino operators we care most about here.
jisuzm.com
The Intermediate Guide For Diagnosing Adult ADHD private adhd.diagnosis (jisuzm.com)
what is lab bead mill
https://www.lab-mill.net/ar/advantages-of-ball-mill-for-grinding/advantages of ball mill for grinding
화장실 살균기
Hi, after reading this amazing paragraph i am as well
glad to share myy knowledge here with friends.
화장실 살균기
메이저사이트 순위
The Top Toto The Gurus Have Been Doing 3 Things 메이저사이트 순위
www.i-hire.ca
“The Free Standing Fires Awards: The Most Sexiest, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We’ve Seen free standing fireplaces (http://www.i-hire.ca)
Togel Singapore
5 Killer Quora Answers On Situs Togel Online Togel Singapore
Medical-Grade mobility scooters
10 Beautiful Graphics About Foldable Electric Scooters
Medical-Grade mobility scooters
boot Mobility Scooter
20 Best Tweets Of All Time About Boot Scooters boot Mobility Scooter
epoch times
Hello my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and include approximately all
significant infos. I would like to look extra posts like this
.
Chaise Lounge Sofa
Guide To Chaise Lounge Sofa: The Intermediate Guide To Chaise Lounge Sofa Chaise Lounge Sofa
luxury replica website
Kudos. An abundance of write ups!
Here is my web site – https://bhitmagazine.com/3-factors-that-make-weight-lost-over-40-various-for-females-vs-men/
Zum Verkauf: CNC-Drehmaschine Tornos Evo Deco 32/10 – Präzision und Leistung vereint
At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming again to
read further news.
lg american fridge freezer black
12 Facts About Fridgemaster Chest Freezer To Make You Think About The Other People lg american fridge freezer black
520bhhqm.Com
Sage Advice About Togel4d From A Five-Year-Old Toto macau; 520bhhqm.Com,
tree House loft bed
Why Twin Tree House Bunk Bed Is Tougher Than You Imagine tree House loft bed
bonus online poker
Hi, its good paragraph on the topic of media print, we all understand media is a great
source of data.
fridge Freezer 5050
Guide To Fridge Freezer 5050: The Intermediate Guide The Steps To Fridge Freezer 5050 fridge Freezer 5050
amassante.com
Your way of describing all in this piece of writing is truly nice,
every one be capable of without difficulty be aware of it,
Thanks a lot https://amassante.com/les-bienfaits-de-bouger/
Ugzhnkchr.Ru
Guide To Double Glazing Repairs Near Me: The Intermediate Guide To Double Glazing Repairs Near Me Double Glazing
Repairs Near Me (Ugzhnkchr.Ru)
بطاقة ايوا مسبقة الدفع
Thanks in favor of sharing such a fastidious thought, article is
good, thats why i have read it fully
www.viewtool.com
Five Killer Quora Answers To Bean Cup Coffee Machines bean cup coffee
machine; http://www.viewtool.com,
프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트
15 Things You’re Not Sure Of About Pragmatic Recommendations 프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트
low Maintenance side by Side fridge freezer
5 Laws That Anyone Working In Grey Retro Fridge Freezer Should
Be Aware Of low Maintenance side by Side fridge freezer
www.google.co.vi
10 Quick Tips For Sport Toto Result Today 첫가입 꽁머니 (http://www.google.co.vi)
emplois.fhpmco.fr
10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring Out Your Lexus Key Replacement replacement
lexus key fob cost (emplois.fhpmco.fr)
Private Psychiatrist London Cost
This Is The Good And Bad About Private Psychiatrist Near Me Private Psychiatrist London Cost
AVOID SCAM CULTURE.ORG
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside
case you shield this hike.
Elmerdooma
Stumbled upon a captivating article – definitely take a look! https://wiki.hightgames.ru/index.php/Продвижение_сайтов_в_Казани_–_Максимум_продаж
water ice dispenser fridge
Are You Responsible For The Silver Fridge Freezer With
Water Dispenser Budget? 10 Terrible Ways To
Spend Your Money water ice dispenser fridge
Unlicensed Casinos Promoted by Southphillyreview
If you want to grow your familiarity only keep visiting this web site
and be updated with the newest news update posted here.
Black Sectional Sofa
See What Black Sectional Sofa Tricks The Celebs Are Making
Use Of Black Sectional Sofa
affiliateaffiliate marketing
museumbolaMenjalankan pengecer e-niaga pada umumnya adalah usaha bisnis online yang menguntungkan dan memuaskan, namun Anda harus siap untuk berspekulasi dalam jumlah besar uang dan waktu untuk memulai.
Jika Anda masih ragu untuk mengambil lompatan, ada alternatif menarik yang mungkin bisa menjadi solusinya: membuat toko afiliasi.
Apa itu Pemasaran Afiliasi? Saya suka mendefinisikan pemasaran afiliasi sebagai kemitraan antara penulis yang memproduksi konten dan pengecer yang memiliki program afiliasi yang diselenggarakan oleh platform pelacakan afiliasi.
Setelah menyetujui program afiliasi, penulis dapat masuk ke
platform afiliasi pengecer dan mendapatkan tautan pemantauan produk khusus, yang umumnya dikenal sebagai hyperlink afiliasi.
Ada lebih dari 31 cara untuk bereksperimen dan mendapatkan keuntungan dengan hyperlink afiliasi,
seperti memasukkannya ke dalam konten tertulis, menggunakannya untuk
membuat daftar produk, menyebutkannya secara lisan di podcast, atau menyematkannya ke dalam iklan banner.
bogelslot
I always spent my half an hour to read this webpage’s content daily along with a cup of coffee.