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.
mega888
Good answers in return of this issue with genuine arguments
and explaining the whole thing concerning that.
Best Realtor in Charlotte
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this
web site; this webpage contains amazing and in fact good stuff
designed for visitors.
my page: Best Realtor in Charlotte
Best Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
What’s up mates, fastidious paragraph and fastidious arguments commented here, I am really enjoying by these.
Also visit my web blog Best Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of
msn. That is a really smartly written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to
read more of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I’ll certainly return.
Feel free to surf to my web site; Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
Howdy! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have got here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your site for more soon.
My web-site – Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
I am genuinely glad to read this weblog posts which carries plenty of useful facts, thanks
for providing such statistics.
My web blog :: Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
Best Realtor in Charlotte
I know this web site provides quality dependent articles and other stuff, is there any other
web page which provides such things in quality?
Also visit my page: Best Realtor in Charlotte
柔道整復師法 保険
The neatest thing about them ‘ you may even put on them after work and nonetheless be smart but stylish.
回し文句とは
We love the look, but warn that they haven’t any arch support; in case you have foot issues like plantar fasciitis, keep scrolling down for footwear with just a little more padding and have a look at this post for footwear with arch help.
Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
Thanks for finally talking about > Short term missions are not the race –
The Hus Report Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
Great goods from you, man. I have be aware your stuff previous to and you are simply too fantastic.
I really like what you’ve obtained right here, really like
what you’re saying and the way in which during which you assert it.
You are making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it sensible.
I cant wait to learn far more from you. This is actually a great website.
My web-site – Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.
I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back later on. I want to encourage yourself to
continue your great work, have a nice afternoon!
Visit my web blog; Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
獣医師 有名な人
UGGs are the highest sheepskin footwear product around the world.
Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content.
This article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of
your website and keep checking for new details about once per week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.
Look into my webpage … Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
Charlotte Realtor
Having read this I believed it was very informative.
I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put
this information together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both
reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Here is my page – Charlotte Realtor
Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I am
hoping you write once more very soon!
my website: Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Best Realtor in Charlotte
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole
community will be grateful to you.
Also visit my page Best Realtor in Charlotte
slot deposit 1000
If you are going for most excellent contents like me, simply
visit this site all the time since it gives quality contents, thanks
Gilleshah
Lovely info, Cheers.
best online european casinos monkeytilt best online casino sugarhouse online casino bonus code
Anitra
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think
I would never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for
me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
Adelaida
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Pushchairs From Birth pushchairs from birth (Adelaida)
Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Hi there everyone, it’s my first visit at this web site, and post is really
fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these types of articles or reviews.
Here is my blog post … Fort Lauderdale Realtor
Immediate Script
I like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to
blogroll.
Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like
to know where u got this from. thanks a lot
my webpage … Realtor in Fort Lauderdale
Realtor in Las Vegas
I believe what you published made a ton of sense.
However, think on this, suppose you were to create a
awesome post title? I am not saying your information is not good, but suppose you
added a headline that makes people want more? I mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report is kinda vanilla.
You should glance at Yahoo’s front page and note how they write
post titles to get people interested. You might
add a video or a pic or two to get readers excited about what you’ve
got to say. Just my opinion, it would make your website a
little livelier.
Here is my website: Realtor in Las Vegas
Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
Very quickly this web page will be famous among all blogging and site-building
viewers, due to it’s fastidious posts
Stop by my page: Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
中国 ウクライナ 和平案
Players sit collectively in a room and describe what’s occurring in an imaginary world, using dice or different instruments to find out whether characters are profitable at what they’re attempting to accomplish.
Double glazing repairs near me
You’ll Never Guess This Misted Double Glazing
Repairs Near Me’s Tricks Double glazing repairs near me
Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post.
Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Visit my blog: Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this
website with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Terrific blog and amazing design.
My webpage … Best Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
penipu
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended
up losing a few months of hard work due to
no backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?
Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written!
My website Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
Realtor in Charlotte
What’s up Dear, are you actually visiting this website
regularly, if so after that you will absolutely take fastidious experience.
My web page … Realtor in Charlotte
Realtor in Charlotte
These are really wonderful ideas in concerning blogging. You have touched
some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Also visit my blog Realtor in Charlotte
Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
This post posted at this website is really pleasant.
Feel free to visit my web blog Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
blackpool removals
Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
6文字の言葉 かわいい
He distracted Quirrell and quickly accessed a small hidden chamber in the mirror’s decrease body.
Realtor in Las Vegas
Thanks in support of sharing such a good thinking, paragraph
is fastidious, thats why i have read it entirely
my blog :: Realtor in Las Vegas
Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
I was able to find good information from your articles.
my web-site … Real Estate Agent in Charlotte
Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
It is the best time to make some plans for
the long run and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to counsel you
few attention-grabbing things or advice. Maybe you could write subsequent articles
referring to this article. I desire to learn even more things approximately it!
Also visit my web blog; Best Real Estate Agent in Fort Lauderdale
Best Realtor in Charlotte
Thanks for finally writing about > Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report Best Realtor in Charlotte
Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also
go to see this web site on regular basis to obtain updated from latest news.
Check out my web-site Real Estate Agent in Las Vegas
Rajasatu88
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying
your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any points for rookie blog writers? I’d certainly
appreciate it.
人を見る目がない上司
Beginnings of issues are very important.
penipu
Hi there, after reading this awesome post i am also happy
to share my familiarity here with friends.
sex indo vira
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a
little comment to support you.
Realtor in Las Vegas
I all the time used to read piece of writing in news papers but now as I
am a user of net so from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Feel free to surf to my web blog :: Realtor in Las Vegas
답례품제작
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you
write again very soon!
bokep indonesia
Right here is the right blog for everyone who wishes to understand this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that
I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic
that’s been discussed for many years. Excellent stuff,
just great!
افزایش بازدید ویو اینستاگرام
Remarkable! Its genuinely awesome article, I have got much
clear idea concerning from this article.