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.
dog breeds list uk
The American Kennel Club identifies 200 dog breeds list uk.
how to choose a Personal injury attorney
Accident as how to choose a Personal injury attorney result of automobile mishaps.
Bookmarks
In this case, the life insurance firm’s money.
my blog post … Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Region also affects business energy rates.
Also visit my web blog: Bookmarks
dog breeds smallest to largest
They are ranked high in most intelligent dog breeds smallest to largest breeds.
Upvc windows Sale
The Unspoken Secrets Of Upvc Window Repairs Upvc windows Sale
Bookmarks
Metlifecare later on reduced the transfer fee.
My web site … Bookmarks
Bookmarks
USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Feel free to visit my homepage Bookmarks
Online Tutorial
Good info Appreciate it.
family law lawyer free consultation
XYGENYX, a licensing firm for FDA-registered products.
my website: family law lawyer free consultation
volkswagen service center near me
They have products to offer or solutions to supply.
Also visit my web site :: volkswagen service center near me
education exchange
Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses?
If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very
much appreciated.
My web page education exchange
ceramic pottery making near me
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
Also visit my web page :: ceramic pottery making near me
ramenbet
Casino рекомендует выбирать систему, используемую для пополнения.
workers compensation lawyer
Choose Munley Regulation Injury workers compensation lawyer.
different sports betting apps
Let me reveal you in my evaluation of NewULife.
Here is my page … different sports betting apps
best energy plans texas
It’s easy to get a business electricity quote today.
Here is my site: best energy plans texas
dog breeds big
The American Kennel Club identifies 200 types.
Feel free to visit my blog; dog breeds big
medical record retrieval specialist resume
Genuine HGH Perks (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Examined Yet).
Take a look at my web site medical record retrieval specialist resume
sites for sports betting
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
Also visit my blog post … sites for sports betting
Bookmarks
Those days are over if you take CBD gummies for sleep.
Here is my blog post Bookmarks
Bookmarks
A synthetic USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Visit my web blog; Bookmarks
what is somaderm made of
Unlike other contractors, we value your time.
Also visit my web-site what is somaderm made of
glass window Replacements near me
15 Top Twitter Accounts To Discover Double Glazing Replacement Glass glass window Replacements near me
Bookmarks
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical points using this web site,
since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get
it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing
with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
Make sure you update this again very soon..
Also visit my web-site: Bookmarks
record retrieval specialist
NewULife Ranks. Welcome to my NewUlife Evaluation.
My web site :: record retrieval specialist
colmek
It’s remarkable in support of me to have a web site, which is useful in favor of my experience.
thanks admin
Kultar Singh
You have made your point!
volkswagen service department hours
USP human development hormonal agent (somatropin).
Review my page :: volkswagen service department hours
Record Retrieval Job Description
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
Here is my webpage – Record Retrieval Job Description
Bookmarks
Business electricity supplier where you are.
my blog – Bookmarks
ceramic pottery painting
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
My web page :: ceramic pottery painting
record retrieval solutions reviews
In this case, the life insurance policy firm’s money.
Here is my web site; record retrieval solutions reviews
new life founder
Our experience reaches massive business projects.
Feel free to visit my page; new life founder
Bookmarks
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, 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 since exactly the same nearly
very often inside case you shield this hike.
my web-site … Bookmarks
child care raleigh
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out
right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material
stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an impatience 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 hike.
Here is my blog child care raleigh
dog breeds list most popular
They are placed high in smartest pet dog breeds list most popular types.
best casino app for android
The minimal authorized age to enter a on line casino in New
Zealand is 20 years old.
ceramic painting studio near me
They have items to market or solutions to supply.
Here is my web page :: ceramic painting studio near me
資産の総額 資本金 違い
2021年11月8日閲覧。 コミックナタリー (2021年5月28日).
2021年11月8日閲覧。 コミックナタリー. ナターシャ (2024年8月2日).
2024年8月2日閲覧。 “アニメ「賢者の弟子を名乗る賢者」ソロモン役は村瀬歩、ルミナリア役は日向未南”.
“スタッフ/キャスト”. TVアニメ『賢者の弟子を名乗る賢者』公式サイト.
なお、高校の寮のまかないは復縁後も辞めていない様子。 【vol.1 高木佑真選手】”. ファーストキスの相手。それがもとで安武は番長に殴られる。 の2023年5月1日のツイート、2023年5月1日閲覧。 の2023年10月13日のツイート、2023年10月19日閲覧。 2023年11月27日閲覧。
Bookmarks
Let me reveal you in my review of NewULife.
Look into my web site: Bookmarks
ceramic pottery making near me
They have products to market or services to provide.
my webpage ceramic pottery making near me
record Retrieval companies in usa
record Retrieval companies in usa
this situation, the life insurance business’s money.
Tracy
Allow me reveal you in my testimonial of NewULife.
Here is my webpage … is sports betting app legit (Tracy)
volkswagen service dealer near me
Genuine HGH Benefits (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Evaluated Yet).
Here is my web-site: volkswagen service dealer near me
Bookmarks
Get to know both the company and the legal representative.
Also visit my website :: Bookmarks
bookmarks
Accident due to vehicle crashes.
Feel free to surf to my blog – bookmarks
Bookmarks
Our expertise extends to massive business tasks.
Stop by my webpage … Bookmarks
Bookmarks
There are two general types: coverings and layers.
My blog – Bookmarks
brovegas mode qris
Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one
and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam responses?
If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you
can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me
mad so any support is very much appreciated.