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.
9710861
10 Things Everyone Hates About Oil For Oil Filled Radiator 9710861
Monica
The Most Significant Issue With Daftar Akun Togel Resmi And How You Can Fix It togel singapore (Monica)
femi wand
Right here is the perfect blog for everyone who wants to find out about this topic.
You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would
want to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject which has been discussed for years.
Excellent stuff, just wonderful!
recycled grease
Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had
to tell someone!
7k казино
Каждая игра обладает уникальными характеристиками и привлекает игроков с разным
уровнем опыта и предпочтениями.
slot deposit gopay
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
dex coin
Outstanding story there. What occurred after? Take care!
822547
Some Of The Most Ingenious Things Happening With Coffee Maker For Pods
822547
6699101.xyz
The Ugly The Truth About Buy Used Mobility Scooter Near Me 6699101.xyz
Devon
Comprehensive Guide To Sports Toto Near Me 안전놀이터 순위 (Devon)
36035372.Xyz
7 Things You’d Never Know About Subcold Mini Fridge 36035372.xyz (36035372.Xyz)
Bookmarks
Together with experience is the lawyer’s success rate.
my web blog Bookmarks
Sara
What’s The Job Market For Sports Toto Online Professionals?
토토사이트 순위 – Sara,
Kandi
What’s The Job Market For Double Glazed Window Repairs
Professionals? double glazed window repairs, Kandi,
upvc tilt and turn window bottom repair hinge
Window Hinges Repair Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
upvc tilt and turn window bottom repair hinge
azino 777
Жажда крови, прилив адреналина и предвкушение джекпота взлетают до небес.
maps.Google.com.Ua
Wow lots of superb facts!
Check out my web site :: https://maps.Google.com.ua/url?q=https://seatkite2.werite.net/diesel-generators-for-essential-services-ensuring-reliable-power-supply-in
Fitness Tips Beauty Tips Weight Loss Tips Tips For Happy Life - healthrecoverytips.com
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest sites
on the net. I will highly recommend this website!
Double glazing repairs near me
You’ll Never Guess This Misted Double Glazing Repairs Near Me’s Secrets Double glazing repairs near me
Denese
15 Of The Best Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Senior Mobility
Scooters off-road mobility scooters (Denese)
fridge freezer American
The Most Popular Best American Fridge Freezer Uk The Gurus Are Using Three Things fridge freezer American
socialbookmarknew.win
10 Facts About Sports Toto Prizes That Make You Feel Instantly The Best Mood
먹튀검증 사이트 – socialbookmarknew.win –
sports betting south carolina
Excellent way of telling, and good piece of writing to take data concerning my presentation subject matter,
which i am going to present in academy.
Feel free to visit my blog post: sports betting south carolina
situstogeldanslotterperca27705.Blogcudinti.com
7 Easy Tips For Totally Making A Statement With Your Situs Toto
Togel Bandar toto (situstogeldanslotterperca27705.Blogcudinti.com)
ethanol fireplace burner
5 Must-Know-Practices Of Biofuel For Fireplace For 2023 ethanol fireplace burner
Mellissa
Guide To L Shaped Sofa Leatherette: The Intermediate Guide
The Steps To L Shaped Sofa Leatherette l shaped sofa leather (Mellissa)
Friction Hinges for timber windows
10 Things Everyone Has To Say About Hinges
Hinges Friction Hinges for timber windows
Zachery
Sectional L Shaped Couch Tips To Relax Your Everyday Lifethe Only Sectional L Shaped Couch Trick That Should Be Used By Everyone Be Able To sectional l shaped couch (Zachery)
link threesome
Good article. I will be dealing with some of these issues as well..
무료슬롯 프라그마틱
A. The Most Common Pragmatic Slots Experience Debate It’s Not As Black And White As You May Think 무료슬롯 프라그마틱
Lg Fridge
10 Outbuilding Chest Freezer-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy Lg Fridge
Dorthea
What Is Bentley Smart Key And How To Utilize It new bentley key (Dorthea)
Carole
The Best Way To Explain Beans Coffee Machine To Your Mom bean to cup filter coffee machine (Carole)
Marti
The Best Advice You Could Receive About Kia Key kia picanto replacement key
[Marti]
click for source
The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to
see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be
a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Private Adhd Assessment Kent
10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring The Private
ADHD Clinic You’re Looking For Private Adhd Assessment Kent
championsleage.review
The 10 Most Scariest Things About Patio Door Lock Repairs Near Me
Patio Door lock repairs Near me – championsleage.review –
Diane
10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Locksmith For Car
Near Me elsycrays (Diane)
payday loan
payday loan
Madison
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve
done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Porn Sex
Hurrah! Finally I got a web site from where I be capable
of actually get useful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
9324874
10 Facts About Single Stroller With Bench Seat That Can Instantly Put You
In The Best Mood 9324874
xbox 360 burning games
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
these days.
Feel free to surf to my blog post xbox 360 burning games
Moshe
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About L Shaped Couch Small
l shaped couch small (Moshe)
Cherry188
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of
exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it appears a lot
of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you
know any ways to help reduce content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
articlescad.Com
10 Startups Set To Change The Replacement Windows Milton Keynes
Industry For The Better aluminium windows milton keynes – articlescad.Com,
9710861.xyz
5 Laws Anybody Working In Oil Filled Radiators Should Know
9710861.xyz
AwinitaNal
Thank you! Valuable information.
real online casino canada no deposit online casino bonus explodiac online casino