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.
백링크작업
This design iss spectacular! You obviously know how to ksep a reeader amused.
Between your wit andd your videos, I was almost mofed tto start mmy own blpog (well, almost…HaHa!) Fantastic job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how
yyou presented it. Too cool!
백링크작업
enlarged prostate treatment singapore
Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that
it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people
will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Bookmarks
Leading lawyers for car accident situations in san antonio.
my homepage Bookmarks
can you sue a pedestrian
can you sue a pedestrian Crash Rule in Washington D.C.
Ines
Ten Myths About Sports Toto History That Aren’t Always The Truth 토토사이트 순위 (Ines)
vietnam evisa australia
I read this piece of writing completely on the topic of the comparison of latest and
preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
gangbang indo
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web page, for the reason that i want enjoyment, since this this site conations genuinely
nice funny information too.
Bookmarks
Our cars and truck accident lawyers obey those words.
Here is my web blog Bookmarks
best online casino australia real money
First of all I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question that
I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts
before writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
Thank you!
Here is my website best online casino australia real money
pvc doctor near me
Don’t Buy Into These “Trends” About Bifold Doctor pvc doctor near me
전자담배액상
Piece of writing writing is also a fun, if you be familiar
with after that you can write if nnot it is omplicated to write.
전자담배액상
Personal injury Lawyer Dallas
Many accidents in San Antonio are serious.
Here is my page Personal injury Lawyer Dallas
discover this info here
Thank you for every other great article. Where else may anyone get that type
of information in such an ideal approach of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search for such information.
3 Wheel Twin Stroller
25 Amazing Facts About 3 Wheeler Buggies 3 Wheel Twin Stroller
outer banks season 4
you are actually a good webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing.
It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
Also, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a
wonderful job in this matter!
upvc window handle replacement
10 Healthy Repairs To Upvc Windows Habits upvc window handle replacement
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
147.47.238.227
The Most Innovative Things Happening With Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces White wall hung fire (147.47.238.227)
upvc window Hinge
This Is A Replacement Window Hinges Success Story You’ll Never Believe upvc window Hinge
porno jepang
Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for
some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good
gains. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!
1Kg of coffee beans
Why You Should Focus On Making Improvements To Buy 1kg
Coffee Beans 1Kg of coffee beans
Double glazed replacement glass
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Double Glazed Replacement Glass Near Me’s Benefits Double glazed replacement glass
repair window hinges
Ten Situations In Which You’ll Want To Be Educated About Window
Hinge Replacement repair window hinges
Jerryjaf
Discovered an article that might catch your interest – don’t miss it! https://www.5632.com.ua/list/492035
Bokep Terbaru Indo Igo Abg Pelajar Porn Videos - XXX Tube
I want to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it.
I’ve got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…
can a driver sue a pedestrian
It has tones of gray that make legal representatives essential.
my webpage; can a driver sue a pedestrian
EPOCH
It’s amazing to visit this site and reading the views of all mates on the topic of this post, while I am also
keen of getting familiarity.
talkai.info
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after looking at a few of
the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m certainly
pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
how Much does an accident attorney Cost
Car mishaps. Call how Much does an accident attorney Cost auto accident lawyer.
Marquis
10 Inspirational Graphics About Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted wall fires (Marquis)
when should you hire an attorney for a car accident
Lawyers have when should you hire an attorney for a car accident tendency to be professionals or generalists.
Patsy
Bandar Online Togel Techniques To Simplify Your
Daily Lifethe One Bandar Online Togel Trick That Everyone Should Learn bandar online
togel; Patsy,
Rebecca
How To Design And Create Successful Pragmatic Demo Instructions For
Homeschoolers From Home 프라그마틱 무료 (Rebecca)
3 wheel pushchair Off road
What To Say About Pushchair 3 Wheels To Your Mom 3 wheel pushchair Off road
안전놀이터
The Top Toto Gurus Do 3 Things 안전놀이터
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
bookmarks
We have a team of committed legal representatives near you.
My website – bookmarks
Jarum Piercing Boutique Tremun
Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the web
the easiest factor to take note of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed whilst folks think about worries that they plainly do not realize about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and
also defined out the entire thing without having side effect , other people can take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Judith
The Most Underrated Companies To Follow In The Seat Key Cover Industry key seat (Judith)
what happens if a pedestrian gets hit by a car
what happens if a pedestrian gets hit by a car v.
Auto Verdict – Washington, D.C.
yakima web design
Hello Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web site regularly, if so then you will absolutely get pleasant
knowledge.
Website Hosting
Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or
maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly
benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to shoot
me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Superb blog by the way!
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Frederic
This Week’s Most Popular Stories Concerning 3 Wheel Electric Scooter For Handicapped three wheeled scooters for adults (Frederic)
repair upvc windows
Why No One Cares About Upvc Windows Repair repair upvc windows
Dane
What To Focus On When Improving Private Psychiatrist Chester private psychiatrist
birmingham uk, Dane,
sports betting south carolina
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after
looking at some of the articles I realized it’s
new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking
back regularly!
Feel free to surf to my web page :: sports betting south carolina
Fob
Why Fiat Key Cover Is Harder Than You Think Fob
Crypto chipy
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to
come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create
your theme? Outstanding work!
jilbab toge
Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appeal.
I must say you have done a fantastic job with this.
Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Safari.
Exceptional Blog!