3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 83,258

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.

83258 Responses

  4. check this out
    | Reply

    Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to check it out.

    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be
    tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and terrific design.

  6. 아고다 할인코드 10월
    | Reply

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
    and you are just extremely excellent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way
    in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you
    still take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from
    you. This is actually a terrific website.

    아고다 할인코드 10월

  12. click over here now
    | Reply

    Hey exceptional website! Does running a blog like this take a massive amount
    work? I have absolutely no understanding of computer programming however I had been hoping to start my
    own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
    I understand this is off topic nevertheless I just wanted to ask.
    Thank you!

  13. Representational Systems
    | Reply

    It resembles slowly entering into chilly water until it feels just great. Created by Dr. Judson Brewer, the RAIN approach is a mindfulness tool that can aid you handle anxiety in the moment. Reducing or quitting these compounds can help in reducing your anxiousness levels. They can result in energy collisions that might make you feel extra nervous. If you handle anxiousness often, medication does not need to be your finest or only treatment. If you feel your anxiousness is worsening, think about expert assistance.

    But there are ways to soothe the storm, even if just for a moment. Allow’s check out some methods that can offer you immediate relief. Schedule restaurant dishes with close friends or member of the family so you can get utilized to eating in public. Attempt heading out of your way to make eye call with people on the road or at the supermarket, and say hello. If somebody begins a conversation with you, inquire inquiries concerning their pastimes or favored areas to travel. It may sound backward to plan to worry, however medical professionals really recommend that you pick a time to think about your anxieties purposefully.
    Is Anxiety Negative?
    At Remain Below, our objective expands beyond offering momentary remedies. We’re below to be a part of your ongoing trip towards mental well-being. Incorporating faith right into psychological health and wellness practices recognizes the intricate nature of stress and anxiety and the requirement for a complex strategy to healing.

    Massage is the method of making use of hands, pressure, and touch to ease pain and stress in the body. There are numerous types of massage, and frequently a permit is called for to operate as a masseuse. 2018 study suggests acupuncture might be a risk-free and effective alternative method to minimize stress and anxiety. However, specialists concur even more research study is required to identify its efficiency. During an acupuncture session, a professional will insert tiny, slim needles into stress points on your body. Putting pressure on these factors is believed to stabilize the body’s systems, lowering discomfort and stress.
    But if your signs make it hard to do your job, look after everyday jobs, or get along with other people, it could be time to obtain assistance. These therapies can aid you handle your anxiety, so it doesn’t get in the way of you living your life. Yet particular kinds of stress and anxiety can trigger severe distress and obstruct of life. If you have, or had, cancer cells you go to a better threat of establishing anxiety. Finally, handling anxiety is a journey, not a destination.

    Careful abstraction which explains the procedure of “concentrating on information secured of context, overlooking other much more prominent functions of the scenario, and conceiving the entire experience on the basis of this element”. An example of discerning abstraction would be obtaining a ‘B+’ quality on an item of schoolwork, paying certain focus to a comment regarding how it could be enhanced, and assuming “I did terribly”. The secret is to find a knowledgeable specialist that can match the type and intensity of therapy with your requirements. You’ll soon start getting the latest Mayo Center health and wellness info you requested in your inbox.
    The major goal of CBT-based intervention is to change maladaptive emotional actions by testing dysfunctional thinking patterns [27] A number of meta-analytic reviews of CBT have actually discovered huge effects and concluded that CBT successfully deals with stress and anxiety conditions [23, 28,29,30] Nevertheless, the size of these effects is influenced by the studies’ comparison conditions, such as waitlist (WL) or treatment as usual (TAU) [31, 32] A constraint of TAU as a control problem is that it tends to be heterogeneous and not structurally equivalent, both within and between studies [33] A WL control, on the other hand, does not manage for nonspecific factors such as person assumptions of the treatment results or restorative partnership [34]

    Several nonprofits like the Anxiety & Clinical Depression Association of America have online areas you can join absolutely free. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine often used to relieve allergies. However, it can additionally be made use of to treat anxiety symptoms such as stress and anxiety. It functions by altering the body’s degrees of histamine and serotonin, leading to changes in state of mind.

    Handle sleeping disorders naturallyPeople who do not obtain ample sleep, in size or quality, each night are more probable to develop significant depression than those that sleep with the evening. While there’s no removing stress and anxiety, meditation can have a benefit after just one session. And with a routine meditation technique, we increase our capacity to handle stress and anxiety. Research studies show when it comes to be a practice, reflection assists us establish the abilities to better take care of anxiousness and stress, and grow assurance. Sometimes, the very best thing to do for yourself is begin fresh.

  15. xxx
    | Reply

    Hi there! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I
    had to ask. Does managing a well-established website like yours take a lot of work?
    I’m completely new to operating a blog but I do write
    in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share
    my personal experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips
    for brand new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!

  17. sawit777
    | Reply

    I’ve read several good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how a lot effort you put to make this type
    of magnificent informative site.

  19. Porn Sex
    | Reply

    Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this,
    such as you wrote the guide in it or something.
    I feel that you can do with some % to drive the message home a bit, however instead of that, this is great blog.
    A great read. I will certainly be back.

  21. Age and teeth whitening effectiveness
    | Reply

    Like whitening, laser bleaching additionally has numerous pros and cons to consider before you commit to it. Many individuals have the idea that with laser bleaching, the lasers blow up the dust off your teeth. Pearly whites bleaching products can be a potential danger to enamel when mistreated. This is why it is essential to have actually the procedure done by a qualified dental expert. Unlike the sophisticated notion that the lasers themselves may blast the dirt off from your teeth, the laser itself doesn’t do the cleaning.
    Laser Teeth Whitening Adverse Effects
    In the light of the above variables, laser teeth whitening can be a safe and reliable alternative when executed by a certified and reputed dental expert like ours. It’s essential to weigh the possible advantages versus disadvantages by speaking with our dental practitioner to see if the procedure appropriates for you. It is pertinent to point out that adhering to good oral care methods and preventing tarnishing representatives can assist expand the results of your teeth whitening treatment. Post-treatment treatment is essential for maintaining the dazzling results of your laser teeth bleaching and mitigating any discomfort. To secure your freshly bleached smile, it’s recommended to stay clear of stain-causing foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, and red wine, particularly promptly after the procedure.
    Blue Light Teeth Whitening Side Effects

    Throughout the therapy, people are maintained notified and comfortable, with each action of the treatment explained by our specialist team. This degree of care and openness helps debunk the process, responding to the inquiry of how laser teeth lightening functions while giving a calming and pleasant person experience. Each laser whitening session is customized to the individual’s requirements. For those with deeper stains or delicate teeth, SmileStudio Boston might recommend follow-up sessions.
    Financial Investment Expense:
    Be sure to follow the precise instructions on the kit that you’re utilizing since they can vary from item to product. Some products market that you may need greater than one treatment. Have to think of various other factors when making a decision which you like.

    These frequently involve purchasing hydrogen peroxide at focus in between 3% -5%, that’s 30 to 50 times greater than the legal over-the-counter restriction. Influencers with no clinical history show audiences how to apply this directly on the teeth or using it as a mouth rinse. Patterns like these put your dental wellness at risk and should be prevented regardless. As long as you are starting with healthy and balanced teeth and healthy and balanced gum tissues, professional teeth bleaching will not threaten.

    By the end of at first examining this item, our teeth were one to two tones lighter. We didn’t experience any kind of discomfort beyond the mint-tasting paste, causing our gum tissues to tingle throughout usage. However, though it features a travel instance for the guard, we do want it included a traveling situation for the LED light as well. Auraglow’s Deluxe Teeth Bleaching Package makes use of a portable LED gadget to whiten teeth in 30-minute sessions over the course of one week.
    Best Eco-friendly Choice
    According to Michael Kosdon, DDS, an aesthetic dental professional, the moment framework doesn’t suggest a formula is better or even worse instead, it has to do with picking an item that fits into your recommended time frame for results. The majority of whitening items count on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lighten teeth. These substances work by passing through tooth enamel to get to the inner layer of dentin. Within the dentin layer, they oxidize and lighten discolorations by breaking down the deeply-pigmented particles that make teeth look darker. In order to utilize lightening tooth paste efficiently, brush your teeth at least twice a day for around 2 minutes. Whitening toothpastes generally contain abrasives that function to scrub off surface area discolorations.
    The kit features three tubes of extremely focused gel created with 35% carbamide peroxide, as well as two compatible trays. To make use of, layer your teeth with the gel, place the mouth piece and turn on heaven LED light for 15 minutes; for a lot more sensitive teeth, the brand suggests the red light setting, as the session just lasts 10 minutes. The gadget will instantly beep when the timer is up, after which you wash your mouth out to get rid of the staying formula.

    A custom tray will fit directly around your teeth, giving little room for the gel to blunder to your gum tissues or miss lightening hard-to-reach gaps. They may include lightening strips having the lightening representative or plastic trays that you fill with whitening gel, along with a battery-powered blue light. You can get a brighter smile with a variety of various bleaching items and strategies offered in the house or at a dentist’s workplace.
    Are There Any Threats Of This Treatment?
    Blue LED light therapies are coming to be significantly prominent, particularly since they are thought about safer than UV light. You can buy over-the-counter bleaching products that include a blue light, or you can select to have therapy in your dentist’s office. Keep in mind how peroxide paste breaks down spots on your teeth’s enamel when you use lightening trays? Well, you’re still using whitening trays when you select laser lightening.
    However, your teeth could be a lot more delicate than normal for about 24-hour after the treatment. Laser teeth whitening is a procedure developed to brighten your teeth. Prior to starting LED tooth whitening or any type of dental procedure, constantly seek advice from a dental expert you trust. Considering that teeth lightening is a cosmetic therapy, it’s not covered by dental insurance.
    Many over the counter (OTC) bleaching strips, kits and pens additionally make use of a type of peroxide. The difference between these and expert teeth bleaching is the chemical focus. When you have your teeth blonde, the dental practitioner applies a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide paste to your teeth. This peroxide paste is positioned in whitening trays, which use the paste where you want it, on the enamel of your teeth. However when you head to your oral office, you have some vital decisions to make. Laser teeth whitening is not just a treatment; it’s a cosmetic revolution in the world of oral treatment.

  28. xxx
    | Reply

    Asking questions are really nice thing if you are not understanding anything completely, but
    this piece of writing presents pleasant understanding even.

  35. KennethSpelA
    | Reply

    JILI SLOT GAMES: Sự Lựa Chọn Hàng Đầu Cho Các Tín Đồ Casino Trực Tuyến

    JILI Casino là một nhà phát hành game nổi tiếng với nhiều năm kinh nghiệm trong ngành công nghiệp giải trí trực tuyến. Tại JILI, chúng tôi cam kết mang đến cho người chơi những trải nghiệm độc đáo và đẳng cấp, thông qua việc đổi mới không ngừng và cải thiện chất lượng từng sản phẩm. Những giá trị cốt lõi của chúng tôi không chỉ dừng lại ở việc tạo ra các trò chơi xuất sắc, mà còn tập trung vào việc cung cấp các tính năng vượt trội để đáp ứng nhu cầu của người chơi trên toàn cầu.

    Sự Đa Dạng Trong Các Trò Chơi Slot
    JILI nổi tiếng với loạt trò chơi slot đa dạng và hấp dẫn. Từ các slot game cổ điển đến những trò chơi với giao diện hiện đại và tính năng độc đáo, JILI Slot luôn đem đến cho người chơi những phút giây giải trí tuyệt vời. Các trò chơi được thiết kế với đồ họa sống động, âm thanh chân thực và những vòng quay thú vị, đảm bảo rằng người chơi sẽ luôn bị cuốn hút.

    Ưu Điểm Nổi Bật Của JILI Casino
    Đổi mới và sáng tạo: Mỗi trò chơi tại JILI Casino đều mang đến sự mới mẻ với lối chơi hấp dẫn và giao diện bắt mắt.
    Chất lượng cao: JILI không ngừng cải tiến để đảm bảo mỗi sản phẩm đều đạt chất lượng tốt nhất, từ trải nghiệm người chơi đến tính năng trò chơi.
    Nền tảng đa dạng: JILI Casino cung cấp nhiều loại game khác nhau, từ slot, bắn cá đến các trò chơi truyền thống, phù hợp với mọi sở thích của người chơi.
    Chương Trình Khuyến Mại JILI
    JILI Casino không chỉ nổi bật với chất lượng game mà còn thu hút người chơi bởi các chương trình khuyến mại hấp dẫn. Người chơi có thể tham gia vào nhiều sự kiện, từ khuyến mãi nạp tiền, hoàn trả đến các chương trình tri ân dành riêng cho thành viên VIP. Những ưu đãi này không chỉ tăng cơ hội chiến thắng mà còn mang lại giá trị cộng thêm cho người chơi.

    Nổ Hủ City Và Các Trò Chơi Hấp Dẫn Khác
    JILI không chỉ có slot games mà còn cung cấp nhiều thể loại game đa dạng khác như bắn cá, bài và nhiều trò chơi giải trí khác. Nổi bật trong số đó là Nổ Hủ City – nơi người chơi có thể thử vận may và giành được những giải thưởng lớn. Sự kết hợp giữa lối chơi dễ hiểu và các tính năng độc đáo của Nổ Hủ City chắc chắn sẽ mang lại những khoảnh khắc giải trí đầy thú vị.

    Tham Gia JILI Casino Ngay Hôm Nay
    Với sự đa dạng về trò chơi, các tính năng vượt trội và những chương trình khuyến mại hấp dẫn, JILI Casino là sự lựa chọn không thể bỏ qua cho những ai yêu thích trò chơi trực tuyến. Hãy truy cập trang web chính thức của JILI ngay hôm nay để trải nghiệm thế giới giải trí không giới hạn và giành lấy những phần thưởng hấp dẫn từ các trò chơi của chúng tôi!

  37. genius wave download
    | Reply

    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 protect against it,
    any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get
    so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support
    is very much appreciated.

    Take a look at my web page … genius wave download

  38. Mirrors for Living Room
    | Reply

    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 wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything.

    Do you have any points Mirrors for Living Room novice blog writers?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  41. discover this
    | Reply

    Excellent web site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays.
    I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  45. Situs gacor
    | Reply

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here
    frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn a lot of new stuff
    right here! Good luck for the next!

  48. مشاوره حقوقی
    | Reply

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    my page; مشاوره حقوقی

  49. Alison
    | Reply

    Electric Fireplace Freestanding Modern Tools To Make Your
    Everyday Lifethe Only Electric Fireplace Freestanding Modern Technique Every Person Needs To Learn electric fireplace freestanding modern (Alison)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *