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.
Extra Large Wall Mirrors
After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact
same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove
me from that service? Cheers!
My web site … Extra Large Wall Mirrors
Clarice
What’s The Current Job Market For Sofa Couch L Shape Professionals?
sofa couch l shape; Clarice,
Lavon
10 Apps To Aid You Manage Your Wood Burner Fireplace fireplaces
wood (Lavon)
Frankruiff
Found captivating reading that’s worth your time ђ take a look https://webmentes.com/create-blog/
driving lessons
I got this web site from my buddy who told me on the topic
of this web page and at the moment this time I am browsing this website and reading very informative articles at this
place.
Also visit my blog post; driving lessons
Luxury wall Mirror
Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries
that they plainly don’t know about. You managed
to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Also visit my web blog – Luxury wall Mirror
porn games
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
Jonelle
30 Inspirational Quotes About Asbestos Attorney mesothelioma lawsuits (Jonelle)
Handmade Mirrors
I think that what you posted made a bunch of sense. But, what about this?
what if you added a little information? I ain’t saying
your content isn’t good., but what if you added a post title that grabbed folk’s attention? I mean Short term missions are not the
race – The Hus Report is a little vanilla. You ought to look at
Yahoo’s front page and note how they create news titles to
get people to click. You might add a related video or a related
picture or two to grab readers excited about what
you’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it could bring your blog a little bit more interesting.
my homepage – Handmade Mirrors
classical recomposed
Wow, amazing blog structure! How long have you been running a blog
for? you make running a blog look easy. The overall look of
your web site is great, as neatly as the content!
Here is my blog post; classical recomposed
Custom mirror designs
It’s very straightforward to find out any topic on net as compared
to books, as I found this article at this site.
Also visit my webpage … Custom mirror designs
See How
Right here is the perfect site for everyone who wishes to understand this topic.
You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally would want
to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject
that’s been written about for years. Wonderful stuff, just great!
Video mesum anak kecil
Very shortly this web page will be famous amid all blogging and site-building viewers, due to it’s good posts
Vernell
The Top Companies Not To Be Follow In The Land Rover Spare Key Industry land rover key won’t turn in ignition (Vernell)
Custom mirror designs
Awesome post.
My website :: Custom mirror designs
Isiah
5 Killer Quora Answers To Automatic Folding Scooter Mobility automatic folding
scooter mobility (Isiah)
голдфишка казино отзывы
Онлайн казино Goldfishka — одно из самых давних игровых заведений в интернете.
neo-classical
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly, this web site is truly fastidious and
the users are really sharing good thoughts.
Feel free to surf to my blog :: neo-classical
tube.kakoc.com/sexy1464390013
You’ve made ssome really good popints there.
I lolked oon the ihternet to learn more about the issuue aand found
most individuals will goo along wiith your view oon this website.
Tracee
What’s The Job Market For Mens Masturbation Toys
Professionals? mens masturbation toy, Tracee,
Archie
What Are The Biggest “Myths” About Pragmatic Genuine May Actually Be Right 프라그마틱 정품 (Archie)
Alejandrina
How To Solve Issues With L Shaped Loft Bed l shape triple bunk bed
(Alejandrina)
казино с бездепозитным бонусом за регистрацию с выводом
Игра начинается после прокатывания карточки, поднимается заслонка удерживающая шары, и они выкатываются в лоток.
mansard loft extension
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly think this site needs far more attention.
I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for
the advice!
phim zozo
Nice weblog here! Also your site rather a lot up fast! What host are you the usage of?
Can I get your associate hyperlink on your host?
I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Ashly
10 Things Everybody Has To Say About Fiat 500 Key Fob Replacement Fiat 500 Key Fob Replacement fiat key replacement (Ashly)
ngentot mahasiswi cantik
I have read so many content regarding the
blogger lovers but this paragraph is actually a pleasant paragraph, keep it
up.
Taylah
14 Common Misconceptions About Bean To Coffee Machine bean to cup maschine; Taylah,
Bailey
This Week’s Most Popular Stories About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos mesothelioma attorneys (Bailey)
evisa vietnam visa
Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different
then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had
to ask!
laboratuvar bilyali degirmen
https://www.lab-mill.net/es/principios-de-diseno-de-molinos-de-bolas-de-laboratorio/principios de diseno de molinos de bolas de laboratorio
Kaley
10 Things You’ve Learned From Kindergarden That Will Aid You In Obtaining
Mental Health Assessment London mental health assessment specialist
(Kaley)
Temeka
Guide To Chiminea For Sale: The Intermediate Guide For Chiminea For Sale chiminea for sale,
Temeka,
казино без депозита
Казино MaxBet предлагает привлекательный приветственный пакет для новых участников.
thedesk.io
The Reason Why Everyone Is Talking About Asbestos Attorneys Right Now asbestos Lawyers (thedesk.io)
Demi
Don’t Buy Into These “Trends” About Toto Result 토토사이트 추천
(Demi)
porn videos
Thank you! Very good stuff.
Mitchel
Five Killer Quora Answers To Integrated Fridge Freezer Frost
Free integrated fridge freezer frost free; Mitchel,
bokep hot
Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to see your post.
Thank you so much and I am looking forward to contact you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
Reagan
Just desire to say your article is as amazing.
The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you’re
an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Casino bonus
Nice post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful information particularly the last phase :
) I deal with such info much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time.
Thanks and good luck.
아리아카지노가입코드
Hi, I do think this iss an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to comee back once again since i have book marked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich
and continue to guide other people.
아리아카지노가입코드
mesothelioma Lawsuit
This Is The Advanced Guide To Mesothelioma Asbestos Claims mesothelioma Lawsuit
pa006.samplekorea.com
5 Clarifications On Volkswagen Car Key Replacement Volkswagen Car key replacement cost; pa006.samplekorea.com,
lipo zem
It’s hard to find educated people on this topic,
however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Feel free to visit my webpage lipo zem
property visualization
Very good advice, Many thanks.
www.magentaphoto.com
Your method of explaining everything in this paragraph is actually
good, all can simply understand it, Thanks a lot https://www.magentaphoto.com/locations/st-laurent-centre/
www.dnchurch.org
Mobile Locksmith Auto: 11 Things You’ve Forgotten To Do Cheapest auto locksmith near
me (http://www.dnchurch.org)
Www-Mymobilityscooters-Uk53923.Wikilentillas.Com
The Complete Guide To Lightweight Electric Folding Wheelchair With Lithium
Battery Electric Lightweight Wheelchair Foldable – Www-Mymobilityscooters-Uk53923.Wikilentillas.Com –
Latashia
10 Instagram Accounts On Pinterest To Follow About Asbestos Attorney
asbestos lawsuits (Latashia)