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.
adhd Online testing
10 Best Facebook Pages Of All Time About
Adult ADHD Test adhd Online testing
double Glaze repair near me
14 Smart Ways To Spend The Leftover Repair Double Glazing Budget double Glaze repair near me
driving lessons
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data! present here at this
webpage, thanks admin of this web page.
Also visit my webpage … driving lessons
Kristy
10 Key Factors About Wood Burners You Didn’t Learn In School wood
burning fire (Kristy)
reduce manual errors
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing
a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you
have any solutions to prevent hackers?
Greg
Local SEO Services Near Me Tools To Ease Your Daily Lifethe One
Local SEO Services Near Me Technique Every Person Needs To Know
local seo services near me (Greg)
Bedroom Mirrors
Thanks for finally writing about > Short term missions
are not the race – The Hus Report Bedroom Mirrors
Mellissa
The 10 Most Scariest Things About Treadmill Foldable Incline treadmill foldable incline (Mellissa)
สล็อต บิงโก
แทงบอล ขอให้พวกคุณ สานต่อไป งานดี
นะจ๊ะ!
สล็อต1688วอเล็ท เนื้อหาน่าสนใจ ในนี้!
เกร็ดความรู้ น่าติดตาม
จริงๆ ครับ!
บาคาร่า168 เว็บตรง แสดงความเห็น ว่า ข้าพเจ้า ดีใจ ที่ได้อ่าน เว็บนี้!
แทงบอล เว็บสุดเจ๋ง!
สวัสดีครับ เว็บสวย เหลือเกิน ที่คุณสร้างขึ้น!
บาคาร่า168 เว็บตรง
สำหรับ การส่งต่อ เว็บนี้!
บาคาร่า168 เว็บตรง! นี่คือ เว็บไซต์ที่ยอดเยี่ยม!
บาคาร่า168 เว็บตรง เว็บนี้คือ แหล่งข้อมูลที่มีคุณค่า!
สล็อต 1688 เว็บตรง วอ ที่คุณพัฒนา!
ฉันชอบ การอ่าน ข้อมูลในเว็บนี้!
ขอบคุณ!
สล็อต1688วอเล็ท น่าสนใจ!
ข้อมูลในเว็บนี้ ใช้งานสะดวก สุดยอด!
เว็บนี้ดีมาก น่าสนใจมาก!
ขอบคุณมาก สำหรับสาระในเว็บนี้!
สล็อต บิงโก!
built in fridge freezer frost free
Ten Things You’ve Learned In Kindergarden Which Will Aid You In Obtaining Best 50 50 Integrated
Fridge Freezer built in fridge freezer frost free
electric Fires Wall
You’ll Never Guess This Electric Fires Wall Mounted’s Secrets electric Fires Wall
driving school near me
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am experiencing problems with
your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anybody else getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly
respond? Thanx!!
Feel free to surf to my web blog … driving school near me
Floor Mirrors
Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could
I get that kind of information written in such a perfect manner?
I’ve a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been at the
glance out for such information.
Also visit my website; Floor Mirrors
symphonic electronic
Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web page, and post is truly
fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these types of
articles or reviews.
Also visit my web page :: symphonic electronic
driving instructor
I was able to find good advice from your content.
Also visit my webpage :: driving instructor
driving instructor
Thanks for some other wonderful article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.
Review my page; driving instructor
portal.uaptc.edu
Why Is Asbestos Attorneys So Popular? asbestos lawyers (portal.uaptc.edu)
driving school near me
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking
more of your fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Also visit my web blog: driving school near me
Lashawn
10 Quick Tips About Treatments For Adult ADD effects of untreated adhd in adults (Lashawn)
e visa vietnam para mexicanos
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thanks once again.
driving school near me
Post writing is also a excitement, if you be familiar with afterward
you can write if not it is difficult to write.
Here is my webpage driving school near me
gambling and casino games
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of space .
Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this website.
Studying this info So i’m happy to show that I’ve
an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed.
I so much definitely will make certain to do not put out of your mind this website and provides it a look on a relentless basis.
how to get an eta visa for australia
Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Carry on the excellent work!
Synthwave
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your
wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
Take a look at my site; Synthwave
classical recomposed
I have learn some just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking
for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to make the sort
of great informative site.
Feel free to surf to my homepage: classical recomposed
online casino deposit bonuses
I have thoroughly reveled in the observations provided in this
reflective blog write-up . The composer has fluently conveyed several
pivotal ideas that strike a chord with
me deeply .
As an ardent crusader of trailblazing
entrepreneurial initiatives , I would hope to propose an appeal to
you to explore the phenomenal chances available
at Pragmatic Play .
This adaptive firm is at the forefront of cutting-edge progressions , delivering a thriving
and enriching ecosystem for aficionados who share a devotion for superlative and a ambition to
propel the frontiers of what is possible .
I adjure you to mull over this recommendation and
discover the bounty of avenues that present themselves
. Please be at liberty to reach out if you have any doubts
or would like to talk about more comprehensively .
Most respectful compliments ,
My website; online casino deposit bonuses
Camilla
The Most Successful Pragmatic Experts Have Been Doing 3 Things 프라그마틱 공식홈페이지; Camilla,
Floor Mirrors
I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and
let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I stumbled across this in my hunt for something regarding
this.
Here is my web page: Floor Mirrors
JamesChige
Discovered a unique article Р recommended to acquaint yourself! http://www.bisound.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1067955#post1067955
driving school
Great delivery. Great arguments. Keep up the good effort.
Also visit my homepage – driving school
Composite door replacement
Composite Door Replacement Tips To Relax Your Daily Lifethe One Composite Door Replacement Trick That
Everybody Should Know Composite door replacement
classical recomposed
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make
your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just
posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something
informative to read?
Here is my blog … classical recomposed
Jere
The Best Car Boot Mobility Scooters Tricks To Rewrite Your Life best car boot mobility scooter
[Jere]
impotence pills over the counter
Hola! I’ve been following your weblog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead
and give you a shout out from Humble Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!
Maik
See What Mitsubishi Car Key Replacement Cost Uk Tricks
The Celebs Are Utilizing mitsubishi car key replacement
cost uk (Maik)
testosterone hormone supplements
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck
for the next!
Laurence
10 Things That Everyone Doesn’t Get Right Concerning
Car Key Reprogramming reprogramming keys for cars (Laurence)
vietnam evisa intended expenses
I every time emailed this web site post page to all my associates, because if
like to read it then my links will too.
neo-classical
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity,
Guess I will just book mark this site.
my site; neo-classical
Addie
Five Killer Quora Answers To Leather Couches L Shape Leather couches l shape
(Addie)
Synthwave
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with
your site. It appears like some of the written text in your content are running off the
screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This might be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Kudos
Also visit my web site; Synthwave
Full length Mirror
Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your site in web explorer, may
test this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge
component to other people will omit your magnificent writing due to this problem.
my site Full length Mirror
renew weight loss pills
Very descriptive blog, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
Also visit my blog post – renew weight loss pills
driving instructor
What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable experience regarding unpredicted feelings.
Also visit my site: driving instructor
adhd test Online free
10 Sites To Help You Become An Expert In Adult Test For ADHD adhd test Online free
Synthwave
I quite like looking through an article that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
My homepage: Synthwave
driving school near me
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post
is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You are amazing! Thanks!
Here is my web site: driving school near me
how Depression is Treated
What Is The Secret Life Of Depression Support Groups how Depression is Treated
moinho de bolas de laboratorio vertical semi redondo 6l20v
https://www.lab-mill.net/nl/verhouding-van-de-massa-van-het-monster-tot-de-kogel-in-een-keramische-kogelmolen/verhouding van de massa van het monster tot de kogel in een keramische kogelmolen
Gilleshah
Wonderful write ups. Thanks a lot.
new usa online casinos 2017 online casino games best online casino real money ohio