3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 88,352

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.

88352 Responses

  2. Susie
    | Reply

    5 People You Should Be Getting To Know In The Assessments For Adhd In Adults
    Industry adhd assessment for adults leicester (Susie)

  8. video bokep abg
    | Reply

    It’s the best time to make some plans for
    the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this
    post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or
    suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  9. دانلود سریال ترکی
    | Reply

    This is the perfect site for everyone who wishes
    to understand this topic. You understand a whole lot its
    almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa).
    You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for ages.
    Wonderful stuff, just excellent!

  13. SEC Casino Crime investigation required
    | Reply

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your
    blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement
    you access consistently fast.

  16. How To Use Web 2.0 Sites For Backlinks
    | Reply

    Mastering how to use Web 2.0 sites for backlinks can significantly boost your website’s SEO and domain authority. By selecting the right platforms, creating valuable content, and strategically placing backlinks, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site. Web 2.0 platforms offer a cost-effective and accessible way to diversify your backlink profile, helping you stay competitive in the ever-changing world of SEO.

  17. ایمپلنت دندان
    | Reply

    ایمپلنت دندان برای جایگزینی دندان‌های ازدست‌رفته و کشیده
    شده استفاده می‌شود. طول عمر بالا، ظاهر و عملکرد
    طبیعی 3 ویژگی بارز ایمپلنت دندانی هستند که هرکسی را
    ترغیب به استفاده از این خدمات دندانپزشکی می‌کنند.

    از دست دادن دندان به هر دلیلی می‌تواند چالش‌های زیادی به همراه داشته باشد.

    از مشکل در جویدن و صحبت کردن گرفته
    تا کاهش اعتمادبه‌نفس و تأثیر منفی بر
    زیبایی لبخند. ایمپلنت دندان به‌عنوان یکی از پیشرفته‌ترین روش‌های جایگزینی دندان، این مشکلات را برطرف
    کرده و لبخندی زیبا و عملکردی طبیعی را به
    شما هدیه می‌دهد.

  22. evisa vietnam picture
    | Reply

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just
    wanted to say superb blog!

  27. ngentod
    | Reply

    Hello mates, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say regarding this
    paragraph, in my view its in fact amazing in support
    of me.

  29. kenya eta contact
    | Reply

    Great blog right here! Also your site loads up fast!
    What host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate link for your host?

    I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  31. provadent at walgreens
    | Reply

    Whats up this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs
    use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
    Any help would be enormously appreciated!

    Feel free to visit my blog provadent at walgreens

  32. xhamster
    | Reply

    Quality articles or reviews is the main to invite the
    viewers to pay a quick visit the web page, that’s what this web site is providing.

  38. michat bo
    | Reply

    You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation however
    I in finding this matter to be really one thing which I believe I might by no means
    understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely extensive for me.
    I am taking a look ahead to your subsequent put up, I’ll attempt to get the cling of it!

  39. ngentot di kosan
    | Reply

    Hey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
    I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m
    looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if
    you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  40. Jawatogel
    | Reply

    Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue with your web site in internet explorer,
    would check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large component of other folks will miss your
    excellent writing because of this problem.

  41. ngentot bu guru seksi
    | Reply

    Simply wish to say your article is as surprising.
    The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Well with your permission allow me to grab your
    feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and
    please carry on the gratifying work.

  42. ngewe mahasiawi cantik
    | Reply

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and
    you’re just too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here,
    certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.

    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous website.

  43. homepage
    | Reply

    It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am happy that
    you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us
    informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  47. penipu
    | Reply

    Hey there! I’ve been following your web site for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead
    and give you a shout out from Houston Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!

  49. Crypto Mining Warranty USA
    | Reply

    Howdy! Do you use Twitter? Ι’d liқe tо follow ʏou if hat woulɗ be ok.
    Ι’m ԁefinitely enjoying y᧐ur blog аnd look forward tо new posts.
    Buy Bitcoin Miner USA, Crypto Mining Rig for Sale USA, ASIC Miners Purchase USA, GPU Mining Rig for Sale, Cheap Bitcoin Miner USA, Ethereum Miner Purchase USA, Bitcoin Mining Hardware USA, Best Mining Rig USA, Bitcoin Miner Store USA, Buy Cryptocurrency Miner USA, ASIC Miners, Antminer S19 Pro USA, Bitmain Antminer for Sale, Avalon Miner Purchase USA, Goldshell Miner USA, GPU Miners,NVIDIA Mining Rig USA, Mining Accessories, Mining Rig Power Supply USA, GPU Mining Motherboard USA, Cooling System for Miners, Buy Bitmain USA, Canaan Miner USA, Goldshell Miner Purchase, Discount Bitcoin Miners USA, Used Mining Rigs for Sale USA, Pre-built Mining Rigs USA, Fast Shipping Mining Rig USA, USA Based Mining Support, Crypto Mining Warranty USA, AMD Mining Rig Purchase, GPU Miner for Sale USA, High-Performance GPU Mining Rig

Leave a Reply

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