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.
アルミナ 釉薬
Assisted by commissioners who’re appointed by the council-normal of the commune, they put together the schedule of taxation of real and private property, fix the quota of every tax- payer, modify assessments, verify the registers and the collector’s receipts, audit his accounts, discharge the insolvent, reply for returns and authorize prosecutions.
Jasa PIRT makanan beku
Very quickly this website will be famous among all blogging users, due to it’s nice content
1인샵 스웨디시
Also, pay consideration to your posture, specifically whilst sitting and lifting,
as this can contribute to back discomfort.
Feel free to surf to mmy web site :: 1인샵 스웨디시
日本語論文 英語
Along with the marks on the bottom of the porcelain items, it’s also possible to use the china patterns to determine if you’ve got acquired a genuine antique Limoges.
PIRT untuk usaha kecil menengah
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one nowadays.
jilmek
My family members all the time say that I am wasting my time here at net, however I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading such nice articles.
맥스학원
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would really like to hafe you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
맥스학원
안전 놀이터
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this
blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
do you chew provadent
Superb, what a weblog it is! This blog provides helpful data to us, keep it up.
Here is my blog … do you chew provadent
Pinterest
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about website improve.
Regards
Review my web site Pinterest
local
20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Car Key Replacement Service Near Me local
韱?10 鞁ろ棙鞁?靾橅弶 牍勲摐 氚€ 瓿奠灔
https://www.lab-mill.net/nn/how-to-use-lab-jar-mills/how to use lab jar mills
fioricet 40 mg
Whoa a good deal of useful data!
絵簡単アニメ
If you’re planning a trip, you undoubtedly wish to take one of the best journey sneakers for ladies and good sneakers for walking all day.
ラブドール
it’s a necessary progression to form healthy relationships in the future.Feeling guilt over starting a new relationship after a breakup could be a sign that your interactions with your ex need to be examined and adjusted.ダッチワイフ
Best budget coffee machine
Best Budget Coffee Machine Tools To Ease Your Daily
Lifethe One Best Budget Coffee Machine Trick That Everybody Should Be Able
To Best budget coffee machine
karaoke bar las vegas
Ahaa, its good discussion about this piece of writing here at this weblog, I have read all that,
so now me also commenting at this place.
My web-site; karaoke bar las vegas
Jasa PIRT makanan homemade
Some really nice stuff on this web site, I like it.
window repairs near me
You Are Responsible For The Upvc Window Repairs Budget? 12 Best Ways To Spend
Your Money window repairs near me
クレディ スイス ファースト ボストン 証券
Now, with the HB pencil, add some contour hatching to the sides of the horns to make them more three-dimensional.
หวยออนไลน์24th
แพะ ครับ อ่านบล็อกนี้ และรู้สึกตื่นตะลึง มาก!
ประสบการณ์ ที่น่าสนใจประกอบกับ
รายละเอียดซึ่ง ครบถ้วน ทำให้ผมได้รับความรู้ ใหม่ๆ มากมาย ผมชอบกลวิธี ที่คุณพิจารณา ประเด็นต่างๆ อย่างถี่ถ้วน และเสนอ แนวคิดที่น่าสนใจ ผมเห็นด้วยกับ หลายจุดที่คุณกล่าวถึง และมองที่เป็นเรื่องซึ่งสำคัญและควรได้รับการทบทวน อย่างลึกซึ้ง
นอกจากนี้ ผมยังชอบ ความแปลกใหม่ ในการนำเสนอ เนื้อหา การใช้ภาษา ที่ใช้เข้าใจง่าย และการจัดรูปแบบ
ที่น่าสนใจ เพราะ อ่านแล้วรู้สึกสดชื่น เป็นบล็อกที่ทรงพลัง และน่าติดตามอย่างที่สุด
ขอแสดงความชื่นชม
ที่แบ่งปันความรู้ และมุมมอง ที่น่าสนใจ ผมรอตั้งหน้าตั้งตา ที่จะอ่านบทความใหม่ๆ ของคุณในอนาคต
และหวังว่าจะได้มีช่องทาง พูดคุย ทัศนะ กับคุณเช่นกัน
Here is my webpage :: หวยออนไลน์24th
Williampes
Читайте отзывы о lex casino и активируйте бонусы по ссылке lex casino регистрация
glk-egoza.ru
10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Treadmill For Sale Near Me treadmill For sale
(glk-egoza.ru)
Profit Stream AI
You actually make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually something
that I believe I would never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely extensive for me.
I am having a look forward on your subsequent put up, I’ll try to get the hold of it!
pallets of merchandise for sale
Hello, I do believe your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it’s got some
overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Apart from that, excellent blog!
moonlight karaoke
I pay a quick visit day-to-day a few web pages and websites
to read articles, except this blog gives feature based writing.
My blog post; moonlight karaoke
비아그라구매
What’s up every one, here every person is sharing these kinds of experience, thus it’s good to
read this webpage, and I used to pay a quick visit this
webpage every day.
Pink runtz strain
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totally right.
This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how much time
I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Pasquale
It’s not my first time to pay a quick visit this website, i am
visiting this web page dailly and get fastidious facts from here all the time.
Gabriella
It’s not my first time to visit this web site,
i am visiting this website dailly and take fastidious information from
here every day.
BMW carbon fiber steering wheel
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or
anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s
driving me mad so any help is very much appreciated.
Also visit my homepage – BMW carbon fiber steering wheel
Toni
Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Sports Toto
Korea 안전놀이터 순위 [Toni]
Ola
10 Amazing Graphics About Leather Couch L Shaped inexpensive l shaped
couch (Ola)
Buck
7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Best Use Of Your Situs Terpercaya situs togel online – Buck,
hey
Helpful info. Fortunate me I discovered your website by accident, and
I am shocked why this twist of fate did not happened in advance!
I bookmarked it.
window hinge repair
7 Things You’ve Never Learned About Door And Window Doctor
window hinge repair
保険 見直し 広島
For nice dining experiences with Pakistani delicacies, you’ll be able to visit eating places like Tandoori Chicago, Sabri Nihari Restaurant, and Tabaq Restaurant, which provide quality ingredients and a diverse menu.
казино онлайн
Пройти регистрацию и создать аккаунт
можно за 1 минуту.
Rosemary
20 Myths About Triple Bunk Bed With Storage: Debunked bunk bed single over double (Rosemary)
misty
10 Tips For Quickly Getting Emergency Glass Repair Near Me misty
Williampes
Читайте отзывы о lex casino и активируйте бонусы по ссылке лекс казино промокод при регистрации
Aviz Psihologic Angajare Brasov
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to no backup.
Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
My web site: Aviz Psihologic Angajare Brasov
Dokumen untuk izin PIRT
I’m extremely impressed with your writing talents as smartly as with the format for your weblog. Is that this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to look a nice blog like this one today.
라스베가스 노래방
Genuinely no matter if someone doesn’t know afterward its up to other
viewers that they will help, so here it occurs.
My blog: 라스베가스 노래방
増トンダンプカスタム
We generally will wander via a shoe store seeking lighter sneakers and newer kinds, however when we worth verify the footwear on Amazon, we find the most effective price is on-line.
عطر هاج سنت درعه
You expressed it superbly.
toge
Howdy very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..
I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also?
I am satisfied to seek out numerous helpful information here
in the publish, we’d like work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
Cabinet Psihologic Online
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this
post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Here is my homepage – Cabinet Psihologic Online
digital psat math tips
Good day very cool site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?
I am satisfied to seek out so many useful information right
here in the post, we’d like work out extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
. . . . .
Also visit my webpage :: digital psat math tips
American Debt Consolidation Las Vegas NV
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally
educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding this.
Here is my page – American Debt Consolidation Las Vegas NV