3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 87,310

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.

87310 Responses

  3. discover here
    | Reply

    After exploring a handful of the articles on your blog, I truly appreciate your technique of
    blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back
    soon. Please check out my website too and let me know how you
    feel.

  5. Roseann
    | Reply

    After exploring a handful of the blog posts on your site, I
    honestly like your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon.
    Take a look at my web site too and let me know what you think.

  6. чат рулетка
    | Reply

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to
    see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is
    now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is
    entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  7. porn videos
    | Reply

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to
    this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed
    to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and
    will talk about this website with my Facebook group.

    Chat soon!

  8. pafipakam.org
    | Reply

    I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your website.
    It appears like some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
    This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Cheers

  11. discover this info here
    | Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you actually understand what you’re speaking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my web site =). We may have a link exchange arrangement among us

  13. Billionaire Brain Wave
    | Reply

    Hi there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working
    with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say
    this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a
    good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

    Feel free to visit my site – Billionaire Brain Wave

  14. เกมคาสิโนออนไลน์
    | Reply

    พร้อมที่จะทดสอบโชคของคุณและสนุกหรือยัง?
    เล่น Pokdeng ออนไลน์กับเพื่อนหรือคนแปลกหน้าจากทั่วโลก รับรางวัลที่สวยงามสำหรับชัยชนะของคุณ แข่งขันในทัวร์นาเมนต์ และเข้าร่วมชุมชนของผู้เล่น Pokdeng ที่มีประสบการณ์ ทั้งหมดนี้ทำได้ในคลิกเดียว

    Feel free to surf to my webpage; เกมคาสิโนออนไลน์

  15. hero4d login
    | Reply

    Whats up very cool web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..

    I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
    I’m glad to search out a lot of helpful
    information right here within the publish, we need develop extra techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.
    . . . . .

  16. Gary
    | Reply

    Are You Responsible For A Pragmatic Product Authentication Budget?
    Twelve Top Ways To Spend Your Money 프라그마틱 (Gary)

  17. Clint
    | Reply

    My brother recommended I would possibly like this website.
    He was once totally right. This post actually made my day.

    You cann’t believe just how so much time I had spent
    for this info! Thank you!

  20. sportsbook
    | Reply

    I’m really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever
    run into any browser compatibility problems? A small number
    of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer
    but looks great in Safari. Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?

  23. what is lung clear pro
    | 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 want
    to suggest you few interesting things or tips.

    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

    my web page; what is lung clear pro

  24. 789win
    | Reply

    Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your
    weblog and in accession capital to say that I get
    actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll
    be subscribing in your feeds and even I success you get admission to persistently fast.

  26. sex indo viral
    | Reply

    An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
    I think that you need to write more about this subject matter,
    it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t talk
    about these topics. To the next! All the best!!

  29. ngewe mahasiawi cantik
    | Reply

    First off I would like to say wonderful blog!
    I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
    your mind prior to writing. I’ve had trouble clearing my
    thoughts in getting my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure
    out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Kudos!

  32. 789win
    | Reply

    Bắn cá 789win tỏ ra là một hình thức cá cược được ưa thích nhất hiện nay, với việc thiết lập ra rất
    nhiều ưu điểm vượt trội.

  34. Pinterest
    | Reply

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s
    really informative. I’m gonna watch out for
    brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my website :: Pinterest

  35. gothegg porn
    | Reply

    The time period “Golden Age of Porn”, or “porno chic”, refers to a 15-12
    months interval (1969-1984) in industrial
    American pornography, in which sexually specific movies experienced optimistic attention from mainstream cinemas, movie critics, and most
    of the people.[1][2] This American period, which had subsequently unfold internationally,
    [3] and that began before the legalization of pornography in Denmark on July
    1, 1969,[4] began on June 12, 1969,[5] with the theatrical release of the film Blue Movie
    directed by Andy Warhol,[6][7][8] and, considerably later,
    with the discharge of the 1970 film Mona produced by Bill Osco.[9][10] These films were
    the primary grownup erotic movies depicting express sex to receive vast theatrical launch
    in the United States.[6][7][8][9] Both influenced the making of films
    similar to 1972’s Deep Throat starring Linda Lovelace and directed by Gerard Damiano,[11] Behind
    the Green Door starring Marilyn Chambers and directed by the Mitchell brothers,[12] 1973’s The Devil in Miss Jones
    additionally by Damiano, and 1976’s The Opening of Misty Beethoven by Radley Metzger,
    the “crown jewel” of the Golden Age, in response to award-successful author Toni Bentley.[13][14].
    Based on Andy Warhol, his Blue Movie film was a
    major affect in the making of Last Tango in Paris,
    an internationally controversial erotic drama film, starring Marlon Brando,
    and released a number of years after Blue Movie was proven in theaters.[8]

  37. Zella
    | Reply

    Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a while
    now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from
    Lubbock Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!

  38. useful source
    | Reply

    Great goods from you, man. I have take into account your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent.

    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like
    what you are saying and the way by which you assert it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it smart.

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

  42. طوفان بت
    | Reply

    سایت ToofanBet به‌عنوان یکی از قابل‌اعتمادترین سایت‌های شرط‌بندی آنلاین در دنیای شرط‌بندی دیجیتال شناخته می‌شود.
    این پلتفرم با هدف ارائه امکانات بی‌نظیر در بازی‌های کازینویی ، پیش‌بینی‌های ورزشی و بازی‌های بلادرنگ، موفق به جلب توجه تعداد زیادی
    از مخاطبان شده است. ویژگی خاص این پلتفرم، تمرکز بر ارائه تجربه‌ای هیجان‌انگیز و منحصربه‌فرد برای کاربران به
    بازی‌های کازینویی و ورزشی می‌باشد.

  44. ThePokies103
    | Reply

    Hi mates, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to say
    regarding this piece of writing, in my view its truly awesome in favor
    of me.

  46. slot gacor
    | Reply

    These are truly impressive ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some fastidious points here. Any way keep up wrinting.

Leave a Reply

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