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.
ug1881
Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to revisit yet
again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
getting a psychiatric Assessment
How To Outsmart Your Boss On What Is A Psychiatric Assessment getting a psychiatric Assessment
Ghost Immobiliser Cost
What Ghost Immobiliser Near Me Experts Want You To Learn Ghost Immobiliser Cost
evisa vietnam result
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It’s the little changes which
will make the most important changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Sherlene
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing issues with your blog.
It appears as if some of the written text within your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too?
This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Cheers
라이브 카지노
This Is The History Of Pragmatic Kr 라이브 카지노
Composite door crack repair
The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Composite Door Crack Repair Composite door crack repair
hijab porn
Great site you have here but I was wondering if
you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable individuals that share
the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Bless you!
laku toto
dunia777 dunia777 dunia777
Generally I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say
that this write-up very compelled me to take a
look at and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised
me. Thank you, quite nice article.
australia eta tennis draw
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will definitely return.
images.google.com.sv
How To Create Successful Best French Style Fridge Freezer How-Tos And Tutorials To Create Successful Best French Style Fridge Freezer Home french door
non Plumbed fridge (images.google.com.sv)
Situstoto Slot
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Situstoto Slot’s Secrets Situstoto Slot
More options
You’ve made your stand very effectively!!
Also visit my blog … https://nerdzillaclassifiedscolumbusohio.nerdzilla.com/index.php?page=user&action=pub_profile&id=543369
jasa pengurusan bpom dan halal
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your
articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
However think of if you added some great images or videos to give
your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could certainly be one of the greatest in its niche.
Good blog!
Mariskamast.net
The 10 Most Scariest Things About 2 In 1 Buggy 2
In 1 buggy – Mariskamast.net –
Alejandro
Remarkable things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article.
Thanks so much and I’m looking ahead to contact you.
Will you please drop me a mail?
15% Off UFS Explorer RAID Recovery for Windows – Corporate License (1 year of updates)
Awesome post.
Mostbet PL
Thank you! Lots of forum posts.
My website https://mostbet-bk.pl
plastic window Hinges
10 Locations Where You Can Find Hinges plastic window Hinges
bifold doors Repair
14 Common Misconceptions About Bifold Door Glass Replacement Cost bifold doors Repair
Programming
Ten Things You Shouldn’t Share On Twitter Programming
eta australia from usa
Wow, this article is nice, my sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore
I am going to convey her.
egypt evisa for canadians
Hi there friends, good piece of writing and fastidious
urging commented at this place, I am really enjoying by these.
www.annunciogratis.net
Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Free Standing Fireplace Indoor Electric free Standing fireplace indoor,
http://www.annunciogratis.net,
how much is eta for kenya
This design is wicked! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented
it. Too cool!
trueanal.org
Why Best Sites For Tiered Link Building Should Be Your Next Big Obsession? tier 2 backlinks (trueanal.org)
australia eta malaysia reddit
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this information for my mission.
best mba Malaysia
Amazing information. With thanks.
Elegantoto Link
I really like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.
my web page – Elegantoto Link
Elegantoto
Great post. I am dealing with many of these issues as well..
Here is my blog … Elegantoto
evisa login vietnam
I think everything posted made a great deal of sense. However, think about this, suppose you were to write a killer headline?
I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your
blog, however what if you added something that makes people desire more?
I mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report is a little vanilla.
You should peek at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create
news titles to grab viewers to click. You might add a video or a related picture
or two to grab readers interested about everything’ve written.
In my opinion, it would make your posts a little bit more
interesting.
mental health signs and Symptoms
The People Closest To Signs And Symptoms Of Bipolar Depression Tell You Some Big Secrets mental health signs and Symptoms
Elegantoto
I’m now not sure the place you are getting your info,
however good topic. I needs to spend some time finding
out much more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic info
I was searching for this information for
my mission.
Also visit my web-site :: Elegantoto
memek. kontol
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be
interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look
forward to seeing it develop over time.
jasa pengurusan bpom dan halal
I’m curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be using?
I’m having some small security issues with my latest site
and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any recommendations?
Elegantoto Link
Great site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to
some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thanks to your effort!
Feel free to visit my page; Elegantoto Link
프라그마틱 슬롯 무료
What Is Pragmatic Slots Return Rate And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
프라그마틱 슬롯 무료
things to do in Sydney
Touche. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.
my homepage things to do in Sydney
พีจีสล็อต
Asking questions are truly good thing if you are not understanding anything totally,
however this piece of writing offers nice understanding even.
Have a look at my web-site :: พีจีสล็อต
things to do in Sydney
Definitely consider that that you said. Your favourite justification appeared
to be on the web the easiest factor things to do in Sydney
bear in mind of. I say to you, I certainly
get annoyed while people consider issues that they plainly don’t recognise about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing with no
need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get
more. Thanks
bio Ethanol fire
10 Wrong Answers To Common Bioethanol Fuel Fireplace
Questions Do You Know The Right Ones? bio Ethanol fire
79Bo.Cc
How To Explain How To Check The Authenticity Of Pragmatic To Your Grandparents 프라그마틱 환수율 (79Bo.Cc)
Houston Liposuction
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to
get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness
and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.
Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera.
Excellent Blog!
my web site – Houston Liposuction
Bunk Bed With Slide For Adults
15 Secretly Funny People In Adult Bunk Bed Uk Bunk Bed With Slide For Adults
Elegantoto Link
Elegantoto Link exchange is nothing
else except it is simply placing the other person’s blog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in support of you.
Fapalone
Hiya very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Wonderful ..
I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also? I am glad to seek out so many helpful information right here
within the publish, we need work out more techniques in this
regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Have a look at my blog post :: Fapalone