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.
Door Repair Hinge
10 Things We Hate About Window Hinge Repair Near Me Door Repair Hinge
Leah
Five Killer Quora Answers To Automatic Folding
Scooter Mobility automatic folding scooter mobility – Leah –
Double glazing Replacement units
How To Choose The Right Double Glazing Door Repairs Near
Me On The Internet Double glazing Replacement units
kids beds bunk beds
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Kids Beds Bunk Beds’s Tricks kids beds bunk beds
프라그마틱 무료스핀
15 Presents For The Pragmatic Play Lover In Your Life 프라그마틱 무료스핀
superace88 ph
Superace88 PH stands out as a premier online casino for players in the Philippines. With its vast game selection, generous bonuses, user-friendly interface, and commitment to security, it’s no wonder that Superace88 PH has become a favorite among online gaming enthusiasts.
Best visa casinos
Hey superb website! Does running a blog such as this require a massive amount work?
I have absolutely no expertise in programming but I had been hoping to start
my own blog soon. Anyways, should you have any suggestions
or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic nevertheless I simply had to ask.
Thank you!
KONTOL HITAM
I’m really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into
any internet browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my blog
not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?
sex Toys partner
3 Ways The Best Sex Toys For Partners Influences Your Life sex Toys partner
Daftar Akun togel Resmi
Guide To Daftar Akun Togel Resmi: The Intermediate Guide In Daftar Akun Togel Resmi Daftar Akun togel Resmi
프로그램 매매
Heello my family member! I wish to sayy that this article is amazing, great written and cime with approximately all vital
infos. I would like to see exgra osts lie this .
프로그램 매매
Stargatefinance
Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest
authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and
would love to have 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 e mail.
sushi village
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I
think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the
hang of it!
BOKEP INDO
Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job.
I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to
my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
audentes education
May I just say what a relief to find somebody that actually understands what
they’re discussing on the web. You certainly know how
to bring a problem to light and make it important.
A lot more people have to check this out and understand this
side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular since
you most certainly possess the gift.
bengali casino
The emergence of the Bengali casino has significantly enhanced the online gambling experience for players in Bangladesh. With reputable platforms like Panaloko, BouncingBall8, and Jeetwin leading the way, players have access to a diverse range of games, generous promotions, and excellent customer support tailored to their needs. By choosing a reliable Bengali casino and following best practices for responsible gambling, players can enjoy a safe and entertaining gaming experience. Explore these top options today and dive into the exciting world of online gambling designed just for you!
AndrewTix
Found a captivating read that I’d like to recommend to you http://www.club-kia.com/forum/thread31007.html
adhd uk diagnosis
10 Quick Tips About ADHD Diagnosis adhd uk diagnosis
금창동출장안마
Many thanks. Plenty of knowledge!
ngentot sekertaris bank
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here
frequently. I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
AndrewTix
Found captivating reading that I’d like to offer you Р you won’t regret it http://premium.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=652
AndrewTix
Discovered an intriguing article, I recommend you to check it out http://www.vocal.com.ua/node/63936
에볼루션 조작슈
How November 23 In Slots – Win Playing Slot Machines 에볼루션 조작슈
Luisa
15 Reasons You Shouldn’t Ignore Sash Window Locks sliding sash window locks (Luisa)
B
I visited multiple sites however the audio feature for
audio songs current at this website is truly fabulous.
replacement windows bristol
10 Unexpected Double Glazed Window Bristol Tips replacement windows bristol
프라그마틱 슬롯버프
12 Companies That Are Leading The Way In Pragmatic
Free 프라그마틱 슬롯버프
AndrewTix
Found captivating reading that I’d like to offer you Р you won’t regret it https://minecraftcommand.science/forum/general/topics/ac304110-17d5-4408-ad64-b3a09597fa83
Vance
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Daftar Akun Togel Resmi daftar akun togel resmi (Vance)
ww88sevents
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
토토커뮤니티
토토커뮤니티는 온라인 도박과 스포츠 베팅을 즐기는 사람들을 위한 정보 공유 플랫폼입니다. 이 커뮤니티는 사용자들이 자신의 베팅 경험을 나누고, 전략을 공유하며, 신뢰할 수 있는 도박 사이트에 대한 정보를 교환하는 공간입니다. 토토커뮤니티는 특히 사용자들 간의 신뢰 구축과 안전한 베팅 환경을 만드는 데 중점을 두고 있습니다. 이와 같은 환경은 신규 사용자에게도 큰 도움이 됩니다.
bbs.pku.Edu.cn
The 10 Most Popular Pinterest Profiles To Keep Track Of About Latest Sport Toto Result 토토사이트 모음 (bbs.pku.Edu.cn)
Hayley
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post plus the
rest of the site is also very good.
Ellie
Why No One Cares About Mini Cooper Replacement
Key mini one key fob – Ellie,
فروشگاه اینترنتی نوربرت پرفورمنس
نوربرت پرفورمنس فروشگاه اینترنتی در زمینه تقویت خودرو و قطعات فوق تقویتی خودرو میباشد
AndrewTix
Found a captivating read that I’d like to recommend to you http://define.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=793
tinychiphub
Hi! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article
or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same
topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you!
Fantastic blog by the way!
second tier link building
15 Gifts For The Tier Backlinks Lover In Your Life second tier link building
best mba Malaysia
I do not know whether it’s just me or if everybody
else experiencing problems with your site. It appears as though some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if
this is happening to them as well? This might be a problem with my browser
because I’ve had this happen previously. Kudos
telegra.ph
10 Websites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Electric Mobility Scooters superior mobility Scooters (telegra.ph)
Jwbpom
purchase flagyl pills – buy generic cenforce brand cenforce
Desiree
15 Best Twitter Accounts To Find Out More About Mercedes
Car Keys Replacement lost mercedes car key; Desiree,
Randallsed
Trong bối cảnh ngành công nghiệp cá cược trực tuyến ngày càng phát triển, việc lựa chọn một nhà cái uy tín trở nên vô cùng quan trọng đối với những người đam mê cá cược.Nhà cái RGBET nổi lên như một sự lựa chọn hàng đầu đáng để bạn quan tâm, hứa hẹn mang đến cho bạn một trải nghiệm cá cược an toàn, công bằng và thú vị. Từ các trò chơi cá cược đa dạng, dịch vụ chăm sóc khách hàng tận tình đến tỷ lệ cược cạnh tranh, Rgbet sở hữu nhiều ưu điểm vượt trội khiến bạn không thể bỏ qua.Hãy cùng khám phá những lý do tại sao bạn cần quan tâm đến nhà cái Rgbet và tại sao đây nên là lựa chọn hàng đầu của bạn trong thế giới cá cược trực tuyến.
shenasname.ir
Guide To 3 Wheeler Pushchairs: The Intermediate Guide In 3 Wheeler Pushchairs 3 wheeler pushchair (shenasname.ir)
Brand Reputation Agency
My relatives all the time say that I am killing my time here
at web, but I know I am getting know-how everyday by reading thes
nice articles or reviews.
Phone sex
whoah this blog is magnificent i really like studying your articles.
Keep up the good work! You recognize, many persons are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.
Flush sash windows
What’s The Current Job Market For Flush Sash Windows Professionals?
Flush sash windows
low histamine fish uk
Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Cheers
промокоды драгон мани
Это делает игровой процесс более насыщенным и интересным, позволяет игрокам получать больше выигрышей и вознаграждений.
gold ira news
If you’re only purchasing a percentage of silver or gold ira news, this is the very best firm for your individual retirement
account.