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.
slot pg soft
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at this website is really pleasant.
Mattress single Sale
Why Nobody Cares About Single Bed And Mattress Mattress single Sale
Antoinette
Watch Out: How Bioethanol Fireplace Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It ethanol fireplace fuel
(Antoinette)
Cortez
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this
write-up very forced me to check out and do
so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.
Hesselberg-Heide-2.Technetbloggers.De
7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your Best Made Bunk Beds Best Value Bunk Beds (Hesselberg-Heide-2.Technetbloggers.De)
Rhoda
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you
share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
ryze powder
Nonetheless, their site requires thorough rates information for their items.
my webpage; ryze powder
Audi key fob not working
One Of The Most Untrue Advices We’ve Ever Heard About Key Audi Audi key fob not working
conciertos en barcelona
Hello there! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find
a template or plugin that might be able to resolve
this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thank you!
egypt evisa or visa on arrival
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It will always be helpful to read through articles from
other writers and practice something from other web sites.
Erik
Why Pragmatic Korea Isn’t A Topic That People Are Interested In Pragmatic Korea 무료 프라그마틱 (Erik)
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
L shape sofa with Bed
14 Cartoons About L Shaped Leather Sofas Which Will Brighten Your Day L shape sofa with Bed
twizax.org
14 Smart Ways To Spend Your Leftover Live Casino Budget 프라그마틱 무료스핀 – twizax.org,
seerr
Hi, I log on to your blogs daily. Your humoristic style is witty, keep doing what you’re doing!
Greta
I was recommended this blog through my cousin. I am no longer sure
whether or not this put up is written through him as nobody else realize such distinctive approximately my problem.
You are incredible! Thanks!
褉褍泻芯胁芯写褋褌胁芯 锌芯 锌褉懈芯斜褉械褌械薪懈褞 懈 懈褋锌芯谢褜
https://www.lab-mill.net/hi/how-to-avoid-buying-garbage-lab-multi-mill/how to avoid buying garbage lab multi mill
coffee machine From beans
You’ll Never Guess This Coffee Machine From Beans’s Secrets coffee machine From beans
我附近的咖啡师培训
You actually mentioned it exceptionally well!
2 in 1 pushchair and car seat
2 In 1 Buggy Isn’t As Tough As You Think 2 in 1 pushchair and car seat
Ila
I believe what you typed was very reasonable. But,
what about this? what if you were to write a killer title?
I am not suggesting your content isn’t solid.,
however what if you added a post title that makes people want
more? I mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report
is kinda plain. You ought to peek at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they create news titles to grab people to open the
links. You might try adding a video or a related picture or two
to get readers excited about what you’ve written.
Just my opinion, it might bring your blog a little bit more interesting.
co to jest laboratoryjny mlyn sloikowy i jakie jest jego zastosowanie
https://www.lab-mill.net/hu/miert-beszerzes-laboratoriumi-golyos-malomgep/miert beszerzes laboratoriumi golyos malomgep
Thad
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.
I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this.
Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Firefox.
Excellent Blog!
forexmob.ru
See What Treadmills Best Tricks The Celebs Are Using Treadmills best (forexmob.ru)
Annette
I really like men who know what they want) & am looking forward to horny conversations! If you like hot cam girls blondes with big breasts, you’ve come to the right place.
problems with purdentix
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what
a data! existing here at this website, thanks admin of
this web site.
Here is my blog … problems with purdentix
twin sleeper sofa
How To Tell If You’re All Set For Convertible Sleeper Sofa twin sleeper sofa
Hilton
Awesome article.
penis enlargement
penis enlargement
ingredients in lung clear pro
Wonderful web site. Lots of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans also
sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your sweat!
my web-site: ingredients in lung clear pro
Stanton
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a material!
present here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
Coral
I enjoy reading through an article that can make people think.
Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
프라그마틱 슬롯 체험
What Is Pragmatic Ranking And How To Use What Is Pragmatic Ranking And How To Use 프라그마틱 슬롯 체험
خرید کفش طبی پیاده روی مردانه
Fantastic items from you, man. I have have in mind your stuff previous to and you
are simply extremely excellent. I really like what you have obtained here, certainly
like what you are saying and the way in which during which you assert it.
You’re making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a
great site.
Charlotte
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything
I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?
emseyi.com
Everything You Need To Learn About Coffee Machine From Beans coffee from
bean to Cup (emseyi.com)
free standing modern Electric Fireplace
9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Free Standing Modern Electric Fireplace free standing modern Electric Fireplace
Jay
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much,
However I am having difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I
am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else getting the same RSS
problems? Anyone who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
best baccarat online real money
Quality posts is the important to attract the
people to visit the web page, that’s what this site is providing.
Chicago Press
This article is very valuable. I really appreciated the thorough explanation you
gave. It’s clear that you put a lot of energy into creating this.
Looking forward to more of your posts. Grateful for putting this out there.
I’ll visit again to read more!
Feel free to surf to my webpage – Chicago Press
Lida
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you
if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog
and look forward to new updates.
illustrate magazine
Ahaa, its nice discussion about this paragraph here at this weblog,
I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
payday loan
payday loan
Clement
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of
it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new
things you post…
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
taisanvipclub
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
you using for this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another
platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good
platform.
Mitch
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Chiminea Fire Pit chiminea fire pit (Mitch)
Jung
It’s remarkable in favor of me to have a web site, which is good designed for my know-how.
thanks admin
slot 99
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
vpn globally
I go to see daily a few sites and blogs to read articles, but this blog gives
quality based articles.