3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 90,908

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.

90908 Responses

  5. Court papers serving company
    | Reply

    Hi, Neat post. There is an issue along with your website in web explorer,
    may test this? IE still is the market leader and a good section of people will pass over your excellent writing because of this
    problem.

  8. otisnovel
    | Reply

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

  17. bokep abg
    | Reply

    Your style is unique compared to other folks I have
    read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have
    the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this page.

  24. ダッチワイフ
    | Reply

    ラブドール セックスYounger childrenunder seven years old might not need to know about the specificities of the violence but might instead benefit from discussing that sometimes people do bad things for reasons that are often incomprehensible.Tweens and teensover 11 years old are often wiser beyond their years and have insights comparable to adults.

  30. beautiful girls
    | Reply

    I know this web page provides quality depending articles or reviews and extra information, is there any
    other web site which gives these kinds of stuff in quality?

  35. 클룩 할인코드
    | Reply

    Hello, I think your bllog might be having browser compatibility issues.

    Wheen I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, iit has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

    Othsr then that, amazinng blog!
    클룩 할인코드

  40. nenen4d
    | Reply

    mari bermain game seru dan asik bersama situs terkuat di bumi yaitu nenen4d.
    Segala keseruan tak tertandingi dan tak tergantikan di situs yang akan selalu memberimu kemenangan

  41. merchantcircle
    | Reply

    Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your publish is just great and i can assume you are
    knowledgeable on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to snatch your RSS feed to keep up to date
    with impending post. Thank you a million and please carry on the
    rewarding work.

  44. summerskissnails
    | Reply

    What i don’t understood is in truth how you are no longer actually a lot more well-favored
    than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore significantly when it comes to this matter, made me in my view imagine it from so many varied angles.
    Its like women and men are not involved except it is one thing to do with Woman gaga!

    Your individual stuffs excellent. At all times maintain it up!

  47. canadian online pharmacies
    | Reply

    Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely fantastic.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired right here, certainly like what you’re stating and the best way wherein you say it.
    You are making it entertaining and you continue to
    care for to keep it wise. I cant wait to learn much more
    from you. That is really a great site.

  48. ラブドール
    | Reply

    色白美肌ボディが特徴 ?細身ながらもほどよい肉付き感がエッチです。ダッチワイフ胸の谷間を見せたり、パンツを脱いだ姿を晒したり、服やブラをたくし上げて美巨乳を見せたりしています。

Leave a Reply

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