3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 104,312

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.

104312 Responses

  4. nha cai uy tin
    | Reply

    First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.

    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing.
    I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.

    I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
    are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
    ideas or tips? Appreciate it!

    Here is my webpage; nha cai uy tin

  5. evisa egypt
    | Reply

    It’s remarkable to pay a visit this website
    and reading the views of all mates concerning this piece of writing, while I am also keen of getting
    familiarity.

  8. custom keyring
    | Reply

    It is really a nice and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that
    you shared this useful info with us. Please stay
    us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  9. nhà cái uy tín
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site.
    You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d
    absolutely love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Many thanks!

    my website nhà cái uy tín

  15. assaiporn.com
    | Reply

    I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
    A few of my blog visitors have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but
    looks great in Chrome. Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?

  19. Tỷ Số Trực Tuyến 7M
    | Reply

    Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to understand a lot approximately
    this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something.
    I feel that you simply could do with a few p.c.
    to power the message house a little bit, but instead of
    that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Feel free to visit my website: Tỷ Số Trực Tuyến 7M

  22. nhà cái tặng tiền
    | Reply

    Fantastic blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any
    discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed
    in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community
    where I can get comments from other experienced individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage … nhà cái tặng tiền

  23. slot gacor
    | Reply

    What’s up, this weekend is fastidious designed for
    me, since this time i am reading this impressive educational post here at my house.

  25. bokep chindo
    | Reply

    Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a
    new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog
    provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

    https://kchephoto.com/

  27. slot gacor
    | Reply

    Appreciating the commitment you put into your website and in depth
    information you present. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information.
    Great read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your
    RSS feeds to my Google account.

  32. nha cai uy tin
    | Reply

    I will immediately seize your rss feed as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter
    service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me realize so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

    Here is my blog – nha cai uy tin

  35. tiktok downloader
    | Reply

    In diesem Artikel stellen wir eine Auswahl von TikTok Downloader ohne Wasserzeichen vor, die das Herunterladen in klarer und unmarkierter Form ermöglichen.

  36. check my source
    | Reply

    obviously like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few
    of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues
    and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the reality however I will surely come back again.

  37. nhà cái uy tín
    | Reply

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into
    starting my own weblog and was curious what all
    is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% positive.

    Any recommendations or advice would be greatly
    appreciated. Kudos

    Here is my website :: nhà cái uy tín

  39. nhà cái tặng tiền
    | Reply

    Its such as you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the
    guide in it or something. I believe that you simply could do with a few percent to
    drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, that is excellent blog.
    A great read. I will definitely be back.

    My site nhà cái tặng tiền

  42. Tỷ Số Trực Tuyến 7M
    | Reply

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and
    was curious what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Cheers

    Feel free to visit my web page :: Tỷ Số Trực Tuyến 7M

  44. nhà cái tặng tiền cược miễn phí khi đăng ký
    | Reply

    I think everything said made a lot of sense. But, what
    about this? suppose you were to write a awesome headline?
    I ain’t suggesting your information is not good, however suppose you added a
    post title that makes people desire more? I mean Short term
    missions are not the race – The Hus Report is a little boring.
    You ought to glance at Yahoo’s front page and see how
    they create post headlines to get people interested.
    You might add a video or a pic or two to get people interested about everything’ve written. In my opinion, it would bring your blog a little bit more interesting.

    My website; nhà cái tặng tiền cược miễn phí khi đăng ký

  45. link bokep
    | Reply

    When someone writes an piece of writing he/she retains the
    plan of a user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.
    Thus that’s why this paragraph is outstdanding. Thanks!

  46. viral sex video
    | Reply

    Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it
    to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to
    her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

  47. click reference
    | Reply

    Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very
    techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but
    I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any
    tips or suggestions? Appreciate it

  50. nhà cái uy tín
    | Reply

    Howdy! I understand this is kind of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does building a well-established blog like yours require a large amount of work?
    I’m brand new to running a blog however I do write in my journal daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to
    share my personal experience and feelings online.

    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for
    new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!

    Also visit my blog post; nhà cái uy tín

Leave a Reply

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