3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 113,817

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.

113817 Responses

  3. Source of information
    | Reply

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

  5. 먹튀사이트검증 베팅크루
    | Reply

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everybody else encountering problems with
    your blog. It appears as though some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to
    them as well? This could be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had
    this happen previously. Kudos

    My page … 먹튀사이트검증 베팅크루

  13. long bone fractures
    | Reply

    Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else could I am
    getting that type of info written in such a perfect means?

    I’ve a challenge that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the glance out
    for such information.

  14. check this link right here now
    | Reply

    Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your web site in web explorer, could
    test this? IE still is the market chief and a large part of folks will miss your wonderful
    writing because of this problem.

  19. best crypto casinos online
    | Reply

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over
    that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly
    again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  21. 먹튀사이트 검증 먹튀스팟
    | Reply

    Hello there, I found your web site by the use of Google even as searching
    for a similar matter, your website came up, it looks good.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, just was aware of your blog thru Google,
    and located that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will appreciate in case you continue this in future.
    A lot of folks shall be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

    My web-site – 먹튀사이트 검증 먹튀스팟

  22. find out this here
    | Reply

    Hello are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  25. 먹튀사이트검증 베팅크루
    | Reply

    Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but
    I’m having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for
    something unique. P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had
    to ask!

    Also visit my webpage :: 먹튀사이트검증 베팅크루

  28. see this here
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert
    that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  29. browse this site
    | Reply

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

  34. additional info
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired!

    Very useful info particularly the closing phase 🙂 I handle such information a lot.
    I used to be seeking this certain info for a long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  35. TradeFuseAI 2.1
    | Reply

    Fantastic blog you have here but I was curious if you knew
    of any forums 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 people that share the same interest.

    If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!

  36. check it out
    | Reply

    I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else experiencing problems with your blog.
    It appears like some of the text within your content
    are running off the screen. Can somebody else please comment and let me
    know if this is happening to them as well? This may be
    a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Many thanks

  37. WilliamTug
    | Reply

    Judul: Mengalami Pengalaman Bertaruh dengan “PG Slot” di Situs Kasino ImgToon.com

    Dalam dunia permainan kasino online, slot telah menjadi salah satu permainan yang paling diminati, terutama jenis PG Slot. Di antara banyak situs kasino online, ImgToon.com adalah tujuan utama bagi pemain yang ingin mencoba keberuntungan mereka di berbagai permainan slot, termasuk beberapa kategori terfavorit seperti demo pg slot, pg slot gacor, dan RTP slot.

    Demo PG Slot: Memulai Tanpa adanya Risiko
    Salah satu keistimewaan menarik yang disediakan oleh ImgToon.com adalah demo pg slot. Keistimewaan ini mengizinkan pemain untuk menguji berbagai jenis slot dari PG tanpa harus memasang taruhan sebenarnya. Dalam mode demo ini, Anda dapat memeriksa berbagai taktik dan mengetahui proses permainan tanpa risiko kehilangan uang. Ini adalah metode terbaik bagi pemula untuk beradaptasi dengan permainan slot sebelum mengalihkan ke mode taruhan asli.

    Mode demo ini juga menyediakan Anda pandangan tentang potensi kemenangan dan imbalan yang mungkin bisa Anda peroleh saat bermain dengan uang sebenarnya. Pemain dapat menyusuri permainan tanpa khawatir, menjadikan pengalaman bermain di PG Slot semakin menyenangkan dan bebas beban.

    PG Slot Gacor: Prospek Besar Mencapai Kemenangan
    PG Slot Gacor adalah kata terkemuka di kalangan pemain slot yang merujuk pada slot yang sedang dalam fase memberikan kemenangan tinggi atau lebih sering disebut “gacor”. Di ImgToon.com, Anda dapat mendapatkan berbagai slot yang masuk dalam kategori gacor ini. Slot ini diakui memiliki peluang kemenangan lebih tinggi dan sering membagikan bonus besar, menjadikannya pilihan utama bagi para pemain yang ingin memperoleh keuntungan maksimal.

    Namun, harus diingat bahwa “gacor” atau tidaknya sebuah slot dapat berubah, karena permainan slot bergantung generator nomor acak (RNG). Dengan memainkan secara rutin di ImgToon.com, Anda bisa mengidentifikasi pola atau waktu yang tepat untuk memainkan PG Slot Gacor dan menambah peluang Anda untuk menang.

    RTP Slot: Faktor Penting dalam Pemilihan Slot
    Ketika membicarakan tentang slot, istilah RTP (Return to Player) adalah faktor yang sangat penting untuk diperhatikan. RTP Slot merujuk pada persentase dari total taruhan yang akan dipulangkan kepada pemain dalam jangka panjang. Di ImgToon.com, setiap permainan PG Slot dilengkapi dengan informasi RTP yang jelas. Semakin tinggi persentase RTP, semakin besar peluang pemain untuk memperoleh kembali sebagian besar dari taruhan mereka.

    Dengan memilih PG Slot yang memiliki RTP tinggi, pemain dapat memaksimalkan pengeluaran mereka dan memiliki peluang yang lebih baik untuk menang dalam jangka panjang. Ini menyebabkan RTP sebagai indikator krusial bagi pemain yang mencari keuntungan dalam permainan kasino online.

  38. hkg99
    | Reply

    Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.

    I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.

  39. 먹튀사이트 검증 먹튀스팟
    | Reply

    What i don’t realize is in reality how you’re now not actually much more
    neatly-favored than you may be right now. You are very intelligent.
    You know thus considerably in terms of this subject, produced me in my view imagine it from so many varied angles.
    Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is something to
    do with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent.
    At all times maintain it up!

    Also visit my web blog; 먹튀사이트 검증 먹튀스팟

  42. 토토사이트 추천 커뮤니티 베팅크루
    | Reply

    My coder is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.

    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.

    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress
    on a variety of websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to
    another platform. I have heard excellent things about
    blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    my web-site … 토토사이트 추천 커뮤니티 베팅크루

  43. find out here now
    | Reply

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and
    visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Excellent work!

  47. look at here now
    | Reply

    Hi fantastic blog! Does running a blog like this take
    a great deal of work? I’ve virtually no understanding of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyway, if you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share.
    I understand this is off subject however I just
    wanted to ask. Thank you!

  48. site
    | Reply

    What’s up colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you would like
    to say about this post, in my view its truly amazing designed for me.

  50. Robertoceab
    | Reply

    Judul: Menikmati Pengalaman Bertaruh dengan “PG Slot” di Situs Casino ImgToon.com

    Dalam alam permainan kasino online, mesin slot telah menjadi salah satu permainan yang paling disukai, terutama jenis PG Slot. Di antara beberapa situs kasino online, ImgToon.com merupakan tujuan utama bagi pemain yang ingin mencoba nasib mereka di berbagai permainan slot, termasuk beberapa kategori terkenal seperti demo pg slot, pg slot gacor, dan RTP slot.

    Demo PG Slot: Menjalani Bebas dari Risiko
    Salah satu keistimewaan menarik yang ditawarkan oleh ImgToon.com adalah demo pg slot. Keistimewaan ini memungkinkan pemain untuk menguji berbagai jenis slot dari PG tanpa harus menempatkan taruhan sebenarnya. Dalam mode demo ini, Anda dapat menguji berbagai strategi dan mengerti sistem permainan tanpa risiko kehilangan uang. Ini adalah langkah terbaik bagi orang baru untuk terbiasa dengan permainan slot sebelum mengalihkan ke mode taruhan nyata.

    Mode demo ini juga memberi Anda pemahaman tentang potensi kemenangan dan hadiah yang mungkin bisa Anda dapatkan saat bermain dengan uang nyata. Pemain dapat mencari permainan tanpa cemas, menjadikan pengalaman bermain di PG Slot semakin membahagiakan dan bebas stres.

    PG Slot Gacor: Prospek Besar Mencapai Kemenangan
    PG Slot Gacor adalah kata terkemuka di kalangan pemain slot yang menggunakan pada slot yang sedang dalam fase memberi kemenangan tinggi atau lebih sering diistilahkan “gacor”. Di ImgToon.com, Anda dapat mencari berbagai slot yang ada dalam kategori gacor ini. Slot ini dikenal memiliki peluang kemenangan lebih tinggi dan sering menghadiahkan bonus besar, menyebabkannya pilihan utama bagi para pemain yang ingin memperoleh keuntungan maksimal.

    Namun, perlu diingat bahwa “gacor” atau tidaknya sebuah slot dapat bergeser, karena permainan slot tergantung generator nomor acak (RNG). Dengan memainkan secara rutin di ImgToon.com, Anda bisa menemukan pola atau waktu yang tepat untuk memainkan PG Slot Gacor dan meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang.

    RTP Slot: Faktor Penting dalam Pencarian Slot
    Ketika mendiskusikan tentang slot, istilah RTP (Return to Player) adalah faktor yang sangat penting untuk dipertimbangkan. RTP Slot merujuk pada persentase dari total taruhan yang akan dipulangkan kepada pemain dalam jangka panjang. Di ImgToon.com, setiap permainan PG Slot diberi dengan informasi RTP yang terang. Semakin tinggi persentase RTP, semakin besar peluang pemain untuk memperoleh kembali sebagian besar dari taruhan mereka.

    Dengan memilih PG Slot yang memiliki RTP tinggi, pemain dapat mengelola pengeluaran mereka dan memiliki peluang yang lebih baik untuk menang dalam jangka panjang. Ini membuat RTP sebagai indikator krusial bagi pemain yang mencari keuntungan dalam permainan kasino online.

Leave a Reply

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