3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 161,708

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.

161708 Responses

  3. erothots
    | Reply

    Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing troubles with your RSS.
    I don’t know the reason why I can’t join it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS issues?
    Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  8. r and b music promotion service
    | Reply

    Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it ;
    ) I’m going to revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  22. Remax Belize
    | Reply

    I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re working with?
    I’m experiencing some small security issues with
    my latest blog and I would like to find something more secure.
    Do you have any suggestions?

    My page: Remax Belize

  23. japanese shop
    | Reply

    I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading
    very slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my
    end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    my homepage – japanese shop

  24. Mahogany Bay Property
    | Reply

    I believe that is among the most vital info for me.
    And i am happy reading your article. But want to observation on some common things, The
    web site style is great, the articles is in point of fact excellent :
    D. Just right task, cheers

    Take a look at my web-site – Mahogany Bay Property

  26. Mahogany Bay Real Estate
    | Reply

    Hi there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how
    to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from
    my apple iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share.
    Cheers!

    My webpage: Mahogany Bay Real Estate

  27. Immediate Code
    | Reply

    Excellent blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options
    out there that I’m completely confused .. Any tips? Bless you!

  28. Secret Beach Belize
    | Reply

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

    Feel free to visit my site … Secret Beach Belize

  30. koitoto
    | Reply

    What i do not understood is in truth how you’re
    not really a lot more smartly-liked than you may be
    right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize thus significantly relating to this
    subject, made me in my opinion consider it from a lot of varied angles.

    Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved unless it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your own stuffs nice. Always care for it up!

  35. sex indo viral
    | Reply

    It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to
    this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
    I look forward to new updates and will share this website with
    my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  41. 토토사이트
    | Reply

    안전놀이터를 이용하면서 느낀 점은, 검증되지 않은 사이트를 선택했을
    때 얼마나 큰 위험이 있는지 알게 되었다는 것입니다.

    제가 현재 사용하는 메이저사이트는 철저한 검증 시스템과 신뢰성 높은 데이터를 제공하여 안전한 환경을 조성합니다.
    실시간으로 업데이트되는 먹튀 사례와 사용자 후기 덕분에 저는 안심하고
    베팅을 즐길 수 있었습니다. 특히, 고객 서비스는 신속하고 전문적이어서 불편함이 발생했을 때도 큰 도움이 되었습니다.
    여러분도 안전하고 신뢰할 수 있는 환경에서
    베팅을 즐기고 싶다면 반드시 검증된 정보를 확인하세요.

    신뢰는 모든 즐거움의 시작입니다.

    My page – 토토사이트

  46. Slot Online
    | Reply

    I got this site from my friend who informed me about
    this website and at the moment this time I am browsing this web site and reading very informative articles or reviews
    at this time.

    Here is my web blog; Slot Online

  48. Belize real estate
    | Reply

    Howdy! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with
    us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to
    my followers! Fantastic blog and brilliant design.

    Feel free to surf to my site: Belize real estate

  49. slot mpo terbaru
    | Reply

    Thanks , I have recently been looking for info about this
    subject for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far.
    But, what about the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?

Leave a Reply

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