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.
مهرآریا
I read this paragraph fully on the topic of the resemblance of most recent and earlier
technologies, it’s amazing article.
My web site; مهرآریا
Gertrude Townsend
Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at https://tooter.in/dagatructiepc1xyz
Dorothy Daniels
Social media advertising and marketing is a video game changer for small groups. If you are curious about tips on how to get commenced, I advise traveling Digital Marketing for reasonable information
Herbert Phillips
Pressure cleaning is a game changer for keeping your residential or commercial property. It’s so satisfying to see the change. Explore more at Conway AR soft washing experts
Rosie Greene
This was a great article. Check out https://www.bricklink.com/aboutMe.asp?u=dagatructiepc1 for more
Ian Rios
This was highly educational. More at https://bit.ly/m/dagatructiepc1xyz1
Samuel Webster
Great job! Find more at https://pixabay.com/users/47387931/
Cameron Burton
I enjoyed this article. Check out https://www.instapaper.com/p/dagatructiepc11 for more
Olga Page
Thanks for the insightful write-up. More like this at https://archive.org/details/500_20241201
Lillie Henderson
Thanks for the thorough article. Find more at https://band.us/band/96891893
Joe Steele
This was a wonderful post. Check out https://sketchfab.com/dagatructiepc1xyz for more
Harold Wong
The future of pain management depends on integrative practices that consider the entire person instead of simply the signs infrared neuropathy treatment
websell begok
Wow, wonderful blog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as smartly as the content material!
Jay Harrison
This article highlights the significance of Google My Business. I use seo agency ridgewood to ascertain my particulars are usually brand new
Dennis McGuire
. Just shared this post with a number of buddies that likewise require help comprehending their own roofing systems much better https://zenwriting.net/aculusmiar/how-leading-rated-roofing-contractors-ensure-quality-workmanship
مهرآریا
This article is really a pleasant one it helps new net
viewers, who are wishing for blogging.
My web page; مهرآریا
High-purity DPT HCL powder for sale online Florida
Hi tһere, і гead yolur blog from timе to timе aand i օwn a similаr ᧐ne ɑnd i was
just wondering іf you get a lot of spam responses?
Ӏf so һow do you stop іt, any plugin оr anything you can recommend?
I get ѕo much lɑtely іt’s drivin me insane so
any help is very mᥙch appreciated.
buy 99% purity dpt hcl powder online, DPT HCL powder purity 99% for sale, dpt hcl powder cas number in Australia, High-purity DPT HCL powder for sale online Florida, dpt hcl powder chemical suppliers texas usa
Nina Wagner
I love how customized trip dealers could make your Denver expertise uncommon denver travel agency
Ivan Gordon
It’s great to see more awareness around home healthcare options! Families deserve to understand the best methods to support their liked ones in the house. Explore resources at senior home care
Jimmy Padilla
Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at stained concrete floors austin
Adelaide topless girls
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for Adelaide topless girls
خرید ساعت اورجینال
Magnificent items from you, man. I have consider your
stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great.
I really like what you have bought here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you are saying
it. You are making it enjoyable and you still care for
to stay it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you.
That is actually a terrific website.
Here is my page; خرید ساعت اورجینال
Elijah Reeves
Just were given again from an marvelous experience arranged with the aid of a trip agent! Highly advise finding out their offerings at travel agent
Outcall girls
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to provide one thing back and help others such as you aided me.
Here is my web blog; Outcall girls
sugarmd reviews
That is very fascinating, You are an overly skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look ahead to seeking more of your excellent post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
arkada casino зеркало
Аркада сайт предлагает лучшие условия для азартных игр.
https://t.me/s/arkada_casino_online
hiop
Lounge Bar hiop
비아그라구매사이트~
Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This kind
of clever work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve
incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
Marguerite McDonald
Your work makes it feel like a winter wonderl christmas light installation near me
Bobby Davidson
We had such an easy time booking our rentals online with Bounce Genie’s user-friendly site—so convenient! bounce party of tampa
Joshua Bates
My gr https://files.fm/u/tht227ds5t
pdr مهرآریا
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and
thought I might check things out. I like what I see
so now i am following you. Look forward to looking into your web page
repeatedly.
Look into my web blog – pdr مهرآریا
에프페시아
certainly like your website bbut you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.
Several of them are rife with spelling issues and
I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality
however I will certainly come back again.
에프페시아
اسکراب
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well
written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to
read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly comeback.
Feel free to visit my webpage – اسکراب
زجاج سيكوريت الرياض
Hello, after reading this remarkable post i am also happy to share my know-how here with colleagues.
item682361915
Hi there, its pleasant paragraph on the topic of media
print, we all be familiar with media is a wonderful source of information.
Also visit my site :: item682361915
Melbourne strippers
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.
Have a look at my web-site: Melbourne strippers
خودرو اسقاطی
Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and
create my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
Also visit my homepage: خودرو اسقاطی
특허소송
It’s very trouble-free to find out any topc on net as compared to books, as
I found this article at this site.
특허소송
Noah Francis
After a traumatic event, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is the proper cleanup of the scene Medical Office Cleaning Phoenix AZ
Strippers Melbourne
Hi! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have right here on this post.
I’ll be returning to your site for more soon.
Stop by my blog; Strippers Melbourne
مهرانگیز
شرکت خدمات دوربین
خرید ساعت اورجینال
That is really interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and sit up for in search of extra of your great post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
my site خرید ساعت اورجینال
خرید ساعت اورجینال
Hello! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
able to fix this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
Thank you!
my web site خرید ساعت اورجینال
bokep jav perkosa janda muda
Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look
forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!
Picnicking
Wow quite a lot of fantastic info!
Strippers Melbourne
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It
truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give
something back and aid others like you aided me.
Look into my blog post :: Strippers Melbourne
Georgie Weaver
Great perspective regarding data privacy concerns—it’ll surely shape future practices adopted by vigilant teams working alongside clients including those from %%### anykeyword ###%% marketing agency near me santa rosa
[url=https://yourchurchzone.com/][url=https://yourchurchzone.com/]แทงบอล369
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
can you offer guest writers to write content for you personally?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you
write in relation to here. Again, awesome blog!
viagra pdf
Some of these products achieve the purpose of temporary enlargement by increasing the amount of
blood in the penis, but this is not the actual increase in length that
consumers hope to achieve. 11. The herbal pills work on both
length and girth of penis unlike some device that focus all
energy on length. Will pills work for you? How
much time will taking a pill take? Right combination of the
pill is what makes it effective and safe. First of all, the main program consists of a
combination of pelvic floor muscles, jelqing and stretching.
Trans women who undergo sex reassignment surgery have their penis surgically modified into a vagina or clitoris via vaginoplasty or clitoroplasty
respectively. As such, taken together, it is said that the phenotypes of women with Laron syndrome and GHR
knockout mice are identical, with diminished body size and delayed sexual maturation accompanied by normal lactation. The relaxin might be for administration at a dosage of 0.02 to
1 micrograms/kg body weight/day by injection into the dense
connective tissue surrounding the erectile tissue of the penis.
After the skin is removed from the penis, the extracted tissue is
grafted in its place.