3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 145,922

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.

145922 Responses

  23. bokep ngentot mantan
    | Reply

    Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web
    browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
    The style and design look great though! Hope you get the
    problem resolved soon. Many thanks

  29. ngentot tante ida kesepian
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
    Very useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  36. navigate to this site
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and
    I’m impressed! Very useful info specially the ultimate phase 🙂 I maintain such information a lot.
    I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

    my page … navigate to this site

  38. Nannie Haynes
    | Reply

    Valuable perspectives reflected within article showcasing distinct advantages associated utilizing proper techniques while maintaining cleanliness—you’ve encouraged exploration avenues leading individuals seeking assistance partnering alongside           Dumpster Rental Whitsett

  42. Mabel Hale
    | Reply

    It’s encouraging knowing there are dedicated professionals like those at ### anyKeyWord### ready and willing to help individuals facing tough times involving legal matters related specifically around bails 56 Bail Bonds Dallas TX

  45. Don Frank
    | Reply

    Summertime clean-up just got easier with all these terrific ideas for efficient pressure cleaning– examine them out through: ##anyKeyword## #

  47. Max Lawson
    | Reply

    Are you thinking about a limo for your following vacation? It can make airport terminal transfers so much less complicated and stylish! Look into travel suggestions including limousines at limousine car

  48. make money from home
    | Reply

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped
    me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  49. animesugoiinfo
    | Reply

    I seriously love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you
    make this website yourself? Please reply back as
    I’m wanting to create my very own website and would love to learn where
    you got this from or exactly what the theme is named.

    Thank you!

Leave a Reply

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