3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 152,576

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.

152576 Responses

  1. ostaa sildenafil
    | Reply

    There are numerous cheaper and equally efficient alternatives
    to Viagra. There is no such thing as a must suffer in silence.
    There isn’t a must despair, online pharmacies have made it potential to entry the perfect
    ED medications, corresponding to Sildenafil tablets, at low prices.
    For ladies it becomes uncomfortable due to lack of
    lubrication and notably for those women who’ve experienced menopause.
    There may be Viagra for women with such problems.
    It has been noted that the men who take Viagra don’t face
    any issues in their sex life. Men with Parkinsons
    illness are unable to attain and maintain an erection throughout sexual intercourse, adopted by impaired sexual arousal, orgasm and drive.
    Almost 1 million individuals are affected by PD (Parkinsons disease).
    Before penicillin – the world’s first mass-produced antibiotic drug –
    hundreds of thousands of people died every year from contaminated wounds and contagious bacterial diseases like scarlet fever.

    Certain well being considerations like severe
    liver or coronary heart circumstances, reminiscent of a recent stroke or
    coronary heart assault, and particular inherited eye diseases (for example, retinitis pigmentosa) could make
    Viagra unsafe. Thus, take Viagra, enhance sexual
    stamina, and make your marriage eternal. Pfizer obtained its
    unique patent for Viagra in 1998, and this expired in 2020.

    However, Pfizer allowed Teva Pharmaceuticals to promote sildenafil, the generic model of Viagra, in 2013 earlier than the patent expiration.

  2. Chad Reynolds
    | Reply

    I like just how limousines can raise any kind of event! Whether it’s a wedding celebration or an evening out, they include a touch of deluxe. Discover extra tips on picking the ideal limousine solution at limo sightseeing

  6. Sqirk
    | Reply

    A private Instagram viewer is a tool or help expected to permit users to view
    private Instagram accounts without needing to follow the account or get applause
    from the account owner. Typically, these spectators
    allegation to bypass privacy settings and have
    enough money right of entry to posts, stories, and other content that would on the other hand be restricted
    to followers. even though some people may use these tools out of curiosity or
    for social media analysis, its important to note that using such services raises loud ethical and legal concerns.
    Most of these viewers discharge duty in a gray area, often violating Instagram’s terms of relieve and potentially putting users’ privacy and data at risk.
    In addition, many of these tools require users to unqualified
    surveys or offer personal information, which can lead to scams, phishing attempts, or malware
    infections. Instagram has strict policies next to unauthorized entrance to accounts and
    may acknowledge authentic take effect next to both users and services keen in breaching privacy.

    instead of relying on private Instagram viewers, it’s advisable to worship users’ privacy settings and follow accounts in a valid manner.

    If someone has made their account private, its generally a sign that they hope to limit entry to
    their content, and these boundaries should be respected.

    Here is my blog Sqirk

  7. стоматологии казань
    | Reply

    Детская стоматология Kids Dent – это мир заботы и профессионализма для маленьких
    пациентов!
    Наша стоматология предлагает широкий спектр услуг по уходу за зубами и полостью рта для детей
    всех возрастов. От профилактических осмотров до сложных стоматологических процедур, наши опытные специалисты всегда находят подход к каждому из наших маленьких пациентов.

    Мы понимаем, что первый визит к стоматологу может быть стрессовым для ребенка, поэтому наши врачи делают
    все возможное, чтобы создать комфортную и дружелюбную атмосферу во время приема.
    С нами ваши дети научатся ухаживать за своими зубами
    с самого раннего возраста, что поможет сохранить их здоровье на долгие годы.

    В нашей стоматологии используются
    только современные материалы и
    технологии, прошедшие строгий контроль качества.

    Мы заботимся о здоровье наших маленьких
    пациентов и гарантируем высокое качество оказываемых услуг – мостовидный протез
    Кроме того, мы предлагаем различные акции
    и скидки для постоянных клиентов, а также возможность оплаты в
    рассрочку. Запишитесь на прием
    прямо сейчас и убедитесь в качестве наших услуг!

    Подарите своему ребенку здоровую улыбку вместе с детской
    стоматологией “Кидс Дент”!

  8. slot online
    | Reply

    I’m pretty pleased to discover this web site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!!
    I definitely loved every little bit of it and I
    have you bookmarked to look at new information on your web site.

  13. Joe Carr
    | Reply

    This overview was packed full useful guidance—thanks again !Discovered another platform clarifying nuances alongside strategies surrounding successful executions associated strictly toward effective techniques employed respectively throughout varying grass sod installation

  36. evisa turkey application
    | Reply

    Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog
    post or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same subjects
    as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.

    If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  48. about
    | Reply

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an incredibly long
    comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t
    appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  50. EduardoChild
    | Reply

    Umzugshilfe in Wien – Wissenswertes , welches Sie wissen sollten um einen reibungslosen Umzug
    Ihr Transport ist geplant und Sie fragen sich, wie Sie unhandliche Möbel sicher und schnell von einem Ort zum anderen schaffen? Professioneller Möbeltransport in Wien stellt dar für Sie eine Lösung! Ob Einpacken, Transport oder Montage – erfahrene Möbeltransporteure unterstützen den zumeist stressigen Ablauf beim Transport erheblich. Lesen Sie nachfolgend, aus welchem Grund es empfehlenswert sein kann, mit Experten zu setzen, die angebotenen Leistungen verfügbar sind und auf welche Weise Sie Ihren Umzug möglichst gut planen wollen.
    Wieso auf professionelle Möbeltransporteure entscheiden?
    Das Vorhaben, Einrichtungsgegenstände eigenständig zu verladen, birgt oft mehr Probleme hervorrufen, anstatt sie zu lösen. Hier sind wesentliche Argumente, aus denen ein Dienst wie dieser eine klügere Entscheidung sein könnte:
    Transport ohne Schäden: Geschulte Möbeltransporteure wissen genau, wie man Möbel geschützt eingepackt und bewegt werden können, sorgfältig geschützt.
    Schnelligkeit: Der Wohnungswechsel braucht umfangreiche Organisation und Organisation. Experten bewältigen alles effizienter und effizienter.
    Geeignete Ausrüstung: Die richtige Ausrüstung wie Hebebühnen und Polstermaterialien ermöglichen einen sicheren Transport.
    Versicherungsschutz: Zahlreiche Transportfirmen stellen zur Verfügung Versicherungsschutz im Falle, Schäden entstehen.
    Der reduziert verringert unnötige Risiken, sondern gibt Ihnen auch die Möglichkeit, sich auf andere wichtige Aspekte im Umzug hinzuwenden.
    Was für Services liefert Transportservice in Wien ?
    Möbel-Transport in Wien zeichnet sich durch ein vielseitiges Sortiment von Services aus damit alle Umzug maßgeschneidert organisieren zu realisieren.
    Zu den wichtigsten häufigsten Dienstleistungen inkludieren:
    Einpacken: Sorgfältige Verpackung von fragile Einrichtungsgegenstände, damit Kratzer sowie Brüche zu vermeiden
    Beförderung: Effizienter und zuverlässiger Transport mit speziell vorbereiteten Fahrzeugen
    Montagedienst: Professionelle Zusammenbau nach der Ankunft sowie Abbau im Vorfeld des Wechsel.
    Einlagerung: Wenn Sie einen notwendigen Zwischenstopp brauchen, werden Lagerflächen angeboten
    Sondertransporte: Für spezielle Transportgüter (etwa Klaviere, alte Möbel oder Gemälde
    Dank den angebotenen vielseitigen Dienstleistungen ist jeder einzelne Transportprozess individuell an die spezifischen Wünsche der Klienten zugeschnitten
    Ein Umzugsprozess – nach und nach beschrieben
    Wie funktioniert der Möbeltransport über Transportservice Wien? Dieses Vorgehen wird so geplant, dass alle Etappe deutlich geplant und effizient organisiert werden kann.
    Hier sehen Sie ein Einblick in den Prozess
    Kontaktaufnahme
    Rufen Sie Transportservice in Wien für ein unverbindliches Gespräch Gemeinsam werden die Wünsche ermittelt und es wird ein Kostenvoranschlag erstellt
    Erfahrungsberichte glücklicher Klienten
    Glück unserer Kunden ist wichtig für Transportservices Wien im Fokus. Nachfolgend finden Sie verschiedene Meinungen von unseren Kunden:
    „Schnell, professionell und preiswert! Der Transport lief ganz ohne Stress. Ein Dankeschön an das Team des Möbeltransports in Wien!“ – Hanna S.
    Meine Familie und ich mussten, beim Umzug Einrichtungsgegenstände einlagern. Der Dienstleister kümmerte sich um sämtliche Belange. Absolut empfehlenswert!“ – Stephen M.
    Insbesondere die Umsicht bei der Verpackung meiner antiken Möbel war für mich ausschlaggebend. Die Mitarbeiter ist ausgesprochen kompetent.“ – Jule K.
    Unsere Erfahrungen der Klienten zeigen die Qualität – glauben Sie auf unser Niveau und Fachwissen!
    Ratschläge für einen reibungslosen Transport
    Ein erfolgreicher Umzug beruht auch von persönlicher Planung mit. Im Folgenden zeigen wir Hinweise, um, die Schritte strukturierter zu realisieren:
    Frühzeitig organisieren: Starten Sie rechtzeitig den Planungen und melden Sie sich bei das Umzugsunternehmen, sowie der Umzugstermin feststeht.
    Inventar erstellen: Erstellen Sie eine Übersicht der Möbelstücke, die transportiert werden müssen, und notieren Sie ihren Zustand vor dem Transport.
    Besondere Stücke hervorheben: Kennzeichnen Sie zerbrechliche Dinge, damit sie äußerst schonend umgegangen wird.
    Kommunikation ist der Schlüssel: Besprechen Sie mit dem Transportunternehmen alle wichtigen Details, beispielsweise die Maße von Türen oder Parkmöglichkeiten vor Ort.
    Warum ein Fachbetrieb Ihr Leben erleichtert
    Ein Standortwechsel sollte kein Auslöser für Sorgen sein. Mit einem professionellen Dienstleister wie Möbeltransport Wien dürfen Sie erwarten, dass alles sicher transportiert werden. Sei es das Verpacken, Transport oder Montage – jede Phase der Arbeit fachgerecht und auf höchstem Niveau durchgeführt.
    https://podcast.ausha.co/moebeltransport-rueckblick/meine-bewertung-von-xn-mbeltransport
    Nehmen Sie den ersten Schritt für einen reibungslosen Wohnungswechsel und bitten Sie von unserem Team unterstützen. Erhalten Sie ein Angebot am besten sofort, um ein individuelles Angebot zu erhalten.

Leave a Reply

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