3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 160,315

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.

160315 Responses

  6. learn here
    | Reply

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been utilizing?
    I’m having some minor security problems with my
    latest website and I’d like to find something
    more safe. Do you have any recommendations?

  9. Gail
    | Reply

    Fine way of telling, and nice piece of writing to get data concerning my
    presentation topic, which i am going to convey in academy.

  10. Expert Party Wall Notice Drafting Faulkner Surveyors
    | Reply

    This includes the use of inappropriate materials, such as the wrong kind of mortar for pointing, defective internal plaster, or interference with existing damp-proof training courses. Unaddressed moist can bring about severe architectural issues, break down the structure’s aesthetic appeals, and create an unhealthy living atmosphere. Professional assessments and tailored strategies are often essential to take on these troubles properly. You require to discover and resolve what is triggering it to thrive in specific areas. It could be one or a collection of factors that are tipping the moisture balance unfavourably.
    However, these solutions all alter the aesthetic look of the stonework. Broken drains pipes can also create water to fall or collect in uneven locations and reason moisture and mould development. If outside drains become clogged up, rainwater can gather against the brickwork– leading to hot spots of passing through wet. Rainfall infiltration is not an issue that is limited to single-skin walls. Poorly set up wall-ties or dental caries wall insulation can supply a path for rain infiltration to track via cavity walls. Block and stonework substratums are particularly prone to permeating moist.
    In these instances, replacing with a cement or lime based plaster is a lot more robust as they do not obtain harmed so conveniently by fluid moisture. Concrete and lime plasters are additionally extra alkaline which implies they do not sustain mould development, whereas gypsum is a neutral substrate and can allow mould to grow. If your home does not have an appropriate air flow system, warm, moist air can develop and cause condensation on wall surfaces and home windows. This can create the best setting for mold and mildew and mold development, in addition to wood rot and insect problems. This issue can become worse in winter when individuals are much less most likely to open windows while bathing or drying out garments because of cool temperatures.

    3 Standing For Staff Members: Unions And Functions Councils
    It can be particularly important to be “suched as” to counter-balance several of the disapproval that the opposing customers naturally have due to the litigation. Therefore, utilize favorable and “likeable” actions to make it more likely that the resistance will certainly approve negotiation proposals. 3 In creating this research study the authors kept in mind that prior researches were not successful in making use of a follow up part wherein the events were evaluated weeks or months after the arbitration. Particularly, such research studies had a high nonresponse price which creates one to question whether the reactions are representative of the entire class of arbitration participants. We selected to record the events’ comments at the mediation for maximum feedback. Without doubt, a follow-up study would include an added point of view and can be carried out â $” but we forecast that it will have a considerably lower individual response rate.
    Just How To Use These Arbitration Techniques In Your Community
    Regardless of mindful planning, disputes can occasionally emerge throughout renovations involving event walls. The Party Wall surface Surveyor can play an essential function in moderating such conflicts and assisting the parties discover mutually acceptable services. Act 1996 (typically known as the Celebration Wall Act) is the main lawful structure that controls event walls and their renovation.

    Subdivision Survey
    Legal, title, development, money and layout professionals all rely upon ALTA Land Title Surveys. In time, many lenders for commercial home procurements and new advancement are requiring ALTA land surveys prior to providing financing. Think about a survey strategy as a specialized map, one that acts as a legal paper that determines and defines the boundaries of your home. Studies are necessary due to the fact that they supply a current, accurate representation of the functions and borders of the land. Unlike a story strategy, which only has fundamental information and does not call for a qualified surveyor, a study plan will certainly have described info concerning the different attributes of your building and their measurements. This could include fences, trees, roads, buildings, or other structures like water wells or septic tanks, in addition to any kind of natural features such as streams or lakes which might be found on your home.
    You require to guarantee you can still shoot where you intended and that you have the ability to use the electrical outlets you determined. Frequently event coordinators will make substantial modifications after you were there last, and you have to adjust your strategy. If you get on a limited spending plan, or can’t discover what you desire, think about developing your very own home. It’s likely that your surveyor will certainly inspect your electricals so, be successful of the game and examine any kind of plugs and lights to guarantee they remain in safe, working condition. If so, you may intend to address the concerns prior to your survey, although these normally call for a bit more work than DIY.

  14. Fairview Heights music promotion
    | Reply

    Hello, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet
    Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads
    up! Other then that, amazing blog!

  17. real estate agent in Gorham ME
    | Reply

    What i do not realize is if truth be told how you are no longer
    actually a lot more well-favored than you might be right now.
    You are very intelligent. You already know thus significantly with regards to this
    subject, made me in my opinion believe it from so many numerous angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated until
    it’s something to do with Woman gaga! Your individual
    stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!

    My web-site; real estate agent in Gorham ME

  21. trash chute door latches
    | Reply

    Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped
    me out a lot. I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

  28. chữ inox
    | Reply

    Hello! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article
    to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  31. TylerJek
    | Reply

    Fake designer bags have become a major factor within a fashion industry, transforming from an weakly concealed mystery into a booming business having global implications. For a few, these handbags represent an affordable method to enjoy a appeal of luxury minus the high price tag. For others, these represent an moral and lawful dilemma inside a world of style.
    This blog dives into the rise of counterfeit designer bags, its attraction, and its dangers associated. You’ll also discover ways to identify an imitation and take an look at the future of this growing industry—all encased up an stylish examination of style’s more fascinating grey area.
    A Appeal of Replica Luxury Bags
    Why are replica luxury bags so common? There’s more to them than meets the vision.
    Affordability Without a Price
    A among the main causes why the favor for replicas remains cost. For individuals who admire designer labels but can’t justify spending thousands of money on an purse, imitations offer a economical option.
    A good-quality imitation can often mimic the look and texture of a real thing, enabling customers to enjoy a prestige of luxury without breaking a bank.
    Symbol Symbol on a Budget
    High-end goods like handbags have become icons of status. While possessing an authentic Chanel or Louis Vuitton may remain an unreachable dream for most, imitations enable people to achieve the “coveted” appearance without the designer cost tag.
    More Believable Quality
    With modern manufacturing techniques and attention to precision, certain counterfeit bags are so believable that even style aficionados find it hard to discern a distinction. For many purchasers, a quality of replicas has greatly boosted their attractiveness.
    A Statement Against Luxury Prices
    Certain people opt for counterfeits as a means of protest against what they perceive as excessive markups from luxury brands. A $20 production cost which translates into an $2,000 retail cost? Many view counterfeits as leveling a playing ground.
    A Dangers of Purchasing and Selling Counterfeit Luxury Handbags
    Although replicas may appear as an easy method to experience the finer things in life,
    the future of Fake Designer bags
    the market for fake designer bags shows no signs of slowing down. the rise of e-commerce and social media platforms has made it easier than ever for counterfeiters to reach customers directly.
    Brands are responding with advanced anti-counterfeiting measures, including microchips, blockchain technology, and robust authentication processes. however, as counterfeiting techniques also evolve, this remains a constant game of cat and mouse.
    the Impact on the Fashion industry
    the proliferation of fake designer bags continues to challenge luxury brands. While some argue that replicas dilute brand exclusivity, others see counterfeiting as proof of a brand’s desirability.
    there’s also a movement among consumers and advocates for “inspired” fashion—that is, affordable, legal alternatives inspired by high-end designs and trends—offering a middle ground for those who prioritize ethics and affordability.
    why Authenticity still Matters
    While the appeal of replica designer bags is undeniable, there’s something special about owning the real thing. Beyond the status and exclusivity, genuine designer bags represent unparalleled craftsmanship, rich history, and a commitment to quality.
    if you’re a fan of luxury fashion, engaging with authentic pieces—whether through pre-owned platforms like The RealReal or rentals through companies like Bag Borrow or Steal—can provide an ethical and satisfying solution without breaking the bank.
    Ultimately, loving fashion doesn’t have to mean compromising your values or quality.

  35. 카지노 가입주소
    | Reply

    obviously like your web site but you have to test the spelling on several of your
    posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and
    I find it very troublesome to tell the reality nevertheless I will
    certainly come again again.

    Here is my website … 카지노 가입주소

  37. 疲労ストレス症状
    | Reply

    Lawsuits had been filed against Barr by GOP members in Pennsylvania to forestall the candidate from showing on the state’s ballot on charges that the Libertarian Social gathering tricked people into signing the state’s ballot access petition.

  49. mua ma tuy
    | Reply

    Hello to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this website,
    and your views are fastidious in favor of new users.

Leave a Reply

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