3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 160,332

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.

160332 Responses

  2. BOKEP INDONESIA
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
    great. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going
    to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  4. best real estate agent in Acworth GA
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
    Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could undeniably be one of
    the very best in its field. Amazing blog!

    Feel free to surf to my page: best real estate agent in Acworth GA

  6. is the genius wave a hoax
    | Reply

    Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during
    lunch break. I love the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my
    mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
    Anyhow, good blog!

    Look into my web site :: is the genius wave a hoax

  8. هتل ریحان
    | Reply

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to understand a lot
    approximately this, like you wrote the e-book in it or something.
    I believe that you simply could do with some %
    to force the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is magnificent blog.
    A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

    Here is my page هتل ریحان

  18. Antidetect browser
    | Reply

    Just wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity
    in your post is just nice and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying
    work.

    my website; Antidetect browser

  21. GIP receptor agonists
    | Reply

    Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and
    I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price?

    Many thanks, I appreciate it!

    My blog post – GIP receptor agonists

  26. تک بت
    | Reply

    Definitely imagine that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the net the simplest thing to remember of.
    I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as other people consider issues that they plainly don’t recognise about.

    You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out
    the whole thing with no need side-effects , folks
    could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
    Thank you

  28. pro v1 golf balls
    | Reply

    hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from right here.
    I did however expertise some technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload the site
    lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.

    I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances
    times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your
    high-quality score if advertising and marketing with
    Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out
    for much more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you
    update this again soon.

  33. E2Bet Pakistan
    | Reply

    E2Bet Pakistan
    Blog Comment: Finally, a platform that caters to Pakistani
    cricket fans! E2Bet has everything—live matches, instant betting options, and unbeatable odds.
    Loving the experience so far!

  35. best realtor in Ann Arbor MI
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your blog.
    You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off,
    I’d absolutely love to write some content for your blog
    in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an email if interested.
    Regards!

    Look into my website – best realtor in Ann Arbor MI

  37. homepage
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for
    a paid option? There are so many choices
    out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any tips? Bless you!

  45. Tristan
    | Reply

    I think this is among the such a lot vital information for me.
    And i am happy studying your article. But should remark on few basic things, The website style is wonderful,
    the articles is truly great : D. Good job, cheers

  48. Website
    | Reply

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re
    just too excellent. I actually like what you’ve
    acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you
    say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart.
    I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

Leave a Reply

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