3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 167,273

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.

167273 Responses

  11. Masterslot69
    | Reply

    I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  14. real money online casinos
    | Reply

    Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  19. Buster
    | Reply

    Great information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
    I have bookmarked it for later!

  21. tucson roof repair companies
    | Reply

    Good day I am so glad I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a marvelous post and a all
    round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time
    to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so
    when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

  23. Phillip
    | Reply

    Having read this I thought it was very enlightening.

    I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this informative article
    together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and
    posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  27. Affordable first-time buyer homes
    | Reply

    Mortgage brokers are real game-changers!
    They make the process of securing a hoke loan so much easier.
    If you’re looking for guidance, their exppertise iss invaluable!

    Great insights! Working with a mortgage advisor saved me so much time and stress when buying
    my home. Highly recommend getting professional help!

    I never realized how much a mortgage broker can simplify the loan process.
    They helped me find the best rates and explained everything so
    clearly.

    Thiss article highlights just how crucial mortgage brokers are.
    If you’re looking to buy or refinance, don’t go it alone—get expert advice!

    I used a mortgage advisor when buying my first home, and it was a
    game-changer. Their knowledge helped me avoid costly mistakes and save money!

    Loved reading this! Mortgage brokers really do save you time
    by comparing loan options. Definitely the smarter cuoice if you’re in the market for
    a home.

    I agree, mortgage brokers are essential for finding thee
    right deal. They take the stress out of navigating all the different loan options
    available.

    I wish I kjew aboyt mortgage brokers sooner.

    They helped me secure a great deal, and
    the process was smooth from start to finish.

    Mortgage brokers are a must for anyone looiking to buy a home or refinance.
    They make sure you’re getting the best desl possible—highly recommend!

    Great article! Mortgage brokers truly provide value by finding the best deals aand walking you
    through the whole process with ease.

    Couldn’t agree more! Using a mortgage broker sved me from wasting time on loan offers that didn’t ffit my needs.
    It’s the waay tto go!

    As a first-time homebuyer, I felt lost in the mortgage world.
    But a mortgage advisor made the process clear,
    simple, and stress-free.

    The mortgage world can be overwhelming, bbut a mortgage broker simplifies everything.
    I’m so glad I made the decision to work with one.

    Refinancing was something I didn’t want to deal with, but
    myy mortgage broker made it easy. They helped me get a much lower rate—thanks again!

    I’ve worked with mortgage brokers for years, and I can’t recommend them enough.
    They’re the reason I’ve been able to secuure great rates every time.

    Great advice! I allways recommend using a mortgage broker—they provide clarity and maake sre you understand all the fine print of your loan.

    Using a mortgage advisor was the best decision I made when bying my house.
    They really know how to find thee right solutions for your financial situation.

    I never thought about using a mortgage broker until reading this.

    Theyy really take the pressure off by comparing lenders and offering expwrt guidance.

    This is a great reminder of why ortgage brokers arre so essential.

    Their experience and knowledge hellp clients avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

    Amazing read! Mortgage brokers are like having a trusted guidee in the
    often cnfusing world of home loans. They are definitely worh considering!

    I’ve worked with mortgage brokers in thee past, and their
    guidance is priceless. They really help you save time and money in the home-buying process.

    Mortgage brokers make a big difference, especially
    if you’re a first-time homebuyer. They explaiin everything
    and ensure you’re making the best financial decisions.

    Mortgage brokers helped me get a lower rate and a better deal on my home loan.
    If you’re looking for help, they’re the way to go.

    If you’re buying a homee or refinancing, you should definitely consider working
    with a mortgage broker.They take the stress out of the entire
    process!

    Fantastic article! Mortgage brokers are truly essential for navigating
    today’s complex ortgage market. Their expertise makes all the difference!

    My web blog … Affordable first-time buyer homes

  30. Tracey
    | Reply

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognize
    what you are speaking about! Bookmarked.

    Kindly additionally discuss with my site =). We may have a hyperlink trade contract among us

  36. Chet
    | Reply

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this web page is actually fastidious.

  37. Adeline
    | Reply

    Hello I am so delighted I found your web site,
    I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a
    marvelous post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it
    all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much
    more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

  39. Berry
    | Reply

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By
    the way, how can we communicate?

  45. article source
    | Reply

    I have read a few good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how so much attempt you set to create
    such a magnificent informative website.

  48. Karissa
    | Reply

    I do trust all of the ideas you have offered to your post.
    They’re very convincing and will definitely work.

    Still, the posts are too brief for starters. May you please lengthen them a little from subsequent
    time? Thank you for the post.

Leave a Reply

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