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.
Winnie Christensen
I just recently experienced my initial limousine ride, and it was wonderful! The ambiance inside was incredible. For extra on just how to book one, check out escalade limousine
who should apply for e-visa
Hi, yup this paragraph is really nice and I have learned lot of things from it
concerning blogging. thanks.
Tony Cobb
It’s amazing how much chiropractic adjustments can help Lakewood car accident chiropractor
Louise Dennis
I’ve been wanting to add a fire pit area with paver stones in my backyard. Has anyone done this? I’d love to hear your experiences! Also, check out landscape gardening services near me for more design ideas
Fannie Walsh
Saw them operating even as ready on mine-that is amazing what they do over there at##### an y key phrase Phone repair Calamvale
Helen Ortega
The expertise of our local roofing companies here in Fort Mill really shines through; highly recommend them! roof repair fort mill
Jessie Howell
I liked this article. For additional info, visit برگرداندن پست حذف شده اینستاگرام
Rose Campbell
Thanks for the thorough analysis. Find more at drug detox omaha
Victor Richardson
By providing personalized and attentive home health aide , you contribute significantly to seniors’ overall well-being and happiness
Tradexius Ai 7.9 GPT
As the admin of this website is working, no question very shortly it will be
famous, due to its quality contents.
Joey
Wow, wonderful weblog format! How long have you ever been running a blog for?
you make blogging glance easy. The total look of your
website is great, let alone the content!
Nannie
Today, I went to the beach with my children. I
found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her
ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I
had to tell someone!
Adele Simon
This was highly useful. For more, visit متن روز پدر برای استوری
Oscar Kelley
Thanks for the helpful article. More like this at tressez trichologist mumbai
more helpful hints
Hey I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by error, while I was searching on Google
for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a
fantastic 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 moment but I have
saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back
to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Eunice Chandler
You should not Allow your online business fade into obscurity on the web. Rely on SEO Services Kelowna WILDFIRE SEO AND INTERNET MARKETING to elevate your brand’s visibility by means of effective Online advertising and marketing strategies in Kelowna
Celia Beck
This was a great article. Check out Hibernia Bar for more
play poker online
Visit my blog :: play poker online
Aaron Torres
If you’re experiencing any signs of mold due to previous water exposure mold removal
Claudia Santos
“For quick fixes and quality service iphone repair
Alejandra
Howdy are using WordPress for your blog platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get
started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
Jorge May
Hebben jullie ook informatie over wat je moet doen bij kiespijn?!## anyKeyWord de rol van de mondhygiënist
Hermine
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the great effort.
Maritza
Thank you for any other magnificent post. Where else could anybody get that
type of information in such an ideal means of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the search for
such information.
Wesley Bowen
This was highly helpful. For more, visit Roofing installation
Lettie Webster
I love how clean everything looks after a pressure wash! It’s like a fresh start for my home Cypress Pro Wash
Cameron Salazar
This was very beneficial. For more, visit gas cooker installation
Iva Richardson
I learned that untreated moss can damage roofing materials over time Roof Cleaning Company
Sylvia Clarke
Thanks for the valuable insights. More at gas engineer
Adam Weaver
I appreciated this post. Check out heating for more
Bertha Hunter
Thanks for the useful suggestions. Discover more at gas installation
Carolyn Scott
I appreciated this article. For more, visit plumbing and heating
Jean Wilson
I’m amazed at how much brighter my home looks after just one session of pressure washing! power washing
Nettie Nunez
Great tips! For more, visit TheWinslo
Hunter McCarthy
This was very well put together. Discover more at emergency plumbing
Roy Hoffman
They truly underst drain cleaning
Sally Fuller
This was highly useful. For more, visit plumber
Lillie Paul
Brazilian steakhouses have such a rich cultural background behind their cuisine. I’m interested by it! Dive into this cooking trip with me on brazilian steakhouse near me
Kazuko
I am sure this post has touched all the internet visitors, its really really
good article on building up new web site.
発達障害 フリースクール
I could not refrain from commenting. Well written!
Hassan
Its like you learn my mind! You appear to understand a lot approximately
this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something.
I believe that you simply can do with a few percent to power the message house a little bit, however
instead of that, that is excellent blog. An excellent
read. I’ll certainly be back.
Daniel Hill
Nicely done! Discover more at top live casino sites
Amanda Rivera
Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit gas cooker installation
slot deposit qris
hello!,I love your writing so a lot! percentage we be in contact more approximately your article on AOL?
I require an expert in this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you!
Taking a look forward to see you.
하이오피
Strip Club 하이오피
부산유흥
Gentlemen’s Club 부산유흥
demo pg
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web
site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Nora Brewer
Commemorating a special event? A Brazilian steakhouse is the means to go! The feast is unforgettable, therefore is the environment brazilian meat restaurant near me
R777 ONLINE CASINO
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web
site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast
provided bright clear concept
Bokep sub indo Ngentod mama muda di rumahnya
My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here
at net, except I know I am getting experience every day by reading thes fastidious articles.