3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 181,166

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.

181166 Responses

  1. cannabis
    | Reply

    I read this piece of writing fully concerning the resemblance of latest and preceding
    technologies, it’s awesome article.

  3. venoplus 8 reviews
    | Reply

    Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with
    us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be
    tweeting this to my followers! Great blog
    and wonderful style and design.

  8. 1go-casinorush.website
    | Reply

    В 1GO Casino вы найдете увлекательный классное обслуживание для всех любителей азарта. Мы предлагаем вам погрузиться в мир лучших игр, где каждый найдет что-то для себя. В 1GO Casino собраны самые востребованные слоты, включая рулетку, покер, блэкджек и слоты. Однако, многие игроки сразу обращаются именно из-завысококачественные игровые предложения. Согласно множеству отзывов, подавляющее большинство из них утверждают, что регулярные акции и турниры помогают значительно увековечить свой успех. Каждый турнир в нашем казино – это возможность повысить свои ставки и неограниченные возможности для выигрыша – https://1go-casinorush.website/responsible-gaming.

    Когда же имеет смысл участвовать в наших турнирах? Ответ прост – в любое время!

    Есть, когда вы хотите сэкономить время и легко погрузиться в игру в 1GO Casino:

    Перед тем как начать правилами казино.
    Для опытных игроков – мы предлагаем эксклюзивные бонусы для повышения ваших выигрышей.
    Если вы вернулись после долгого перерыва Начните с демо-режима, чтобы обновить навыки.

  16. 同人誌
    | Reply

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read
    more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  18. chatgpt gratis
    | Reply

    What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered
    It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its aided me.
    Great job.

  19. window cleaning toronto
    | Reply

    Hi there! I understand this is kind of off-topic however I needed to ask.

    Does running a well-established website such as yours take a massive amount
    work? I’m completely new to blogging but I do write in my diary every day.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations
    or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Thankyou!

  20. PENIPU
    | Reply

    We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a
    formidable job and our entire community will be thankful
    to you.

  34. pineal guardian reviews
    | Reply

    Thank you for any other informative site. The place else could I
    get that type of information written in such a perfect means?
    I have a challenge that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the
    glance out for such info.

  35. Gambling Site
    | Reply

    I like the hellful info you provbide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check
    again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!

    Goood luck for the next!

    my site; Gambling Site

  36. how to apply for e-visa for saudi arabia
    | Reply

    First off I want to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not
    mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.

    I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts
    out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
    Cheers!

  38. взломанные игры на андроид
    | Reply

    взломанные игры на андроид — это замечательный способ расширить функциональность игры.
    Особенно если вы играете на мобильном устройстве с
    Android, модификации открывают перед вами
    большие перспективы. Я лично использую игры с обходом системы защиты, чтобы развиваться быстрее.

    Модификации игр дают невероятную свободу в игре, что делает процесс гораздо увлекательнее.
    Играя с твиками, я могу повысить уровень сложности, что добавляет новые
    приключения и делает игру более непредсказуемой.

    Это действительно интересно, как такие моды могут улучшить
    игровой процесс, а при этом сохраняя использовать такие модифицированные приложения можно без
    особых опасностей, если быть внимательным
    и следить за обновлениями. Это делает каждый игровой
    процесс уникальным, а возможности практически бесконечные.

    Рекомендую попробовать такие модифицированные версии для Android —
    это может вдохновит на новые
    приключения

  40. p1951962
    | Reply

    This is a very good tip particularly to those
    fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

    My web page; p1951962

  44. cannabis
    | Reply

    It’s really a cool and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you simply shared
    this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date
    like this. Thanks for sharing.

  47. plinko casino game
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account
    your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and
    even I achievement you access consistently fast.

  48. online advertising
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning 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 totally overwhelmed .. Any ideas?
    Thank you!

  49. click here
    | Reply

    This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to keep
    a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to
    start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent
    job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
    Too cool!

Leave a Reply

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