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.
h2 math tuition
An artificial USP human development hormone
(somatropin).
my web page … h2 math tuition
Nettie Carpenter
Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at plumbing services near me
Jean Simon
Thanks for the helpful advice. Discover more at movers from san diego to los angeles
Bookmarks
USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Also visit my website … Bookmarks
Edwin Cole
Thanks for the useful post. More like this at movers los angeles to new york
surgical masks near me
Many more people are wearing N95 face surgical masks near me again.
koi toto
I have fun with, result in I discovered exactly what I used to be taking a look for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Corey
Inspect the legal representative’s experience.
Also visit my website … Bookmarks (Corey)
Duane Baldwin
The team at Local PS5 Repair Shop was knowledgeable and fixed my console quickly
iphone repair singapore reddit
We can change your apple iphone repair singapore reddit battery for a charge.
is vape juice vegan
Some people is vape juice vegan flavored pure nicotine
Ola Richardson
The tips on DIY roof repairs are super helpful! Can’t wait to try them out. More resources at Roofing company
best real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale FL
I’m really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A handful of my blog readers have complained about
my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
Also visit my webpage … best real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale FL
More Bonuses
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank
you, However I am going through issues with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I am unable to join it.
Is there anybody getting identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer
will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
realtor in Fort Lauderdale FL
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Here is my web page :: realtor in Fort Lauderdale FL
realtor in Bucks County PA
Thank you, I have recently been looking for
information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have
found out so far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you sure
in regards to the source?
Feel free to surf to my blog realtor in Bucks County PA
تعمیر کرکره برقی چیتگر
Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of
my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will
have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
can you put compostable cups in food waste
We use recycled paper can you put compostable cups in food waste made from wood pulp.
real estate agent in Bucks County PA
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on real estate agent in Bucks County PA.
Regards
하이오피
Social Gathering 하이오피
Gregory Erickson
The consultation with a personal injury attorney is often free; it’s worth it to explore your options if you’ve been injured Car Accident Lawyers Peoria
are coffee cups recyclable
We make use of recycled paper are coffee cups recyclable made from wood pulp.
realtor in Mashpee MA
What i don’t realize is actually how you are now not actually a lot more well-appreciated than you
may be now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly with regards to this subject,
made me individually believe it from a lot of various angles.
Its like men and women aren’t fascinated until it’s something to do with Lady gaga!
Your own stuffs outstanding. At all times handle it up!
Here is my homepage; realtor in Mashpee MA
iphone battery replacement singapore Reddit
We can replace your apple iphone battery replacement singapore Reddit battery
for a cost.
healthcare fraud lawyer
Allow me reveal you in my testimonial of NewULife.
Also visit my website; healthcare fraud lawyer
best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Stop by my blog; best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
best realtor in Watkinsville GA
I savour, lead to I found just what I used to be
looking for. You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
my blog: best realtor in Watkinsville GA
real estate agent in Westlake Village CA
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am genuinely happy to read all at
alone place.
Also visit my web site :: real estate agent in Westlake Village CA
Jeffery Wood
Skup nieruchomości to idealna opcja dla tych, którzy potrzebują natychmiastowej gotówki za swoją nieruchomość. Dzięki temu procesowi można uniknąć długotrwałych formalności związanych z tradycyjną sprzedażą skup udziałów w nieruchomości
moviehdfree-me
Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
previous to and you’re just too excellent. I really 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 not wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a wonderful site.
May Griffin
Love this comprehensive guide on when Quick oil change Grande Prairie
Michael Rios
I found that transparency was key when working with my ##anyKeyword# Car Accident Lawyers
tonic greens reviews
I used to be recommended this web site by my cousin.
I’m no longer sure whether this put up is written by way of him as nobody else know such
particular approximately my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Healthcare fraud Lawyer
Let me show you in my evaluation of NewULife.
My site: Healthcare fraud Lawyer
best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
It’s amazing designed for me to have a website, which is beneficial in favor
of my experience. thanks admin
Look into my web blog; best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
Bookmarks
Ecotainer’s non reusable hot mugs are 100% compostable.
Feel free to visit my homepage … Bookmarks
Sallie Little
Useful advice! For more, visit roulette software solutions
realtor in Mashpee MA
I take pleasure in, cause I found just what I used to be looking for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a great day. Bye
Also visit my web-site … realtor in Mashpee MA
best real estate agent in Mashpee MA
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I
had spent for this information! Thanks!
Here is my web-site: best real estate agent in Mashpee MA
Lula Martin
This was quite helpful. For more, visit best moving and storage
Bookmarks
We are, certainly, discussing recyclable coffee cups.
My blog post; Bookmarks
PENIPU
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed!
Very useful info particularly the remaining part 🙂 I take care of
such information much. I was seeking this particular information for
a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
realtor in Bucks County PA
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 completely off topic but I had
to tell someone!
Also visit my blog … realtor in Bucks County PA
are takeaway coffee cups recyclable
We utilize recycled paper are takeaway coffee cups recyclable made
from wood pulp.
best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are fastidious in favor of new visitors.
Here is my web-site … best real estate agent in Wentzville MO
real estate agent in Huntersville NC
My brother suggested I would possibly like this website.
He was once entirely right. This publish actually made my day.
You cann’t believe just how a lot time I had spent for this
info! Thank you!
Feel free to visit my web blog: real estate agent in Huntersville NC
Milton Simon
San Jose has some great moving companies; I found one through commercial moving services in san Jose that made my move stress-free
workplace accident lawyers new jersey
XYGENYX, a licensing company for FDA-registered items.
my web-site :: workplace accident lawyers new jersey
fc88website
I visited various blogs but the audio feature for audio songs existing at
this site is really superb.
rug and carpet cleaning
Thanks a lot! I appreciate this!