3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 188,843

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.

188843 Responses

  10. free bonus spins
    | Reply

    Gizbo Casino is a casino that combines not only exciting games but also a huge number of opportunities to win. At Gizbo Casino, only the best games are available at any time, so you can enjoy the thrill without limitations. Playing at Gizbo Casino, you can always rely on additional bonuses and promotions that give the game more meaning and benefits.

    Why play at Gizbo Casino? Gizbo Casino offers you not only entertainment but also confidence in every bet, with a guarantee of fairness and transparency. Gizbo Casino is the place where games for every type of player are available, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gambling enthusiast.

    When is the best time to join Gizbo Casino? Feel the thrill right from the start! Registration takes just a few minutes, and in no time you’ll be ready to play. Here’s what awaits you:

    At Gizbo Casino, we ensure reliability and speed for all financial transactions.
    Weekly bonuses and promotions so you always stay in the plus.
    A wide selection of games and monthly updates.

    With Gizbo Casino, your chances of success are always high, and every bet can bring you great enjoyment and profit. https://gizbo-casinobliss.beauty/

  12. Line 網頁版
    | Reply

    LINE 是一個全球領先的通訊平台，免費聊天與通話功能，讓您輕鬆連結好友。LINE 還提供LINE 網頁版、數位支付、音樂及商業解決方案。https://www.telegramppo.com，https://www.whathkapp.com，https://www.web-skypea.com

  19. Sub-Zero Appliance Repair Boca Raton
    | Reply

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great graphics or
    videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent
    but with pics and video clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche.
    Wonderful blog!

    Look into my web-site; Sub-Zero Appliance Repair Boca Raton

  20. Immobilienbüro Hameln
    | Reply

    Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you
    know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I
    think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet
    browsers and both show the same results.

    Feel free to visit my web site … Immobilienbüro Hameln

  22. slot777
    | Reply

    Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your site, how
    could i subscribe for a weblog site? The account helped me a applicable
    deal. I were a little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vibrant clear concept

  35. 関東鉄道 株価
    | Reply

    Consequently, it additionally adversely helped in development of the industrial, agricultural, and financial segments, which enhanced the properly-being and happiness of the residents.

  36. Profit Edge
    | Reply

    hey there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up something new from right
    here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this web site,
    since I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to
    I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
    Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement in google
    and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and
    can look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon.

  38. Sub-Zero Appliance Repair Boca Raton
    | Reply

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
    and you are just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired
    here, certainly like what you are stating and the way
    in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a
    tremendous web site.

    Here is my website :: Sub-Zero Appliance Repair Boca Raton

  40. PENIPU
    | Reply

    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use
    some of your ideas!!

  47. Wohnung bewerten Hameln
    | Reply

    I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering issues with your
    website. It looks like some of the text in your content are running off
    the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if
    this is happening to them too? This might be a issue with
    my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Many thanks

    Also visit my blog; Wohnung bewerten Hameln

Leave a Reply

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