3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 194,520

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.

194520 Responses

  2. ku88
    | Reply

    I am actually thankful to the holder of this
    site who has shared this wonderful post at at this place.

  3. PENIPU ONLINE
    | Reply

    You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write.
    The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid
    to say how they believe. All the time go after
    your heart.

  5. aquasculpt reviews
    | Reply

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I
    acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway
    I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  8. Stable Capital Pro
    | Reply

    I just like the helpful info you supply for your articles.

    I will bookmark your weblog and check once more here frequently.
    I’m slightly sure I will be informed plenty of new stuff proper here!
    Best of luck for the following!

  10. PENIPU ONLINE
    | Reply

    At this time it sounds like BlogEngine is
    the preferred blogging platform out there right now.
    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  16. Hanfpflanze
    | Reply

    Wonderful site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to
    some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks to
    your effort!

  20. WhatsApp 網頁版
    | Reply

    Whatsapp的WhatsApp 網頁版应用能够轻松与朋友、家人和同事保持联系。发送消息、拨打语音，随时随地体验简单可靠的沟通方式。https://www.linawin.com，https://www.telegramppo.com，https://www.web-skypea.com

  22. BOKEP JEPANG
    | Reply

    Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favourite
    justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to
    keep in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed even as people consider concerns that
    they plainly don’t understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out
    the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

  25. autospin777
    | Reply

    Hi I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Aol
    for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a incredible post
    and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all
    at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  27. Intellivision Lives!
    | Reply

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what
    all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like
    yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100%
    sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you

  28. adana escort
    | Reply

    whoah this weblog is wonderful i love reading your articles.
    Keep up the good work! You know, many persons are searching around for this information,
    you could help them greatly.

  29. Charles Collins
    | Reply

    Szybka sprzedaż nieruchomości to idealna opcja w sytuacjach wymagających szybkiego pozbycia się mieszkania lub domu. Dzięki temu procesowi można uniknąć długotrwałych negocjacji i formalności skup mieszkań

  30. Rachel Phillips
    | Reply

    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 Więcej pomocy

  36. forklift manufacturer uk
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.

    You have some really good posts and I believe
    I would be a good asset. If you ever want to
    take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some material
    for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot
    me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

  40. Christian Hunter
    | Reply

    To nieodzowne, aby pozostawać poinformowanym istniejących kodeksie podatkowym i korzyściach fiskalnych.

    Wielu przedsiębiorców rezygnuje z nieoczywiste korzyści finansowe z powodu braku wiedzy o tym, że nie zdają sobie sprawy swoich opcjach księgowość

  44. Telegram网页版
    | Reply

    Telegram官网提供中文版本的Telegram下载。不仅有Telegram网页版、Telegram PC电脑桌面版,还有苹果手机和安卓应用版本可供选择。https://www.whathkapp.com，https://www.linawin.com，https://www.web-skypea.com

  46. driveway cleaning near me
    | Reply

    Hello, Neat post. There is a problem along with your website in web explorer, would test this?
    IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large component of other people will miss your
    great writing because of this problem.

Leave a Reply

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