Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 217,357

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.

217357 Responses

  1. Blütestimulator

    hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise a few technical issues using this
    web site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.

    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m
    complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for
    a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update
    this again very soon.

  2. jasa anti rayap

    Ꮤe aгe a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme iin oᥙr community.
    Your site prߋvided us with helpful information to work on. You have donme a formidɑble job and
    our whole neiighbοrhοod can be thɑnkful to you.

  3. Lomba Sydney Free

    It’s awesome to go to see this web site and reading the
    views of all mates regarding this piece of writing, while I am also
    zealous of getting knowledge.

  4. игры с Адмирал Х казино

    AdmiralX Casino приглашает вас — идеальная платформа для захватывающих игровых развлечений! Здесь вас ждут лучшие игровые автоматы, рулетку и покер, а также щедрые бонусы для всех игроков. Пора испытать удачу и насладиться крупными победами! https://admiralklubsite.co/.

    Почему выбирают AdmiralX Casino?

    Щедрые приветственные бонусы для всех игроков.
    Моментальные транзакции без задержек.
    Лицензионные игры с высокой отдачей.

    Начните играть в AdmiralX Casino прямо сейчас и получите максимум от игры!

  5. Cricket Nets Dubai

    Cricket Nets Dubai supplies the
    ideal training setting for cricketers of all ability degrees aiming to fine-tune their game.
    Whether you are an amateur player or a specialist cricketer, exercising in premium cricket webs assists improve batting, bowling, and
    fielding techniques. Dubai has become a prominent center
    for cricket training, offering several of the best facilities with sophisticated tools,
    expert training, and well-maintained pitches.
    The increasing appeal of cricket in Dubai has
    actually led to the growth of first-rate practice internet that give a structured and regulated setting for players to boost
    their abilities. Interior cricket internet in Dubai provide year-round training opportunities,
    making them excellent for players that want to educate no matter the weather conditions.
    These facilities provide a secure and enclosed setting that
    permits players to concentrate on their video game with no distractions.
    Outfitted with professional-grade netting, synthetic turf, and automated bowling
    machines, indoor cricket webs help gamers work on their batting stance, shot option, and bowling precision. Training in a climate-controlled setup makes sure that
    cricketers can exercise in a consistent and undisturbed manner.
    The enclosed configuration additionally boosts muscle memory, response time,
    and overall precision, which are essential for affordable cricket.
    Outdoor cricket internet in Dubai provide a more match-like experience, allowing players to train on natural grass wickets in open fields.
    These technique webs are made for both beginners and advanced cricketers who want to
    establish their skills in realistic playing problems.
    The properly maintained pitches, safety netting, and progressed training devices guarantee that players obtain the best feasible technique experience.
    Exercising in outdoor webs aids gamers enhance their flexibility, maneuvering, and fielding
    reflexes, which are essential for suit efficiency.

    Outdoor cricket internet also provide bowlers the possibility to deal
    with their line and length while mimicing real-game problems.
    Cricket webs in Dubai accommodate individual gamers, teams,
    and clubs seeking organized training programs. The visibility of
    professional training personnel guarantees that gamers
    receive personalized training tailored to their ability degree.
    Lots of cricket internet facilities in Dubai provide training solutions from skilled experts, assisting players enhance their batting strategy, bowling accuracy, and fielding coordination. Whether focusing on rapid bowling, spin strategies, power
    hitting, or wicket-keeping drills, cricket webs supply a dedicated
    space for improving all elements of the video game.

    Routine practice in cricket nets assists players develop self-confidence,
    enhance consistency, and gain an one-upmanship.
    Booking cricket nets in Dubai is simple, with lots of facilities
    offering adaptable rental alternatives for people and teams.
    These cricket internet can be reserved for personal practice sessions,
    group training, or event preparation. The schedule of well-kept practice locations,
    progressed training techniques, and efficiency evaluation tools makes Dubai one
    of the leading places for cricket training. Practicing in high-grade cricket webs makes sure that players create their abilities
    in an expert setup. The organized training environment at
    these cricket webs fosters team effort, self-control, and sportsmanship, making them a crucial part of
    any kind of cricketer’& rsquo; s journey.
    The centers at cricket nets in Dubai include first-class training tools such as high-speed bowling equipments,
    fielding method zones, and batting cages. These attributes provide gamers with the
    chance to refine their strategy and perfect their video game under the assistance of specialist coaches.

    Cricket nets assist gamers deal with various facets of the game, consisting of batting drills,
    bowling precision, and fielding reflexes. The visibility of well-kept tools and specialist coaching makes certain that gamers can focus on their training with no distractions.
    Cricket nets in Dubai supply a secure and regulated atmosphere that encourages
    gamers to push their restrictions and improve their total performance.
    Dubai is home to a lively cricketing area, with gamers from different backgrounds coming together to
    train and compete. The city’& rsquo; s first-rate cricket
    training facilities has actually drawn in players from around the globe who seek premium coaching and
    method centers. Cricket nets in Dubai give an organized method to skill growth, helping gamers of all degrees improve their
    strategies and acquire valuable suit experience.
    The well-kept pitches and specialist coaching team ensure that every player obtains the most effective feasible training.

    Whether getting ready for an affordable suit or just looking to improve cricketing skills,
    the cricket webs in Dubai supply an unparalleled training experience.
    The organized training sessions at cricket webs in Dubai
    aid players establish vital skills such as maneuvering, shot selection, and
    game awareness. The presence of expert coaches ensures that
    players obtain constant responses, allowing them to identify weak points and
    work on enhancements. The regulated setting of cricket internet assists
    players preserve emphasis and service refining their skills.

    With the accessibility of both indoor and outside practice locations, gamers can train under different
    problems to improve their adaptability and suit preparedness.
    The visibility of bowling devices, training devices,
    and fielding drills makes sure that players obtain thorough training that covers all aspects of
    cricket. Cricket nets in Dubai are perfect for players looking to enhance their efficiency in a structured and specialist atmosphere.
    The accessibility of high-quality devices, experienced
    coaching personnel, and well-kept facilities makes these training areas the preferred option for many cricketers.
    Practicing in cricket webs helps players construct self-confidence, boost strategy, and develop match strategies.
    The competitive training environment promotes a strong cricketing
    mindset, urging gamers to continually boost and take their game to the
    next degree. With multiple training facilities across Dubai, players have accessibility to a few
    of the very best cricket webs offered. The cricketing society in Dubai
    remains to grow, with more gamers joining professional training programs to
    boost their skills. Cricket internet supply the structure for
    boosting batting, bowling, and fielding techniques,
    allowing gamers to optimize their capacity.
    The mix of structured mentoring, top quality centers, and progressed training tools
    guarantees that gamers receive top-tier training.
    Cricket internet in Dubai help players improve their game,
    create match methods, and gain confidence in their capabilities.

    Training in well-appointed method internet gives a chance to
    build uniformity and prepare for top-level competitors.
    Cricket internet in Dubai offer an expert and structured training setting where gamers can service their skills under specialist
    guidance. The accessibility of top-notch pitches, progressed training
    tools, and experienced mentoring staff makes sure that every cricketer
    gets the most effective feasible training experience.
    The controlled atmosphere enables players to focus on skill growth and match
    prep work. Whether training for an event or just seeking to boost their game,
    cricket nets give the ideal setup for committed method.

    Exercising regularly in a structured setting aids
    gamers establish uniformity, fine-tune methods, and boost general performance
    in cricket.

  6. anak babi

    After looking at a handful of the articles on your site, I honestly like your technique of writing a blog.
    I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please check out my website too and let me know your opinion.

  7. huay thai ,

    Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, as
    i want enjoyment, since this this site conations in fact nice funny stuff too.

  8. soldering process

    Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times
    it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and
    visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a very good
    job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera.
    Exceptional Blog!

  9. Эффективное лечение акне

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

    Does running a well-established blog such as yours require a massive
    amount work? I’m completely new to operating a blog however I do
    write in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my
    own experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if
    you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers.

    Appreciate it!

  10. resources

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering
    if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this
    for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  11. good soldering iron

    I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site.

    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues?
    A few 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 issue?

  12. porn tools

    Fantastic website. Lots of helpful info here. I’m sending it
    to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thanks in your effort!

  13. Victor Joseph

    Very grateful indeed whenever recognizing efforts being put forth daily via employees representing esteemed organization referred-to simply as ‘#anything#’ delivering exceptional results no matter where clients call home (including lovely spots situated Rancho Cucamonga car transport

  14. apply visa online

    Just desire to say your article is as astounding.
    The clarity to your post is simply spectacular and that i could assume you are an expert on this
    subject. Well along with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to
    stay up to date with approaching post. Thanks
    a million and please continue the enjoyable work.

  15. situs porno

    I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did
    you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog
    and would like to know where u got this from. appreciate it

  16. Bokep Terbaru 2025

    Having read this I believed it was extremely
    enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy
    to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending way too
    much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  17. 789club

    Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to grasp so much approximately this,
    such as you wrote the e book in it or something. I feel that you could do with some percent to power the message home a bit, but
    other than that, that is magnificent blog. A fantastic
    read. I’ll definitely be back.

  18. Removal of papillomas

    Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this, such as you wrote the e-book in it or something.
    I feel that you simply can do with some p.c. to force the message home a little bit, however instead of that, that is excellent blog.

    A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

Leave a Reply

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