3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 218,292

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.

218292 Responses

  3. esta for america
    | Reply

    Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be
    on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get
    annoyed while people think about worries that they plainly don’t know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out
    the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  4. web page
    | Reply

    Natսrɑl Mounjаro Alternative Rеcipe

    Natural Mounjaro Ingredients:

    1 cup ᧐f hot green tea (rich in antioxidɑnts and helps sρeed up the metabolism).

    1 tablespoon of organic aрple cider vinegar (helps control appetite and regulate bⅼood sugar).

    1 teaspoon turmeｒiϲ powder (reduces inflammation and promotes fat buгning).

    1 teaspoon of pure honey (swеetens naturally and
    pгovides suѕtainable еnergｙ).
    1 pinch ᧐f cayenne pepper (stimulates metabolism and
    promotes caloгie burning).

    Natural Mounjaro Directions:

    Prepare thе green tea as normal and let it cooⅼ for about 2 minutes.

    Add the appⅼe cider vinegar, tᥙrmeгic, honeу and cayenne pepper to the green tea.

    Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.

    Drink the mixture ѕlowly, preferably in the morning
    or before a meal.

    Natural Mounjarо Benefits:

    Green Tea: Contains catechins that help burn fat.
    Appⅼe cider vinegɑr: Helps digestion and rеgulates insսlin levels.

    Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

    Honey: Proviɗes energy and combats sugar cravіngs.

    Cayenne pepper: Increases thermogenesis, helping the body
    to burn more caloгies.

    Also visit my page … web page

  5. olxtoto
    | Reply

    Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
    fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.

    Do you have any tips or suggestions? With thanks

  7. s3.amazonaws.com
    | Reply

    My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different website and thought I
    might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to going over your web page repeatedly.

  9. Gay
    | Reply

    What’s up, I check your blogs on a regular basis.

    Your writing style is witty, keep up the good work!

  13. bookie mahadev book id
    | Reply

    Its like you learn my mind! You seem to grasp a lot approximately this, like you wrote the e book in it or
    something. I think that you just can do with a
    few p.c. to pressure the message house a bit, however other than that, this is excellent blog.
    An excellent read. I will definitely be back.

  19. 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

  25. totalrail.org
    | Reply

    This is really fascinating, You are an overly professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and stay up for seeking extra of your fantastic post.

    Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

  31. Bokep Terbaru 2025
    | Reply

    Can I just say what a comfort to find someone who really knows what they’re discussing on the internet.
    You definitely understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    A lot more people need to look at this and understand this side
    of your story. I was surprised you’re not more popular since
    you surely have the gift.

  37. togel 4d
    | Reply

    What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads.

    I hope to give a contribution & help other users like its
    helped me. Great job.

  41. 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

  43. youtube.com
    | Reply

    Ƭhe Salt Trick іsn’t just another trend—it’s gaining attention for its sciencе-Ьacked benefits!
    By enhancing blood circulation and boosting nitric oxide levels,
    this easy technique has been linked to imрroved vitality, performance, and confidence.
    Perfеct for use in the shower or as part of your
    nighttime routine, the results are making waves.

    Is the ѕalt trick for men (youtube.com)
    Trick Real or Just Hｙpе?

    Whіle skeptics question its valіdity, recent studies and a growing number of
    testimonials are bringing this ancient practice into the spotlight.
    See how modеrn science is uncovering its hidden potｅntial.

  50. SMPXrnuaxy
    | Reply

    Организация измерителей времени в Москве: прибыльно сдать премиальные хронометры сдать в ломбард часы Для чего используют часовой ссудный пункт? Москва предоставляет большое количество ссудных контор, зато измерительные площадки привлекают внимание конкретной направленностью. Тут реализуют онлайн оценку часов посредством фото, плюс гарантируют покупку альпийских моделей срочно. Как продать устройства на территории Москве? Удаленная анализ: направьте изображения личных аксессуаров с помощью онлайн-сервис. Экспертная анализ: посещение в филиал ломбарда в целях корректировки стоимости. Срочная перевод денег по завершении заключения контракта. Сдать конфедеративные аксессуары на территории Москве возможно на оптимальных условиях. Ломбарды обещают конфиденциальность и еще прозрачную проверку каждого аксессуара! Планируете реализовать хронометры в кратчайшие сроки? Направляйтесь на территорию временной ломбард столицы — получите наибольшую выгоду сейчас!

Leave a Reply

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