Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 219,196

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.

219196 Responses

  1. rượu trắng

    Hi there, I found your website by means of Google at the same time
    as looking for a related topic, your web site came up, it seems
    to be great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply became aware of your weblog through Google, and located that it’s truly informative.
    I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful in the event you proceed this in future.
    Numerous other people shall be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  2. learn more here

    Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the
    internet the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people think about worries that they just do not know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the
    whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  3. エロ コスプレ

    and a signifier of the importance of the relationship.海外 セックス”Why does a walk in the woods seem so relaxing? Why do Americans spend $45 billion a year on bird watching? And why will nearly 10 percent of the world’s population visit a zoo or an aquarium this year? The great Harvard University evolutionary biologist Edward O.

  4. apply visa online

    This design is incredible! You definitely know how to keep a reader
    entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
    almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really enjoyed what you had to say,
    and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  5. Хайп бесплатные спины

    Hype Casino — это место, где выигрывают! Здесь каждый найдет что-то по душе лучшие слоты, классическую рулетку и блэкджек, а также различные бонусные программы для увеличения выигрышей. https://mart-igr.ru/.

    В чем преимущества Hype Casino?

    Высокая скорость вывода выигрышей без комиссий.
    Игровая коллекция, которая постоянно обновляется.
    Эксклюзивные бонусы, позволяющие играть с максимальной выгодой.

    Открывайте для себя Hype Casino и наслаждайтесь незабываемыми моментами азарта!

  6. velma cosplay sexy

    but you can always try both and see which feels best for you!Aren’t stockings just for “sexy time”?Definitely not! It’s true that they’re often associated with the boudoir (and a beautiful matching suspender belt and lingerie set is a wonderful way to feel like your most alluring self!),but they do have practical benefits,sexy velma cosplay

  7. Salt Trick

    Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?

    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked
    hard on. Any tips?

  8. uniswap v3

    Hello, i believe that i noticed you visited my web site thus i got here to go
    back the prefer?.I’m trying to to find things to enhance my
    web site!I assume its adequate to make use of some of your concepts!!

  9. how to get gabapentin pill

    cost of cheap gabapentin tablets can i buy cheap gabapentin for sale order generic gabapentin pill
    buying generic gabapentin price 100mg gabapentin uses can you buy gabapentin without rx
    where to buy gabapentin online
    where buy cheap gabapentin without rx can i get gabapentin price how can i get cheap gabapentin without a prescription
    buy gabapentin online no prescription needed can i order gabapentin for sale can you get cheap gabapentin without rx

  10. QQ88

    First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your
    thoughts before writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting
    my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes are usually wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
    Thanks!

  11. click for more,

    Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other
    sites? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I
    know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you’re
    even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  12. Shona

    Wonderful article! Press statements are key for crafting media
    messages and conveying important information. They support build relationships between entities and press.
    Creating effective press releases involves being clear, tailored with the concerns of chosen press contacts.

    With the rise of digital media, press releases also serve a vital role in digital outreach.
    They not only address traditional news outlets but also boost traffic and enhance a brand’s digital presence.

    Integrating visuals, such as photos, can render press releases significantly interesting and accessible.
    Adapting to the developing Media news (Shona) field while maintaining core values can greatly amplify
    a press release’s impact. What are your thoughts on utilizing multimedia
    in news releases?

  13. Click here

    Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working
    with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.

    Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Thanks, I appreciate it!

  14. stickman hook gameplay

    Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
    Very helpful info specifically the last phase 🙂 I care for such info a lot.
    I used to be seeking this particular info for a long time.

    Thanks and good luck.

Leave a Reply

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