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.
Fortunabola
Take pleasure in the thrill of participating in Fortunabola
slot to the Fortunabola website, which gives a variety
of online games with modern options and higher winning possibilities.
Register and log in working with Fortunabola login to get started.
With easy accessibility in the Fortunabola link, you can Participate in anytime and any where.
Fortunabola is an ideal option for slot followers looking for a entertaining and safe gaming encounter.
riile.org
Fortunabola
Signing up for Fortunabola will give you the possibility to enjoy slot
online games with superior profitable potential.
The System gives different entertaining slot game titles with interesting bonuses.
Entry the website through the Fortunabola link and log in simply making use
of Fortunabola login. The Fortunabola web site is recognized for its reasonable and
secure procedure, making it the best option for slot fans.
Don’t miss out on the prospect to get! https://vudiprivate.com/
Georgia Adams
Fantastic post! Discover more at fence contractor company
Derma Clear Skin Tag Remover Skin care
The esthetics and health of our peel encounter a pregnant use in our boilers suit visual aspect and well-existence.
Inspect my internet site … http://catx00x.hypermart.net/cgi-bin/mkaki0864c/mkakikomitai.cgi
Bess Rowe
Great insights! Find more at water damage repair
Brasil e sustentabilidade global
Eu realmente gosto o que vocês tendem a estar fazendo.
Esse tipo de trabalho inteligente e exposição! Continuem
com os ótimos trabalhos, pessoal. Eu adicionei vocês no blogroll.
Iva Andrews
Great insights! Find more at رفع مسدودی واتساپ
Nellie Turner
The collaboration between humans and AI could lead to unprecedented innovation. What are your thoughts? Join the conversation at GBP Agency
Christina Jones
“The ebook on # http://taxibestellung24.de/php/redirect.php?url=https://allmyfaves.com/bedwynfjvk # became tremendous invaluable—I’ll be bookmarking this web
Harry Barton
Clearly presented. Discover more at vet near me
Nicholas Norman
If you want to impress your guests with minimal effort urgent nang delivery Melbourne
Clicking Here
Marvelous, what a webpage it is! This webpage provides valuable facts to us, keep it
up.
debt collection darwin
May I just say what a comfort to discover a person that genuinely knows what
they’re talking about online. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
A lot more people really need to check this out and
understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular given that you surely have the
gift.
Floyd Rodriguez
Clearly presented. Discover more at roofer
web page
Hello, i think tht і saԝ ʏou visited my weblog ѕo i came to return tһe favor.I ɑm attempting to find
tһings to improve my website!I suppose іts ok to usee a few oof your ideas!!
my website; web page
Gregory Dean
Great insights! Find more at Rembrandt Roofing & Restoration
Skype 網頁版
现在Skype 網頁版提供免費通話、視訊、即時訊息和文件分享功能,讓您輕鬆保持聯繫,隨時隨地共享精彩世界。https://www.telegramppo.com,https://www.whathkapp.com,https://www.linawin.com
BitCAN
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any
problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it appears
a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off?
I’d really appreciate it.
Alice Holland
This was very well put together. Discover more at local auto accident lawyers
Lettie Salazar
This is highly informative. Check out roofers Davenport company near me for more
Ralph Walton
Thanks for the comprehensive read. Find more at remodeler near me Hauppauge
web site
Nicely put. Thanks!
My blog http://blueroses.top:8888/curtggz2911476/casino-site-6463/wiki/Exploring-the-World-of-Online-Gambling%3A-How-Casino79-Became-the-Ultimate-Scam-Verification-Platform
SITUS GOLDEN189
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog.
You have some really great articles and I feel I would be
a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love
to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link
back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.
Many thanks!
nonton bokep cina
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you
who are not afraid to say how they believe. At
all times go after your heart.
bet
Whats up very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing ..
I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
I am happy to seek out a lot of helpful info right here within the submit, we’d like develop more strategies on this regard,
thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Outdoor Cricket Nets Dubai
Factor clearly regarded!.
my web site … https://brechobebe.com.br/index.php/author/louiebenner/
Olive Lowe
Great job! Find more at roof replacement
Gogolix.kyiv.ua
continuously i used to read smaller content that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with
this article which I am reading now. https://gogolix.kyiv.ua/user/Susanne07N/
مشاوره تحصیلی کارشناسی ارشد
مشاوره تحصیلی کارشناسی ارشد، فرآیندی تخصصی است که به داوطلبان کمک میکند تا با برنامهریزی دقیق، انتخاب منابع مناسب و آشنایی با تکنیکهای مطالعه، آمادگی لازم برای شرکت در آزمون ورودی این مقطع را کسب کنند.
مشاوره تحصیلی کارشناسی ارشد
مشاوره تحصیلی کارشناسی ارشد، فرآیندی تخصصی است که به داوطلبان کمک میکند تا با برنامهریزی دقیق، انتخاب منابع مناسب و آشنایی با تکنیکهای مطالعه، آمادگی لازم برای شرکت در آزمون ورودی این مقطع را کسب کنند.
Leila Bowen
I’ve seen such a lot of imaginitive makes use of for nangs recently; what’s yours? nangs tank
slot bet 40 perak deposit 5000
My partner and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I might check things out.
I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking into
your web page yet again.
tent table chair rental
It’s amazing designed for me to have a web page, which is
valuable for my knowledge. thanks admin
währungsrechner oanda
Thanks a lot. I enjoy this!
Elijah McCormick
Great insights! Discover more at Local fire damage cleanup
sexy velma
sexy velmaFor Love & Lemons x Victoria’s Secret Izzy Babydoll Slip DressThe effortlessly elegant silhouette of this babydoll slip is both flirty and super comfy.Made with sheer light blue fabric,
url
Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue about this paragraph at this place at this webpage, I have read all that, so at this time
me also commenting at this place.
order generic levaquin no prescription
Medicament information. Long-Term Effects.
order generic levaquin no prescription
Best trends of pills. Get now.
Rosetta Brewer
There are countless choices whilst planning gatherings round using the ones top notch tank expertise—it invariably leads us down joyful paths after finding them simply by: ### nang bottles Melbourne
Willie Newton
Seriously because opening a web publication devoted simply to recipes the use of nang tanks—emotions? Nangs Near Me
Georgie Stevenson
Well done! Discover more at Relocation Network Moving & Restoration
Ann Benson
Great insights! Find more at plumbing services contractor
Skype 網頁版
现在Skype 網頁版提供免費通話、視訊、即時訊息和文件分享功能,讓您輕鬆保持聯繫,隨時隨地共享精彩世界。https://www.telegramppo.com,https://www.whathkapp.com,https://www.linawin.com
hiếp dâm bà giá
I think that is one of the such a lot significant info
for me. And i’m happy reading your article.
But wanna observation on few common things, The site taste is wonderful, the articles is in point of fact nice
: D. Good process, cheers
best slots to play online for real money
Link exchange is nothing else except it is only placing the
other person’s web site link on your page
at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.
Teresa Henry
This was quite useful. For more, visit fire damage cleanup nearby
Joshua Clarke
This was a fantastic resource. Check out Total Restoration for more
비아그라 구매
I truly love your website.. Great colors & theme.
Did you build this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create
my own blog and want to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named.
Thanks!
More Bonuses
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this web page, as
i want enjoyment, since this this web page conations in fact fastidious funny material
too.
Della Glover
This was a great article. Check out Air conditioning system Houston for more