3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 220,633

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.

220633 Responses

  3. fisher capital
    | Reply

    Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the challenges.
    It was definitely informative. Your site is very
    useful. Thanks for sharing!

  4. michelin near me
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
    I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would really
    like to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you are
    even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  5. Posterhud.com
    | Reply

    Searching for the perfect wall art to upgrade your space?
    Your search ends here at PosterHud.com!

    We offer a extensive range of top-notch posters that
    suit every preference. Whether you love pop culture, retro
    themes, or modern aesthetics, you’ll find something perfect for
    you.

    Why Choose PosterHud?

    ✅ One-of-a-kind Selections✅ Crisp Images✅ Speedy Shipping✅ Affordable Offers✅ Secure Transactions

    Customize Your Wall

    Upgrade your workspace with trendy posters from PosterHud.com.

    Every poster is crafted on durable paper to ensure sharp colors.

    Get Yours Today!

    Act fast – explore PosterHud.com today and bring life
    to your walls with amazing posters!

  6. michelin tyre suppliers
    | Reply

    Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came
    to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Terrific blog and outstanding design.

  10. 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

  11. klik simplyslot
    | Reply

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really
    nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back later.

    Many thanks

  12. PosterHud
    | Reply

    Searching for the perfect wall art to transform your
    space? Your search ends here at PosterHud.com!

    Explore a extensive range of high-quality prints that
    suit every preference. For fans of movies, retro themes, or
    contemporary looks, you’ll find the right choice for you.

    Why Choose PosterHud?

    ✅ Exclusive Designs✅ High-Resolution Print Quality✅ Quick Processing✅ Cost-Effective Deals✅ Safe Payments

    Make Your Space Unique

    Enhance your bedroom with trendy posters from PosterHud.com.
    Our prints is designed on premium-grade materials to provide sharp details.

    Shop Now!

    Don’t miss out – shop PosterHud.com today and bring life to your home with amazing posters!

  15. gutter cleaning san ramon
    | Reply

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
    Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!

  20. avalbet
    | Reply

    Hello there I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Anyhow I am
    here now and would just like to say cheers for a tremendous
    post and a all round interesting 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 a lot more, Please do
    keep up the superb b.

  22. vip lotto
    | Reply

    obviously like your web site however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.
    A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth then again I’ll surely come again again.

    my web page … vip lotto

  29. lg dual inverter
    | Reply

    I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great
    topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  30. ROM Trading
    | Reply

    Link exchange is nothing else but it is just placing the
    other person’s webpage link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.

  32. vacation
    | Reply

    Thanks for sharing such a pleasant thought, piece of writing
    is fastidious, thats why i have read it fully

  34. Sean Richardson
    | Reply

    Passionate food lovers thrive premier at any time when organized proper along sound methodologies embraced commonly embraced among communities collectively helping endeavors concentrated primarily surrounding findings precise right now reaching lower back View website

  35. air condition repair
    | Reply

    Good – I should certainly say I’m impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info. The site ended up being truly easy to access. Good job… finding insurance

  38. Visit This Link
    | Reply

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very
    well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark
    it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I’ll certainly comeback.

  43. heating and air conditioning repair
    | Reply

    Oh my goodness! an amazing write-up dude. Thanks a ton Nonetheless I will be experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Not able to enroll in it. Could there be everyone finding identical rss dilemma? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  44. deriv
    | Reply

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if
    it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a
    youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has
    83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  47. fxgt-in-thailand.com
    | Reply

    I got this web site from my pal who told me
    on the topic of this web page and now this time I am visiting
    this website and reading very informative content here.

  49. oven repair
    | Reply

    Nice blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from
    somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand out.

    Please let me know where you got your design. Bless
    you

Leave a Reply

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