3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 220,604

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.

220604 Responses

  1. video mesum anak kecil
    | Reply

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing issues with your website.
    It appears as though some of the written text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and
    let me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Cheers

  2. sex nhật bản
    | Reply

    LIV Golf star Kevin Na went on a foul-mouthed tirade to end
    the promotion’s second annual event in Australia, where he struggled to play his
    ball out of the rough on a few strokes. 

    Na looked at his first shot in the rough, which in this case was a
    sand-filled part of the woods, and said to his caddy ‘this is f****ng bulls**t’ before striking the ball a few times to get back on the fairway. 

    With every stroke in the rough, Na became more infuriated with himself that he could
    not leave the hazard. 

    Before he second shot in the rough, about five yards away from his first attempt, Na
    smacks his caddy’s golf bag in disgust with himself. 

    Na’s second shot is even worse than his first,
    walking about three yards to see his ball and under a rope to keep
    fans away from the playing course. 

    Kevin Na’s third and final round of LIV Golf’s
    Australian event was mostly solid, until hole No 18

    Na played three shots in the sandy rough before getting his
    ball back onto the course’s green

    LIV Golf star Kevin Na loses his sh!t in Adelaide

    “F—king Bullsh-t!!!”

    (Via: milz_ting/TT | @ziregolf) pic.twitter.com/vJ0S0Io6Ok

    — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 29, 2024

    Finally, Na gets his ball back onto any green with his third attempt, lofting the ball between two trees. 

    Entering the third and final round, Na’s Iron Heads were only one shot off
    the lead. Na and the rest of his teammates had an awful final 18 holes, dropping them to sixth place. 

    Na started the day on the back half of the course and had 16 straight
    holes without a bogey heading into his final one of the tournament. 

    Na truly bookended his round with bogeys, with his last
    attempt going for a double bogey with his trip through the woods. 

    Na finished the third round with a 69 and tied for 34th
    overall in the individual competition.  

  3. mpo slot
    | Reply

    I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also go to see this blog on regular basis to take updated from most up-to-date gossip.

  4. check my blog
    | Reply

    Hey There. I found your weblog the usage of msn. That is
    an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post.
    I’ll certainly return.

  6. Maxine
    | Reply

    Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be
    running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility
    but I figured I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though!
    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Many thanks

  7. ballroom dancing photos
    | Reply

    I feel this is among the so much significant info for me.
    And i am happy reading your article. But wanna remark
    on few normal things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really excellent
    : D. Excellent process, cheers

  9. Telegram網頁版
    | Reply

    Telegram官網提供中文版的Telegram下載。不僅有Telegram網頁版、Telegram PC電腦桌面版，還有蘋果手機和安卓應用版本可供選擇。https://www.whathkapp.com，https://www.linawin.com，https://www.web-skypea.com

  12. PosterHud
    | Reply

    Need the perfect print to upgrade your space? We’ve got you covered at
    PosterHud.com!

    We offer a huge collection of high-quality posters that suit every preference.

    Whether you love music, classic art, or minimalist looks, our
    store has something perfect for you.

    Why Choose PosterHud?

    ✅ One-of-a-kind Selections✅ High-Resolution Print
    Quality✅ Fast Delivery✅ Budget-Friendly Prices✅ Safe Transactions

    Transform Your Room

    Upgrade your living room with stylish posters from PosterHud.com.

    Each artwork is crafted on high-quality paper to provide long-lasting details.

    Shop Now!

    Don’t miss out – browse PosterHud.com now and bring life to your space with amazing posters!

  16. tonic greens facebook
    | Reply

    It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it
    is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

    My web page tonic greens facebook

  27. wheel alignment Tarzana
    | Reply

    Someone necessarily assist to make seriously articles I might state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your web page and to
    this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular
    post amazing. Magnificent task!

  28. touristrequirements.info
    | Reply

    Pretty component to content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I acquire
    actually enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I will be
    subscribing on your augment and even I success you access persistently fast.

  33. cắt lazer
    | Reply

    I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s
    both equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt,
    you’ve hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    I’m very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something concerning this.

  34. touristrequirements.info
    | Reply

    Wow that was unusual. 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 great blog!

  35. mua bán trẻ em
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog.
    You have some really good articles and I believe
    I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off,
    I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link
    back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if
    interested. Thanks!

  36. construção de casa financiada pela caixa econômica
    | Reply

    É perfeito momento para fazer alguns planos para o longo
    prazo e é hora de ser feliz. Eu li aprendi este enviar e se
    eu puder eu desejo recomendar você algumas coisas fascinantes ou conselhos.
    Talvez você pudesse escrever subsequentes artigos referindo-se a deste artigo.
    Eu desejo ler mais questões sobre isso!

  38. roofers
    | Reply

    What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered
    It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & aid other users like its helped me.

    Great job.

  40. Swap Relpax
    | Reply

    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
    In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!

  43. Bokep Indonesia Terbaru
    | Reply

    Good post. I learn something new and challenging
    on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read through
    articles from other authors and practice something from their websites.

  45. Bokep Indonesia Terbaru
    | Reply

    I just like the valuable information you supply to your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at again right here
    regularly. I’m quite certain I will learn many new stuff right
    here! Best of luck for the following!

  46. porn tools
    | Reply

    What’s up, this weekend is good designed for me,
    for the reason that this point in time i am reading this great educational paragraph here at my house.

  48. Ida Rivera
    | Reply

    Limos aren’t simply for celebrities any longer! They make every celebration feel unique. Have you tried renting one for a birthday celebration or wedding anniversary? Check out more about it at mercedes wedding car

Leave a Reply

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