Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 221,342

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.

221342 Responses

  1. new online casinos

    I’m extremely pleased to find this website.
    I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!!
    I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you book-marked to check out new
    stuff on your blog.

  2. 時計

    Hi, i think that i noticed you visited my web site thus i came to return the
    prefer?.I am trying to find issues to improve my site!I guess
    its adequate to use some of your concepts!!

  3. scope markets minimum deposit

    Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog
    and wished to say that I’ve truly loved browsing your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing in your rss feed and I am hoping you write again soon!

  4. AE888

    This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Cheers!
    Exactly where are your contact details though?

  5. ai photo to sketch generator free

    I like the helpful information you provide to your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here regularly.

    I’m slightly certain I will be informed a lot of new stuff right right here!

    Best of luck for the following!

  6. Prf and Prp Hair restoration

    This was such an informative read! I’ve been looking into anti-aging treatments,
    and it’s reassuring to see real results. Have you tried professional
    skincare treatments?
    I totally agree with this post! Permanent hair reduction has been so
    convenient for me. Goodbye razor bumps and irritation! Any tips to maintain results?

    I struggled with uheven skin tone for years,
    so I appreciate this article on brightening treatments.
    A good skincare routine reaally does make a difference!
    Any recommendations for long-term skin brightening?
    Hair loss can be so frustrating, so I glaad I found his article.
    Recently tried a hair regrowth treatment, and I’m noticing new growth.
    Anyone else had success for hair regrowth?
    Acnee scars used to make mee self-conscious, so I understand the struggle.

    A good skincare routine helped fade mune over time. Have you
    tried professikonal treatments for scarring?

    This blog really helped on anti-aging! Fiine lines were starting to
    appear, and I needed a solution. What are your top anti-aging skkincare tips?

    Laser hair removl was the best decision ever! I barely need
    to shae anymore. Any tips way to prevent irritation after sessions?

    Uneveen skin tone was always a problem, but skin brightening treatments made a big difference.
    Any advice on natural vs. professional treatments?

    Hair thinning can be so stressful, but it’s great
    to see real solutions! I recently tried a regrowth serum, and my hair feels stronger.
    What are our favorite tips for hair growth?

    Acne scars can be treated! I started using a targeted treatment, and it’s really working.

    What’s your go-to?
    Aging gracefully is possible! I love learning about new anti-aging techniques.
    Any favorite ingredient for youthful skin?
    I’ve been thinking about laser hhair removal, and this
    blog was really helpful! Is iit better to start with at-home treatments or professional sessions?

    Dark spots were always a struggle for me, but this blog made
    me realize patience is needed. What’s your experience?

    I was worried about hair loss, but after reading this, I feel confident about treatment options.
    Which treatments have you found most effective?

    Acne scars can be stubborn, but I discovered that the right
    routine makes all the difference! Have you seen success with chemical peels?

    Fine lines became noticeable for me too, and I totally
    understand. Anti-aging treatments mae a real difference!
    What do you recommend?
    I used to deal with constant stubble, but laser hair removal changed that!
    How long did it take to see full results?
    This post was super helpful on brightening treatments!
    I’m excited to try some new products to my
    routine. What’s your top forr skin brightening?
    Hair regrowth can take time, but this blog kept me hopeful.
    What’s your top hair growth treatment recommendation?
    Acne scars don’t have to be permanent! I learned great tips to fade them.
    Any treatment that worked wonders for you?
    Fine llines can bee managed, and I love that this blog offers great solutions.
    Which anti-aging ingredient do you swear by?
    Laser hair removal seems so convenient! I’d love to hear your experience with long-term results?

    Uneven skin tone bothered me, and this blog gave me clarity on brightening solutions!

    Have you tried professional treatments?
    Hair loss is tough to deal with, but your post was very helpful!
    What’s your top treatment recommendations?
    Acne scars take time to heal, but this post was reassuring!Which method do you recommend for faster results?

    Feel free tto visit my page – Prf and Prp Hair restoration

  7. bola

    For most recent information you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on world-wide-web
    I found this web page as a finest web page for most recent updates.

  8. Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre curiosidades

    Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar
    one and i was just curious if you get a lot
    of spam remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?

    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

  9. fusion markets

    My partner and I stumbled over here different web address and
    thought I should check things out. I like what I see so i am
    just following you. Look forward to looking at your web page for
    a second time.

  10. WhatsApp 網頁版

    Whatsapp的WhatsApp 網頁版应用能够轻松与朋友、家人和同事保持联系。发送消息、拨打语音,随时随地体验简单可靠的沟通方式。https://www.linawin.com,https://www.telegramppo.com,https://www.web-skypea.com

  11. Laser Treatment for Hair Removal

    After hearing abouut some amazing results frim people who tried it, I’m realy curious about laser treatments.
    Does anyone have experience with howw effective it really
    is? I’ve heard it can work wonders!
    Lately, I’ve been wondering iff there’s a better way to prevent hair loss.
    Has anyone had success with hair re-growth treatments?
    I’m really hoping to find skmething that actually works.

    Acne scars have been bothering me for years. Does anyone have any recommendations for treatments
    that have worked for them? I’ve heard good things about
    skin rejuvenation, but
    I’vealways been hesitant about laser hair removal, bbut I’d
    love too hear some personal experiences before I take the plunge!

    Anyone else here struggled wuth dark spots? Has anyone tried treatments that helped?

    I’m so curious about skin rejuvenation treatments and
    how they can improve skin tone.
    Anyone have tips ffor treating hair loss? I’d love to hear
    about any treatments thaat have actually worked!
    Are there any trratments that can truly fade ane scars?
    I’m thinking about giving it a try!
    Can anyone share their experience withh laser hair removal?
    Does it really work as well as people say?
    I’ve been using some anti-aging creams, but Has anyone tried professional anti-aging treatments?

    I’ve been researching different treatments for smoother skin. Anyone have suggestions?
    Has anyone tried a rejuvenatiopn treatment
    that made a noticeable difference?
    I’m tired of the constant shaving and waxing. Does
    laser hair removal last long?
    I’m curious if anyone has seen signifiant
    results wijth skin brightening treatments? What do you think?

    I keep hearing great things about laser hair removal.
    I’m wondering if it’s really worth it. Has anyone had long-lasting results?

    I’m getting older, and I’d love to know more about skiin rejuvenation options.

    Has anyone had success with treatments ffor fine lines and
    wrinkles?
    I’ve been dealing with hair thinning and am curious about treatment options.
    What has worked for you?
    I’ve been struggling with uneven skin tone and dark spots, What
    treatment worked best for you?
    I’ve been considering treatments forr
    acne scars, but What do you think about skin rejuvenation for acne scars?

    Has anyone tried it for facial hair? I’m ready too try something new and permanent.

    Has anyone had sucxcess with hair re-growth treatments?

    What hair regrowth treatments do you recommend?
    I’ve been hearing a lot about anti-aging treatments,
    and Haas anyobe here tried professional treatments?
    I’m considering laser hair removal, but I’m curious about the pain level.
    Does anyone have experience? What was your experience with it?

    Are anti-aging treatments really as effective as they
    claim? What treatments work best foor combating wrinkles?

    Hass anyone had success with skin brightening treatments?

    What options arre best for fading dark spots and brighteninng the
    skin?
    I’ve been thinking about skin rejuvenation for a while. What treatments have you tried?
    Has anyone hhad great results?

    Also visit my web blog – Laser Treatment for Hair Removal

  12. link vào 23win

    Thank you, I have just been looking for information approximately this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have found out till
    now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you certain about the source?

  13. ¿Mi Chromecast está configurado para actualizarse automáticamente?

    Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However imagine if you added
    some great images or video clips to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could certainly be one of the very best
    in its field. Wonderful blog!

Leave a Reply

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