Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 232,885

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.

232885 Responses

  1. CINAKAR

    Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to know a lot
    approximately this, such as you wrote the book in it or something.
    I feel that you can do with a few % to power the message home a bit, however other than that, this is
    great blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be
    back.

  2. duatoto

    Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.

    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  3. gangbang indo

    It’s really a cool and useful piece of info. I’m happy that you shared this helpful info with us.
    Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  4. More information

    Fine way of explaining, and good paragraph to obtain information on the topic
    of my presentation topic, which i am going to present in school.

  5. Phising

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could
    we communicate?

  6. Immediate Luminary

    Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant paragraph.

  7. Capital Zevionis

    I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have offered to your post.
    They are very convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless,
    the posts are very short for beginners. May you please prolong them
    a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  8. ผมมัน

    you’re truly a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing.
    It sort of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick.

    Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a wonderful task in this matter!

  9. additional reading

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
    this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad
    for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  10. heightened posters

    Why a Posters Store is Your Hidden Gem for Home Decor

    Want to give your space a facelift without spending a fortune? Start with a posters store and watch your room come alive.

    Whether you’re into clean minimalism, bold typography, or dreamy nature shots, posters stores offer something for everyone.

    Breaking Down the Posters Store Concept

    A posters store is a specialized shop that offers a wide variety of posters.

    They may be local boutiques, mall shops, or full-featured online stores.

    Some posters stores also provide custom printing, making them a one-stop shop for wall transformation.

    The Growing Popularity of the Posters Store

    There’s a reason posters stores are becoming the go-to for decorators, students, and first-time homeowners.

    Low-Cost Transformation: Posters stores are perfect for decorating on a budget without sacrificing taste.

    Variety at Your Fingertips: Posters stores constantly update collections to stay on trend.

    Quick Interior Impact: Change the tone of a room instantly with one bold piece.

    Posters Store Shopping Guide: What to Know Before You Go

    Know Your Space – Think ahead: vertical or horizontal? One large print or a collage set?

    Choose a Theme or Color Scheme – Posters stores often organize by mood, style, or palette.

    Don’t Forget the Frame – Framing elevates even the simplest poster.

    Explore Limited Editions – These are great if you want something less common.

    Top Poster Categories in Today’s Posters Stores

    Motivational Quotes – Clean fonts, bold statements, perfect for workspaces.

    Movie & Music Posters – Celebrate your favorite films and artists with iconic prints.

    Nature & Landscape Prints – Soothing visuals for any room.

    Abstract & Minimalist Art – Clean lines, subtle tones—ideal for modern interiors.

    Pop Art & Retro Posters – A punch of color and nostalgia.

    Final Thoughts: Why Every Space Needs a Posters Store Visit

    They give you access to design-forward ideas without the pressure of overspending.

    So whether you’re revamping your bedroom, personalizing your dorm, or updating your office space, a posters store is a smart and stylish place to start.

  11. フィギア エロ

    人形 エロand the impulse given which raised evenpersons of the most ordinary intellect to something of the dignity ofthinking beings.Of such we have had an example in the condition ofEurope during the times immediately following the Reformation; another,

  12. ac repair near me

    Hello I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Google for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all
    round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have
    book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time
    I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic b.

  13. best live music bars montreal

    I used to be recommended this website by means of my cousin. I’m now not sure whether
    or not this post is written through him as no one else recognize such certain about my
    problem. You’re incredible! Thanks!

  14. máy ra vào lốp

    You’ve made some good points there. I looked on the net to find out more about the issue and
    found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

  15. ラブドール

    ラブドール オナニー’ whichis always implied in the object of desire.These are the discussions ofan age before logic; and any one who is wearied by them should rememberthat they are necessary to the clearing up of ideas in the firstdevelopment of the human faculties.

  16. browse this site

    Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hi there, You’ve performed a great job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I am sure they will be benefited from this web site.

  17. trang chủ 23win

    Hello there! This post could not be written any better!

    Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this information to him.

    Pretty sure he will have a great read. Thank you for sharing!

  18. check it out

    Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to know
    a lot approximately this, like you wrote the book in it or something.

    I feel that you just can do with a few percent to
    power the message house a bit, however instead of that,
    this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  19. sun dresses

    I for all time emailed this webpage post page to all my
    associates, as if like to read it then my contacts will too.

  20. web site

    I am sure this post has touched all the internet visitors, its really
    really fastidious post on building up new blog.

  21. URL

    Now I am going away to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming yet again to read more news.

  22. additional info

    I blog often and I truly appreciate your content.

    Your article has truly peaked my interest.

    I will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week.
    I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  23. duatoto

    Thanks in support of sharing such a nice idea, article is nice, thats why i have
    read it completely

  24. Luz

    This paragraph will help the internet visitors for building up new webpage or even a
    weblog from start to end.

  25. daftar duatoto

    Hello friends, how is the whole thing, and what you desire to say about this article, in my
    view its actually amazing in support of me.

  26. cheap silver chains

    Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to look it over.
    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Great blog and brilliant design and style.

  27. seo expert

    continuously i used to read smaller content which also clear their motive,
    and that is also happening with this article which I am reading at
    this time.

Leave a Reply to check this link right here now Cancel reply

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