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.
warga88
It’s in point of fact a nice and useful piece of info.
I am glad that you shared this useful information with
us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
warga88
magnificent issues altogether, you just won a new reader.
What would you recommend about your submit that you simply made some days ago?
Any positive?
warga88
I was recommended this website via my cousin. I’m not certain whether or not this submit is written via him as
no one else understand such certain approximately my trouble.
You are incredible! Thanks!
リアルラブドール.ラブドールリアル
You are so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read something like this before.
So good to discover someone with original thoughts on this subject.
Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s
needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
Login Iontogel
Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing
the other person’s website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do
similar for you.
Лазерное омоложение
I go to see every day some websites and information sites to read articles, except this blog provides feature based writing.
Find out here
When someone writes an paragraph he/she maintains the thought of a user
in his/her brain that how a user can understand it. So that’s why this post is
great. Thanks!
spick
Greetings, I believe your website may be having internet browser
compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look at your
blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E.,
it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you
with a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!
hootch
Why users still make use of to read news papers when in this technological globe all is existing on net?
stoned
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your
useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.
Iontogel
No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she
wants to be available that in detail, thus that
thing is maintained over here.
aquasculpt review
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest
you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read even more things about it!
www.Yourknownjobs.com
Greetings folks,
Seo 2024 adam Clarke [http://www.Yourknownjobs.com] and digital marketing are essential in today’s fast-paced business
world. Being based in Chicago, I’ve witnessed how regional search
optimization transform online presence—especially for
competitive industries. This agency, a results-driven agency in the
Mundelein area, clearly excels with data-driven solutions.
Their specialization in technical SEO and content
marketing substantially helps businesses to excel in regional markets.
For example|For instance successful campaigns: they improve Google Business Profiles and employ cutting-edge software to keep
ahead of SEO trends. Alongside strategic integration, they develop
comprehensive strategies.
For businesses aiming to enhance your online reach, their team ensures visible outcomes.
The agency’s bespoke plans fuel long-term growth, not just generic outcomes.
url
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff prior to and you are simply extremely fantastic.
I really like what you have obtained here, certainly like what
you’re saying and the way during which you assert it.
You make it entertaining and you still care for to stay it wise.
I can’t wait to read far more from you. That is really a great website.
concrete floor demo
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering problems with
your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anyone else getting the same RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly
respond? Thanx!!
miototo togel
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?
mitolyn reviews
Outstanding quest there. What occurred after? Take care!
SENSA838
What i do not realize is actually how you are now not actually much more smartly-favored than you may be right now.
You’re very intelligent. You understand thus considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles.
Its like women and men are not fascinated unless it is something to do with Lady gaga!
Your individual stuffs nice. Always take care of it up!
ダッチワイフ
Incredible points. Sound arguments. Keep up the great effort.
visit here
Hi there everyone, it’s my first go to see at this site, and paragraph is really fruitful designed
for me, keep up posting such content.
click here
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I am
waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.
AquaSculpt review
This excellent website really has all of the
information and facts I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
sfcc-chemicals.com
Good blog you’ｖe got hеre.. It’s difficult tօ find excellent writing liкe yours these dayѕ.
I truoy appreciate people ⅼike yоu! Tɑke care!!
Check oսt my blog – orԀеr mephedrone (4mmc) crystal powder (sfcc-chemicals.com)
بوکال فت
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if
you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty
finding one? Thanks a lot!
esta visa for america from uk
These are actually impressive ideas in on the
topic of blogging. You have touched some good points here. Any way keep
up wrinting.
Asset Broxa
First of all I want to say excellent blog!
I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts
before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
Appreciate it!
general construction
Excellent weblog here! Additionally your site
lots up very fast! What host are you the usage of?
Can I am getting your affiliate link in your host?
I want my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Prediksi Top Sdy
You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I’ve read a single thing like that before.
So nice to find somebody with original thoughts on this
issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
This site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone
with some originality!
لیفت غبغب
Hi! I’ve been following your website for a
while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!
web designer Perth
You’re so interesting! I do not believe I’ve truly read anything like this before.
So great to find another person with a few unique thoughts
on this issue. Really.. many thanks for starting this
up. This website is one thing that’s needed on the
web, someone with a bit of originality!
Sau
WebSite: https://repaircddvd.com
ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید
ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید، با ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید و گسترش واحدهای آموزشی خود در اقصی نقاط ایران و ارائه طیف وسیعی از رشتههای تحصیلی در مقاطع گوناگون از کاردانی تا دکتری، فرصت ادامه تحصیل را برای تعداد زیادی از جوانان این فراهم آورده است.
ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید
ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید، با ثبت نام دانشگاه آزاد ورودی های جدید و گسترش واحدهای آموزشی خود در اقصی نقاط ایران و ارائه طیف وسیعی از رشتههای تحصیلی در مقاطع گوناگون از کاردانی تا دکتری، فرصت ادامه تحصیل را برای تعداد زیادی از جوانان این فراهم آورده است.
free spins no deposit uk
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and
visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Outstanding work!
마사지
Wow, this post is nice, my sister is analyzing these
kinds of things, so I am going to convey her.
ماساژ تخصصی و حرفه ای
Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it
and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
More information
Unquestionably imagine that which you stated. Your favourite
reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest factor to
have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people consider concerns that they
plainly do not recognize about. You controlled to hit
the nail upon the highest and defined out the entire thing with no need side effect , folks could take
a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you
tc lottery hack.
Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers
and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Thank you, I appreciate it!
sex động vật
Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to know a lot approximately this, such
as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you
just could do with some percent to force the message house a little
bit, but other than that, this is great blog. An excellent read.
I will certainly be back.
best bitcoin sites
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure
whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.
You’re amazing! Thanks!
стоматология круглосуточно
Безопасные методы лечения.
Современная стоматология платная предлагает несколько безопасных методов
лечения зубов во время беременности с использованием безопасных
анестетиков. Специалисты используют для анестезии ряд лекарственных препаратов, которые не проникают в плаценту и в грудное молоко.
Лечение можно проводить даже
в период грудного вскармливания.
Такие препараты сознаны на основе артикаина или мепивакаина.
ctpedia.org
Brilliant insights! As The Loop’s top plumbing co, I’ve bled for Chicago’s
brutal “emergency HVAC” SERPs through 773-area schema clusters + Ben’s Breadcrumb
magic. Burn generic gurus – Chi-Town demands two-fisted review syndication across Wicker Park mom blogs.
Last month: 27%↑ Skokie leads. PS: Magnificent Mile directory
paywalls = gamechanger.
– local seo checklist 2024 (ctpedia.org) Network
Из чего делают Лаеннек
Article writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with
afterward you can write otherwise it is complicated to write.
فيديو اغتصاب ابستين للبيع
Just want to say your article is as astonishing.
The clarity on your publish is simply spectacular and i can suppose you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me to snatch your RSS feed to
keep updated with forthcoming post. Thank you a million and please carry
on the enjoyable work.
visit here
I am really pleased to glance at this weblog posts which carries lots of
useful information, thanks for providing these kinds
of data.
출장마사지
Terrific work! That is the type of info that are supposed to
be shared around the web. Shame on Google for now not positioning this post higher!
Come on over and seek advice from my web site .
Thanks =)
นาฬิกาก๊อปTag Heuer
Wonderful items from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you
are just extremely great. I actually like what you have got
here, really like what you are saying and the way
in which by which you say it. You’re making it enjoyable and you continue
to care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to learn far
more from you. That is really a great web site.
site
Ahaa, its nice conversation concerning this post at
this place at this website, I have read all that,
so now me also commenting at this place.
비아그라 구매 사이트
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues?
A number of my blog visitors have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?
kill
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home
a little bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.