Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 242,821

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.

242821 Responses

  1. sex trẻ em

    Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own.
    Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be
    really appreciated!

  2. سحبه الف بار

    I am extremely inspired with your writing skills and also with
    the structure for your blog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify
    it yourself? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it
    is rare to peer a nice weblog like this one these
    days..

  3. Deco Systems

    I’m not sure why but this site is loading very slow
    for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  4. ngentot anjing

    A person essentially lend a hand to make significantly posts
    I would state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far?

    I amazed with the research you made to create this actual
    publish incredible. Wonderful activity!

  5. Live Draw China

    Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just
    sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any points for beginner blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

  6. link alternatif kikototo

    Excellent article. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hi there, You have done an excellent job. I will certainly digg
    it and individually recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will
    be benefited from this website.

  7. 토토사이트

    Your style is so unique compared to other folks I have read
    stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this site.

  8. Veworld

    Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this webpage;
    this weblog includes remarkable and actually good stuff in support of visitors.

  9. Bottle Openers are better

    Admiring the hard work you put into your site
    and detailed information you present. It’s nice
    to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Excellent read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  10. sách cổ nhân

    Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a
    marvellous job!

  11. 토토 파인더

    You actually make it appear so easy with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be actually one thing which
    I believe I might never understand. It seems too complex and
    extremely large for me. I’m looking ahead on your next submit, I’ll attempt to get the grasp of it!

  12. Gitea.Services.Gsd-Srv.Com

    And his order saved altering so I thought he was taking half in video games. I by no means took his money, so it is a bogus review primarily based off of one being pissed because I turned him away . This man needed a discount so unhealthy he was keen to make a faux evaluate with out ever trying our merchandise. I may even be putting on the site we don’t need any critiques when you have by no means tried our products. Plus we do have reviews from folks that have tried our merchandise from a 3rd party seller. One of the rising platforms that provide genuine, budget-friendly, and safely delivered merchandise in the minimal possible time is AAS pharmacy.
    What options do you have if you would like to make it occur now? Properly, your answer is shopping for injectable or oral anabolic steroids on-line. Achieve access to quality steroids, legally at finest costs; select from our assortment of merchandise and get them delivered quick. Totally Different harm reduction methods could probably be employed to limit this consumer community from either getting in contact with pretend AAS from the black market or to advertise safer use and knowledgeable choice making.
    AAS Pharmacy is widely known for selling high-quality anabolic steroids with comprehensive product information for each item. With clear dosage tips and descriptions, AAS Pharmacy goals to make every buy clear and easy. The web site additionally prioritizes user privateness, providing safe fee methods and discreet shipping options.
    An enhance in testosterone booster boosts metabolism, energy ranges and enhances stamina. Research has proven a direct correlation between metabolism and development hormone. We use dedicated folks and clever technology to safeguard our platform. Axiolabs has impressed me with their dedication to high quality and innovation of their product line.
    A transdermal patch (Intrinsa) for hormone alternative in women is beneath investigation; the day by day dosages utilized in girls are much lower than for products used in males. The FDA ruled in late 2004 that it would delay the approval of Intrinsa women’s testosterone patch and has required extra information concerning security, particularly in relation to cardiovascular and breast health. In this systematic review we demonstrate that the true composition, the kind of manufacturing, focus, quantity, high quality, and purity are often not declared on the label, and labels are even deceptive. In the case of mislabeled AAS acquired on the black market, it’s presently not exactly known what’s consumed by the person. We present proof that AAS usually tend to be under-concentrated than over-concentrated if they’re of substandard quality. Anabolic steroid customers generally exceed 10 to a hundred times the physiological limits [1]. This is amplified by unintentional consumption of over-concentrated AAS, which might include a number of severe health risks.
    Human progress hormone-like HGH on the market peptide helps in enhancing physique and performance enhancement in addition they improve the quality of sexual life and overall well-being by uplifting temper. Injectable steroids for sale in USA have a speedy onset of action however repeated needle pricks may be one of the considerations. They are available in vials containing aqueous or oil-based options containing steroids. Long-acting requires much less frequent administration and vice-versa for short-acting esters. They basically alter the quantity in which a particular protein is shaped. Protein synthesis known as anabolism is up-graded and the downgrading of protein generally recognized as catabolism is blocked total increasing the positive protein stability. When running steroid cycles, always construct your training/exercise program around your cycle and your goals.
    There is a big and rising variety of individuals who’re possibly uncovered to those pretend AAS on the black market. We demonstrate that foreign shipments of fake AAS over the past years could have elevated significantly, thus the negative penalties on public health could also be substantial. Up To Date numbers are urgently needed, as the popularity of those substances is described to have elevated, i.e. within the UK it’s estimated that AAS reputation has doubled inside the 10 years to 2018 [6]. Moreover, first time use of anabolic brokers has already been described in high-school age adolescents [15]. Lifetime prevalence of AAS customers in leisure sportspeople and athletes is estimated to be considerably greater than the final inhabitants, with estimates of 18.4% and 13.4%, respectively [7]. Furthermore, as a end result of punitive legal guidelines, stigma, and inexperience of well being care professionals, this consumer inhabitants is extensively unaccessed. Completely Different anabolic steroids include compound or class-specific and unspecific opposed occasions.
    The peer-reviewed literature of qualitative and quantitative analyses of AAS has considerably elevated in the previous few years. Be Taught tips on how to deal with them appropriately and respect the foundations when taking anabolic steroids, and they won’t be dangerous to you. If you suppose about it, a table knife is harmful to hold in your palms, as you can cut yourself if you don’t know tips on how to maintain it. Equally, if you take anabolic steroids buy, you have to observe the principles of software scrupulously. The reasonably priced prices of the purchase steroids Australia on the positioning are for genuine products, and you can contact our customer service workers with any questions through the Contact Us section of our website. You ought to take legal steroids when the producer instructed you to take them to get the most benefit out of the product.
    Crazy Bulk’s Clenbutrol replicates the stimulative results of Clen to spike a user’s metabolism. We have seen Testo-Max stacked with varied other legal steroids from Crazy Bulk and produce good outcomes. Nevertheless, which legal steroid you choose to stack it with will rely on your goals. Sustanon 250 is an efficient testosterone ester utilized in bulking cycles to add significant amounts of muscle and energy. Some consider Sustanon 250 to be the most effective form of testosterone due to it containing both short and lengthy esters. Sometimes, we see Sutanon 250 produce distinctive leads to the early and latter phases of a cycle.
    AnabolShop has earned a strong status for its commitment to high quality and customer satisfaction. Their web site features a variety of steroids and different muscle-building products, all sourced from top-tier manufacturers. They also supply safe payment strategies and customer support for any product-related inquiries, which is very helpful for those new to buying steroids online. Though our our bodies produce testosterone naturally, bodybuilders use testosterone boosters which might help them in operating both their slicing and bulking cycles.
    The secretion of androgens from the adrenal cortex is insufficient to take care of male sexuality. There’re no precise “rules” per se to on-line purchases, however one might increase his probability of success if you comply with the next advice. These hallmarks will all the time guarantee that your product is protected. We sincerely hope to offer you a smoother experience on your subsequent orders.

    References:

    Steroid Cream For Muscle Growth – https://gitea.services.gsd-srv.com/berylmaddock37,

  13. купить мефедрон

    Наркотики — этто без- безопасное развлечение, а этап буква разрушению.
    Снежок, мефедрон, амфетамин, МДМА, что-что тоже
    марихуана, ямба а также бошки убыстряют филиация, разваливают нервную систему, разбивают здоровье.
    Преходящая торч оборачивается
    депрессией, тревожностью и еще
    потерей смысла. Хоть “легкие” наркотики —
    элитный шассе к серьёзным проблемам.
    Стоит огонь мимолетное ферза обломанной жизни?

  14. canadian pharmacy

    Can I just say what a relief to discover a person that really understands
    what they’re talking about over the internet. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people really need to look at this and understand this side
    of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular
    since you surely have the gift.

  15. bokep binor indonesia

    Just wish to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness to your put up is simply nice and i could suppose you’re knowledgeable
    in this subject. Well along with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to stay up to
    date with impending post. Thanks a million and
    please continue the enjoyable work.

  16. تنیس خاکی بانوان

    You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I to find this matter to be really something which I feel I would never understand.
    It kind of feels too complicated and extremely vast for me.

    I’m having a look ahead for your next put up, I’ll attempt
    to get the hold of it!

  17. best australian online casino

    Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
    My blog addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!

  18. Custom WordPress Development Company

    You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read
    anything like this before. So wonderful to find somebody with some unique
    thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up.
    This website is something that is needed on the internet,
    someone with a little originality!

  19. Energy Revolution System Reviews

    Terrific article! This is the kind of information that are meant
    to be shared across the net. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this post
    higher! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)

  20. купить гашиш

    Ядовитый дурман — этто невыгодный безопасное шутка, а путь
    ко разрушению. Снежок, мефедрон,
    амфетамин, МДМА, а также трава,
    ямба также бошки поднимают зависимость, крушат психику, ломают
    здоровье. Преходящая праздник оборачивается депрессией, тревожностью и утратой смысла.
    Даже “легкие” ядовитый дурман
    — элитный шаг к сильным проблемам.
    Целесообразно ли короткое ферза сломанной жизни?

  21. Velmironex

    Thank you for any other informative website. The place
    else may I get that type of info written in such a
    perfect means? I’ve a challenge that I am simply now operating
    on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.

  22. bokep indonesia baru

    magnificent submit, very informative. I’m wondering why the
    opposite specialists of this sector do not notice this.
    You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a huge readers’ base
    already!

  23. porno

    You made some decent points there. I checked on the net to learn more about the issue and found
    most people will go along with your views on this site.

  24. Nitric Boost Reviews

    What i do not understood is actually how you’re no longer
    actually a lot more neatly-favored than you might
    be now. You’re very intelligent. You know therefore considerably
    relating to this matter, produced me individually imagine
    it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be involved unless it’s one thing to
    accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent.

    At all times care for it up!

  25. bandar togel online

    Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but
    I’m not seeing very good results. If you know
    of any please share. Cheers!

  26. ngentot pembantu

    Hey there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find 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!

  27. ngentot nungging

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future
    and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this submit and if I could I desire to suggest you some fascinating issues or advice.
    Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this
    article. I want to read more things about it!

  28. ngentot pembantu

    Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform
    are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve
    had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  29. ngentot anjing

    Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly
    enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to
    everything. Do you have any suggestions for inexperienced blog writers?

    I’d really appreciate it.

Leave a Reply

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