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.
گلس برد رومیزی
My brother recommended I might like this website.
He was totally right. This post actually made
my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
slot online gampang menang
Howdy! I know this is somewhat 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 fantastic if you could point me in the
direction of a good platform.
Also visit my blog post … slot online gampang menang
fusible link door
You actually make it appear really easy along with your
presentation however I find this matter to be actually one thing that I believe I’d never
understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me.
I am having a look ahead for your subsequent put
up, I will attempt to get the hold of it!
visit here
I do trust all of the ideas you’ve offered to
your post. They are very convincing and can certainly work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for starters.
Could you please extend them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.
dewahub
You could certainly see your enthusiasm
within the article you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
At all times follow your heart.
キャプティブ
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude!
Many thanks, However I am going through troubles with your
RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot subscribe to it.
Is there anybody else having the same RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the answer will you kindly respond?
Thanks!!
купить марихуану
Ядовитый дурман — этто без- безобидное развлечение, что-что этап ко разрушению.
Кокаин, мефедрон, амфетамин, МДМА, а
также трава, ямба а также бошки вызывают зависимость,
разваливают психику, рушат здоровье.
Временная эвфория поворачивается депрессией, тревожностью и потерей смысла.
Даже “легкие” наркотики — элитный шаг ко серьёзным проблемам.
Стоит огонь минутное ферза обломанной жизни?
ChesterWew
Curiosity has maintained pristine pieces of the Cumberland sample in a “doggy bag” so that the team could have the rover revisit it later, even miles away from the site where it was collected. The team developed and tested innovative methods in its lab on Earth before sending messages to the rover to try experiments on the sample.
changelly exchange
In a quest to see whether amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, existed in the sample, the team instructed the rover to heat up the sample twice within SAM’s oven. When it measured the mass of the molecules released during heating, there weren’t any amino acids, but they found something entirely unexpected.
An intriguing detection
The team was surprised to detect small amounts of decane, undecane and dodecane, so it had to conduct a reverse experiment on Earth to determine whether these organic compounds were the remnants of the fatty acids undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid and tridecanoic acid, respectively.
The scientists mixed undecanoic acid into a clay similar to what exists on Mars and heated it up in a way that mimicked conditions within SAM’s oven. The undecanoic acid released decane, just like what Curiosity detected.
Each fatty acid remnant detected by Curiosity was made with a long chain of 11 to 13 carbon atoms. Previous molecules detected on Mars were smaller, meaning their atomic weight was less than the molecules found in the new study, and simpler.
“It’s notable that non-biological processes typically make shorter fatty acids, with less than 12 carbons,” said study coauthor Dr. Amy Williams, associate professor of geology at the University of Florida and assistant director of the Astraeus Space Institute, in an email. “Larger and more complex molecules are likely what are required for an origin of life, if it ever occurred on Mars.”
キャプティブ
After exploring a handful of the articles on your
site, I truly like your technique of blogging. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will
be checking back in the near future. Please visit
my website too and let me know what you think.
Dexscreener Trending
I really like it when people come together and share views.
Great site, stick with it!
megaweb14.at
It is not my first time to go to see this web page, i
am browsing this website dailly and take nice data from here daily.
link bokep anak kecil
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;
) Cheers!
ice water hack to lose weight
fantastic points altogether, you just gained a new reader. What might you recommend in regards to your submit that you just
made some days ago? Any sure?
toto macau
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this amazing site
needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the info!
Ремонт iPhone в Москве
Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту Apple iPhone в Москве.
Мы предлагаем: качественный ремонт айфонов в москве
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
Data Macau 2025
Very descriptive post, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
Best IPL betting id in India
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However
I am having problems with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why
I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS
problems? Anyone that knows the solution will
you kindly respond? Thanx!!
buy telegram followers
Very soon this website will be famous among all blogging users, due to it’s good articles
dryer vent cleaning
This site really has all the information and facts I needed
about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
CanFirst
I am really loving the theme/design of your weblog.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues?
A few of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
Solana Volume Bot
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to
assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
garbage chute latch
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to
assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
SYAIR MACAU
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful information particularly the last section :
) I deal with such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info
for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
porn indonesia
There’s certainly a lot to learn about this topic. I like all of the points you made.
Larimar Jewelry
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this web page are truly awesome for people experience,
well, keep up the nice work fellows.
Feel free to visit my web page … Larimar Jewelry
Roulette betting id
Article writing is also a fun, if you know after that you can write if not it is complex to write.
bet88
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post.
Many thanks for providing this information.
news
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
Here is my web page … news
sex địch nhau không che
I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you
design this website yourself or did you hire someone to
do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
many thanks
MPOBIG login
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
Here is my blog – MPOBIG login
mig8
Everything is very open with a very clear description of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is very helpful.
Many thanks for sharing!
live kamboja
I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading
incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or
is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the
problem still exists.
slut
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognise what you are speaking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice from my site =).
We could have a link trade arrangement between us
mitolyn complaints
Hi, its fastidious post concerning media print, we all be familiar
with media is a enormous source of information.
GPT XP Lispro
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is totally off topic but I had to
share it with someone!
Larimar Jewelry
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely
working hard in support of his web page, as here every stuff is quality based material.
Also visit my webpage – Larimar Jewelry
indian porn
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
bet88
Hi to every one, it’s actually a good for me to go to see this web page, it
includes helpful Information.
Face Treatments
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site.
I stumbledupon it 😉 I may revisit once again since I book-marked
it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be
rich and continue to guide other people.
ECU Backup Memory
Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very
fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Also visit my website … ECU Backup Memory
herpafend reviews
Thankfulness to my father who told me regarding this webpage,
this webpage is in fact awesome.
Here is my homepage; herpafend reviews
skincare manufacturer usa
Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very
techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
Vách ngăn vệ sinh
Tremendous things here. I’m very glad to see your post.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop
me a mail?
میکرونیدلینگ را هر چند وقت یکبار باید انجام داد
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way
in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for
to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
This is actually a wonderful site.
سحبه الف بار
Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Trader AI
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website.
Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my site not working
correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have
any solutions to help fix this issue?
animal portraits
I quite like looking through a post that can make men and women think.
Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
Stop by my web page; animal portraits
trash chute latch
For latest news you have to pay a quick visit internet and on internet I found this website as a
most excellent web site for newest updates.
Larimar Jewelry
If you desire to take much from this paragraph
then you have to apply these techniques to your won website.
Also visit my page; Larimar Jewelry