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.
Escort agencies London
Hi there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG
editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a
blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Moonshot Volume Bot
Actually when someone doesn’t know then its up to other
people that they will assist, so here it takes place.
click here
It’s difficult to find well-informed people about this topic, however,
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
online live casino
You need to take part in a contest for one of the greatest blogs on the internet.
I’m going to highly recommend this web site!
sellgold.be
You stated that really well!
Visit my web site; gold (https://www.sellgold.be/nl/aankoop-van-sieraden/diamanten-juwelen-kopen/)
JordanSherb
В клинике «Трезвая Жизнь» для эффективного вывода организма из запоя используется комплексный подход, который включает применение различных групп препаратов. Приведенная ниже таблица отражает основные компоненты нашей терапии и их функции:
Подробнее можно узнать тут – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-ekb8.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-na-domu-v-ekb
ngentot pembantu
I like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever
work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
Packaging Machine
Quality content is the key to invite the visitors to pay a quick visit the website, that’s what this web
site is providing.
Also visit my site :: Packaging Machine
4G Rotating Proxy
It’s an remarkable article in favor of all the web viewers; they
will get benefit from it I am sure.
bioparse.com
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your website.
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
designer to create your theme? Exceptional work!
onewave solar water heater malaysia
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by
searching for onewave solar water heater
Gut Drops
I absolutely love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal website and
would like to know where you got this from or what the theme is called.
Many thanks!
Also visit my homepage Gut Drops
ARJ file software
Yes! Finally someone writes about computer.
rodent control
Thanks for another informative website.
Where else may I am getting that type of info written in such an ideal method?
I have a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
Live Sgp
Hi there I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really
found you by error, while I was searching on Digg for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just
like to say thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love
the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute
but I have book-marked it and also added
your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the excellent work.
Ремонт iPhone
Профессиональный сервисный центр по ремонту Apple iPhone в Москве.
Мы предлагаем: ремонт телефонов айфон в москве адреса
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
Garry
Nailed it again! As an Albany Park roofer, I’ve bled
for Chicago’s South Side GBP bloodbath through CTA
station proximity hacks + Ben’s Breadcrumb magic. Burn cookie-cutter
audits – our 606xx zip codes eat parasite page purges across Wicker Park mom blogs.
Proof? 27%↑ Edgewater calls. Hack alert: O’Hare proximity scheka = rank rocket.
-ChicagoSEO
{{Explore|Discover|Browse|Peek at|See|Check out|Investigate|Find|View|Examine|Divee
into} {my|the|my new|my latest|my personal|our|this|the official|this cool|this unique|this
helpful} {online space|digital hub|portfolio|resource|platform|content hub|virtual spot|corner of the web|project page|creative
space|knowledge base}{,| | – |… |: |! | » | • }local seo hubspot (Garry)
ARH file viewer
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered
It absolutely helpful and it has helped me
out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid different users like its aided
me. Great job.
MOUNJARO
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance.
I must say that you’ve done a great job with this.
Additionally, the blog loads very fast for me on Safari.
Outstanding Blog!
evostoto
Hey There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. That is an extremely
well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come
back to read extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I’ll definitely return.
Alzheimer’s care near me
These are actually fantastic ideas in regarding blogging.
You have touched some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
my blog … Alzheimer’s care near me
купить iphone 10 р арбат
Что же отличает дисплеи iPhone 15 и iPhone 15 Plus от своих предшественников?
| В чём особенности экранов iPhone
15 и iPhone 15 Plus по сравнению с предыдущими моделями?
| Чем iPhone 15 и iPhone 15 Plus отличаются в плане дисплея от ранних версий ?
Во-первых, рекордная пиковая яркость
до 2000 нит , что обеспечивает комфортное использование смартфона при прямом свете солнца .
По мнению Дэна, возникает сомнение, насколько долго
устройство сможет удерживать максимальной яркости, прежде чем начнётся её падение .
Подобное фиксировалось ранее,
например, с моделями iPhone 13 Pro
. https://macuser.ua/search?word=%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD+5+%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F+%D1%86%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B0+%D0%B2+%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B5
image editing service
Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has
pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
Arialief Reviews
It’s going to be end of mine day, however
before end I am reading this enormous paragraph to increase my know-how.
đụ trẻ em 12 tuổi lồn không lông cực hay
It’s fantastic that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well
as from our dialogue made at this time.
dewi5000
Thanks to my father who informed me concerning this blog, this weblog
is really amazing.
word counter for articles writer
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the challenges.
It was really informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
bolahit
Thanks , I have just been looking for info approximately this subject for
a while and yours is the best I have discovered so far.
However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure concerning the source?
online order medicine
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of
this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s
hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appearance.
I must say you have done a very good job with this.
In addition, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera.
Excellent Blog!
link evostoto
My brother recommended I may like this website. He used to be totally right.
This post truly made my day. You can not consider simply how so much time I had spent for this
info! Thanks!
Alzheimer’s memory care homes
Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your
weblog and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact loved account your blog
posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing on your feeds and even I fulfillment you get admission to constantly quickly.
Feel free to surf to my blog: Alzheimer’s memory care homes
indonesia bokep terbaru
Hello, I think your site could be having web browser compatibility problems.
When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine
but when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Besides that, great site!
home solar water heater
Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more
from this web page, and your views are good
in favor of new people.
online medicine tablets shopping
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste
your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could
be giving us something enlightening to read?
Tyrell
You expressed this superbly.
69vn
Since the admin of this web page is working, no question very rapidly it will be renowned, due to its quality contents.
specialized dementia care
I visited many blogs but the audio feature
for audio songs existing at this web site is actually wonderful.
My web site: specialized dementia care
kliataxilimo.com.my
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea
shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off
topic but I had to tell someone!
Kesehatan Mental
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really
well written article. I will make sure to bookmark
it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post.
I’ll definitely comeback.
https://obatpenggugurampuh.com/
Finance assignment help Australia
I don’t even understand how I ended up here, but
I assumed this post used to be great. I do not know who
you are however definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger when you
are not already. Cheers!
5699
Hello! This post could not be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room
mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thanks for sharing!
QQ88
I always spent my half an hour to read this web site’s content
every day along with a mug of coffee.
digital ad tracking explained
Having read this I thought it was extremely informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put
this informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending
a lot of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Here is my web blog :: digital ad tracking explained
kumarannetwork psd
Abѕolutely loved going tnrough tһis bkog yoսr dedication to
providing creative resources аnd design content ｒeally shines through Bro!
For ɑnyone ᴡorking on weddinjg invitations platforms ⅼike kumaran network аnd
kumarannetwork .ϲom feature а fantastic collection of PSDs.
Ꭲhе kumaran network wedding psd kumaran network background ɑnd kumarannetwork psd free download options ɑre
HQ Tamil PSD. You need birthday psdd wedding flex designs оr fulⅼ kumaran psdd collections.
tһis іѕ a gо to hub. Ꭲһe kumaran digital psd
files аre easy to customize for designers acrooss
Tamil Nadu. Thanks fⲟr providing sᥙch helpful files
аnd designs! Kｅep uр thiѕ great worк
and all thee Ьest Bro wіth kumaran network
tvk, future updatees аnd ｙouｒ amazing PSD collections.
ᒪooking forward tоo morｅ contｅnt! Check Oսt : kumarannetwork album psd
QQ88
What’s up it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly, this web page
is in fact pleasant and the visitors are really sharing pleasant thoughts.
commercial steel door replacement
Just desire to say your article is as astounding.
The clarity for your put up is just cool and i can suppose you’re an expert in this subject.
Fine together with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to keep updated
with coming near near post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the
enjoyable work.
blue salt trick Reviews
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!
ariesbet
Hi there friends, its great piece of writing concerning educationand completely explained, keep it up all the time.
memek basah
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared across the net.
Shame on Google for not positioning this put up upper!
Come on over and talk over with my website . Thank you =)
architects near me
This post is actually a pleasant one it assists new the
web viewers, who are wishing in favor of blogging.