3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 247,377

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.

247377 Responses

  2. Tradez plus
    | Reply

    Just want to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness in your post is just great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep
    updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please
    keep up the enjoyable work.

  5. گیاهان مناسب برای روف گاردن
    | Reply

    The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole
    my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 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 completely
    off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  8. کابینت نئوکلاسیک سبز
    | Reply

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I get
    in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to
    your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  10. nude woman pics gallery
    | Reply

    When someone is bare, it’s like they’re saying “hey, let’s get busy” because society teaches us to cover our private
    parts. When a person is in the nude, it’s almost like they’re saying “come on, time for pleasure” since society teaches us to hide our
    sensitive zones. Just a little bit of skin showing can suggest sex.
    Even a small glimpse of skin can hint toward pleasure.
    Plus, nude porn plays up the whole idea of watching secretly on someone, even before the internet made it easy to find porn. In addition,
    nude porn taps into nude woman pics gallery or the fantasy of watching secretly
    on someone, even before porn was so accessible
    online. Back in the day, guys would use nude photos in magazines to get
    excited. Before the internet, men would get off to nude photos
    in magazines. Playboy knew what they were doing by making nudity sexy.
    Playboy nailed the art of making nudity enticing.
    Nakedness has always been associated with sex and porn, so it’s no big deal if you get pleasure from looking at porn. Being naked has always been part of sex and porn, so there’s
    nothing wrong if you love checking out nudes. http://www.stark-it.com/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=klick&event2=url&event3=stark-it.de&goto=https://lgbtqplustoday.canalblog.com/a-guide-to-taking-stunning-nude-photos.html

  11. nude woman pics gallery
    | Reply

    When someone is bare, it’s like they’re saying “hey, let’s get busy” because society teaches us to cover our private parts.
    When a person is in the nude, it’s almost like they’re
    saying “come on, time for pleasure” since society teaches us to hide
    our sensitive zones. Just a little bit of skin showing can suggest sex.

    Even a small glimpse of skin can hint toward pleasure.
    Plus, nude porn plays up the whole idea of watching secretly on someone, even before the internet made it easy to
    find porn. In addition, nude porn taps into nude woman pics gallery or the fantasy of
    watching secretly on someone, even before porn was so accessible online.
    Back in the day, guys would use nude photos in magazines to
    get excited. Before the internet, men would get off to nude photos in magazines.

    Playboy knew what they were doing by making nudity sexy.
    Playboy nailed the art of making nudity enticing. Nakedness has
    always been associated with sex and porn, so it’s no big deal if you get pleasure from looking at porn. Being naked has always been part of sex and porn, so there’s nothing wrong if you love checking out nudes. http://www.drti.parks.com/external.php?site=https://lgbtqplustoday.canalblog.com/a-guide-to-taking-stunning-nude-photos.html

  15. tech blog article
    | Reply

    of course like your website but you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the
    truth nevertheless I will certainly come again again.

  18. Yupoo Prada
    | Reply

    Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to claim that I acquire actually enjoyed
    account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your feeds and even I achievement you get
    admission to consistently rapidly.

  20. j88ct.com
    | Reply

    I have read so many articles concerning the blogger lovers however
    this post is genuinely a good post, keep it up.

  23. situs toto togel
    | Reply

    You could definitely see your expertise in the work you write.
    The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to
    say how they believe. At all times go after your heart.

  25. igli.Me
    | Reply

    Specializing in new roof installations and storm damage repairs,
    we provide Seattle homes with unmatched durability and protection.

  26. Уход за кожей
    | Reply

    Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with
    browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
    The design and style look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved
    soon. Thanks

  32. best bitcoin casinos
    | Reply

    It’s remarkable to go to see this site and reading the
    views of all mates about this piece of writing, while I am also keen of getting
    know-how.

  42. student loan interest rates
    | Reply

    student loan interest rates
    First of all I would like to say great 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 mind prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
    I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first
    10 to 15 minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations
    or hints? Thanks!

  44. flik888
    | Reply

    Thank you for some other fantastic post. The place else may just anybody get that type of information in such an ideal way of writing?
    I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the
    search for such information.

  47. situs streaming bokep gratis
    | Reply

    I used to be suggested this website through my cousin. I’m now not
    positive whether this put up is written by him
    as nobody else recognize such special about my problem.
    You are amazing! Thanks!

  49. unblocked games 66
    | Reply

    Hell Ꭲheгe. I found your weblog the use of msn. This is а very well written article.
    I wilⅼ make sure to bookmark iit and come back to read more of your helpful
    information. Thank you for the post. I will cwrtainlү return.

    My webpage unblocked games 66

  50. Data SGP
    | Reply

    hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely
    picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site
    lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading
    instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google
    and could damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for
    a lot more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this again soon.

Leave a Reply to آلاچیق باغی ارزان قیمت Cancel reply

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