3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 252,460

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.

252460 Responses

  1. Porn Sex
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I stopped up right here, however
    I believed this publish used to be good. I do not know who you’re but certainly you are going to
    a well-known blogger in case you are not already.
    Cheers!

  2. find more info
    | Reply

    Hello! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask.
    Does running a well-established website like yours take a large amount of work?

    I’m brand new to operating a blog but I do write in my
    diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and feelings online.
    Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for
    new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!

  3. Ila
    | Reply

    Good web content, I obtained what I was seeking–
    mia khalifa naked onlyfans video.

  4. DavidTak
    | Reply

    Клиника «НаркоМед Плюс» использует комплексный подход для эффективного снятия симптомов ломки с применением современных методов детоксикации и поддержки организма. Основные группы препаратов включают:
    Получить больше информации – http://www.domen.ru

  5. luxury car rental
    | Reply

    Great items from you, man. I have have in mind your stuff
    prior to and you’re simply extremely wonderful.
    I really like what you’ve bought right here, certainly like what you’re saying and
    the best way in which you are saying it. You are making it
    enjoyable and you continue to care for to stay it wise. I
    can’t wait to read much more from you. That is actually a great web
    site.

  8. official login
    | Reply

    Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better!
    Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this
    post to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  9. Estate Agent Los Alcazares
    | Reply

    Greetings, There’s no doubt that your web site may be having internet browser
    compatibility issues. Whenever I take a look
    at your site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE,
    it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you
    a quick heads up! Apart from that, fantastic website!

  11. Thomaskiz
    | Reply

    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:
    Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологический вывод из запоя

  13. nus toto
    | Reply

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you may be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark
    your blog and may come back in the future. I want to encourage
    you to continue your great writing, have a nice morning!

  14. download film panas
    | Reply

    Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward
    this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Thanks for sharing!

  16. Digital Vortex
    | Reply

    After checking out a number of the articles on your site,
    I really like your way of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and
    will be checking back soon. Please check out my website as well and let me know what you think.

  18. HaroldMig
    | Reply

    Симптоматика ломки может варьироваться: от бессонницы, сильной тревожности и раздражительности до выраженных физически болезненных ощущений, таких как мышечные спазмы, судороги, потливость, головокружение и тошнота. В критических ситуациях, когда симптомы достигают остроты, своевременная медицинская помощь становится жизненно необходимой для предотвращения осложнений и стабилизации состояния пациента.
    Подробнее можно узнать тут – снятие ломки в стационаре

  20. ngentot pembantu
    | Reply

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who
    had been doing a little homework on this.
    And he actually bought me lunch simply because
    I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….

    Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss
    this topic here on your site.

  21. link bokep anak kecil
    | Reply

    What i don’t realize is in fact how you’re now not really much more well-liked than you might
    be now. You’re very intelligent. You realize thus significantly in the case of this matter, produced
    me for my part believe it from numerous various angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested until it’s one thing to
    accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always deal with it up!

  22. appliance repair in san jose ca
    | Reply

    If you’re looking for a refrigerator repairman near me, Bestech Service
    Center offers expert help. Our skilled team handles
    all kitchen appliance issues. Trust our refrigerator repairman near me for fast, reliable service and lasting results.

  24. Click here
    | Reply

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came
    to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  25. nyt connections hint today
    | Reply

    I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this
    post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

  26. download film panas
    | Reply

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through
    some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll
    be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  28. پاسور آفلاین
    | Reply

    Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. 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
    put 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 totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  32. download film panas
    | Reply

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation however
    I find this matter to be actually something that I believe
    I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me.
    I’m taking a look forward in your subsequent submit, I will attempt to get the hold of it!

  34. HaroldMig
    | Reply

    Ломка – это тяжелый синдром отмены, возникающий после длительного употребления алкоголя или наркотических веществ. При резком прекращении их приема нервная система и другие органы начинают страдать от недостатка необходимых веществ, что приводит к сильному дискомфорту, психоэмоциональным нарушениям и ухудшению общего состояния организма. В Новосибирске наркологическая клиника «Возрождение» оказывает экстренную помощь при снятии ломки, обеспечивая безопасное, круглосуточное и конфиденциальное лечение под наблюдением опытных специалистов.
    Получить дополнительную информацию – снятие ломки на дому цена в новосибирске

  35. rolling tray and grinder set
    | Reply

    Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after
    going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m certainly delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking it
    and checking back often!

  36. Плоские бородавки
    | Reply

    When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are
    added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the exact
    same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Kudos!

  39. Porn Sex
    | Reply

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in reality used to be a enjoyment account
    it. Glance complicated to far added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we be in contact?

  41. Gutter installation near me
    | Reply

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew
    of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
    twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for
    quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience
    with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.

    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  42. best bitcoin sites
    | Reply

    First off I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask
    if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior
    to writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out
    there. I do take pleasure in writing however it
    just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying
    to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints?
    Cheers!

  44. art drawing contest
    | Reply

    Howdy would you mind letting me know which web host 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 web hosting provider at a fair price?

    Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  46. download film panas
    | Reply

    Howdy I am so delighted I found your web site, I
    really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Aol for
    something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for
    a tremendous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to read through it all at the minute but I have
    saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I
    will be back to read a great deal more, Please do
    keep up the superb work.

Leave a Reply to Click here Cancel reply

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