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.
explore
Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! present here
at this webpage, thanks admin of this web page.
Josephpofot
canadian cialis Tadal Access buy cialis in canada
link bokep anak kecil
Howdy! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading through
your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects?
Thank you!
SharonGrasy
Эта публикация погружает вас в мир увлекательных фактов и удивительных открытий. Мы расскажем о ключевых событиях, которые изменили ход истории, и приоткроем завесу над научными достижениями, которые вдохновили миллионы. Узнайте, чему может научить нас прошлое и как применить эти знания в будущем.
Углубиться в тему – https://carmeldvm.com/blog/laborum-vel-earum-eum-ipsam-expedita
Frankieven
https://tadalaccess.com/# cialis company
Robo Lispro
After exploring a handful of the blog articles on your website, I honestly like your technique of blogging.
I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future.
Please visit my website too and tell me your opinion.
URL
Helpful info. Lucky me I found your site by chance, and I am surprised why this accident didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
PaulaSow
В этой публикации мы сосредоточимся на интересных аспектах одной из самых актуальных тем современности. Совмещая факты и мнения экспертов, мы создадим полное представление о предмете, которое будет полезно как новичкам, так и тем, кто глубоко изучает вопрос.
Получить дополнительную информацию – https://penzionkostelany.cz/hello-world
Real Estate Agents in Bangalore
wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector don’t notice this.
You must continue your writing. I’m confident, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Here is my web-site; Real Estate Agents in Bangalore
Hotels in Cap-Haitien
Awesome post.
Review my web blog :: Hotels in Cap-Haitien
JT Appliance Repair in Boca Raton
Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
My webpage; JT Appliance Repair in Boca Raton
Jamespidge
Эта статья для ознакомления предлагает читателям общее представление об актуальной теме. Мы стремимся представить ключевые факты и идеи, которые помогут читателям получить представление о предмете и решить, стоит ли углубляться в изучение.
Разобраться лучше – https://prodav.ro/portfolio/tick-tock
izmit
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some
help 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 quick.
I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any
tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
LorenGak
cialis for blood pressure: TadalAccess – cialis 30 day free trial
How do I find the right NDIS provider?
Hi Dear, are you truly visiting this web site on a regular basis,
if so afterward you will without doubt obtain pleasant knowledge.
Browning BLR Lightweight 81 Stainless Takedown .30-06 Springfield Lever-Action Rifle
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i got here to go back the want?.I’m attempting to to find things
to enhance my website!I guess its good enough to make use
of a few of your ideas!!
Here is my webpage – Browning BLR Lightweight 81 Stainless Takedown .30-06 Springfield Lever-Action Rifle
LorenGak
canadian pharmacy cialis: cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz – cialis trial
more helpful hints
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
Nicotine Free Disposable Vapes
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always helpful to read content from other authors and practice a little
something from their sites.
trang chủ BL555
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the
website is really good.
elon
Right here is the perfect blog for anyone who hopes to understand
this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard
to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic which has been discussed for years.
Wonderful stuff, just great!
Mitolyn Reviews
Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues
with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due
to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to
stop hackers?
permainan judi online
Currently it seems like Expression Engine is the best blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re
using on your blog?
mercury bank reviews
May I simply just say what a relief to uncover somebody that really understands what they’re
discussing on the web. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
A lot more people must read this and understand this side of your story.
It’s surprising you are not more popular since you definitely possess the
gift.
아이디판매
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for
supplying this information.
Ремонт холодильников Gorenje
Предлагаем услуги профессиональных инженеров офицальной мастерской.
Еслли вы искали ремонт холодильников gorenje цены, можете посмотреть на сайте: ремонт холодильников gorenje рядом
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
burritobandito.com
Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came
to give it a look. I’m definitely loving
the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
Wonderful blog and superb style and design.
Josephpofot
cialis ontario no prescription cialis sample cialis generic 20 mg 30 pills
pussy888 login
Hey! I understand this is kind of off-topic but I needed
to ask. Does managing a well-established website like yours take a large amount of work?
I’m brand new to running a blog but I do write in my diary every day.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience
and views online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners.
Appreciate it!
Aaronbep
В стационаре работают узкопрофильные специалисты: наркологи, неврологи, психотерапевты, а также персонал, обеспечивающий круглосуточный уход. Программа включает медикаментозное лечение, психологическую коррекцию, восстановление сна, устранение депрессии, обучение саморегуляции и работу с мотивацией.
Узнать больше – https://narkologicheskaya-pomoshch-balashiha1.ru/narkologicheskaya-pomoshch-na-domu-v-balashihe/
jasa pasang iklan gratis di internet
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, therefore he/she
needs to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained
over here.
sustainable.ac
Normally I do not learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to check out and do so!
Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice post.
pink salt trick
Thanks very nice blog!
LorenGak
cialis canada price: cialis daily vs regular cialis – cialis experience
Animal welfare
It’s fantastic that you are getting ideas from this article as well as from our dialogue made here.
Aticle here
It’s an remarkable post in support of all the online users; they will take advantage from it I am sure.
Ремонт холодильников Gorenje Москва
Предлагаем услуги профессиональных инженеров офицальной мастерской.
Еслли вы искали срочный ремонт холодильников gorenje, можете посмотреть на сайте: срочный ремонт холодильников gorenje
Наши мастера оперативно устранят неисправности вашего устройства в сервисе или с выездом на дом!
apa itu domain network
Hi colleagues, how is the whole thing, and
what you want to say regarding this piece of writing, in my view its actually remarkable in favor of me.
U888
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing
this post plus the rest of the site is also really good.
Short classic stories
When someone writes an article he/she keeps the thought of a user
in his/her brain that how a user can know it.
Therefore that’s why this article is perfect. Thanks!
BEST ONLINE PORN SITES
Gynexin is an modern diet supplement which appears to be the easiest, painless and less expensive reply to the question of learn how to do away with man boobs. Do favor I did, and use your man boobs as the driving pressure powering your work to comprehend the body you’ve constantly wished. No, it is not a couple of man receiving oral sex in a automotive. You possibly can maintain a wholesome sexual life and avoid the danger of getting depressed after having sex with a number of partners. The truth that an STD could cause nice injury to your entire physique system of women makes it very dangerous and at the identical time a should handled diseases at its very early stages. While a few of the women merely expressed discomfort or distaste for anal intercourse, others described particular circumstances that contributed to their dislike of anal intercourse. Currently, the next time anybody catch ones own pussy-cat inside of a place the person ought not get, perhaps tearing upward ones personal newspapers while utilizing the kitchen space, move that might noisally.
Thomaspneum
Алкогольный запой представляет собой крайне опасное состояние, когда организм переполнен токсинами, а системы внутреннего контроля практически перестают функционировать должным образом. Наркологическая клиника «Трезвая Жизнь» в Екатеринбурге оказывает экстренную помощь при выводе из запоя, используя передовые методы диагностики, детоксикации и поддерживающую терапию. Наша команда опытных врачей-наркологов готова оказать помощь в любое время суток, обеспечивая оперативное вмешательство и строгую анонимность каждого пациента.
Подробнее – вывод из запоя на дому круглосуточно
Frankieven
https://tadalaccess.com/# tadalafil tablets 20 mg global
Galvalume steel coil
If you are going for best contents like me, only pay a
quick visit this web page everyday for the reason that it offers quality contents, thanks
esta us point of contact
It is in point of fact a great and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you
shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up
to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
pragmatic play ทางเข้า
With thanks! Fantastic stuff. http://lideritv.ge/index.php?subaction=userinfo&user=peanutbowl24
toto slot
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about nustoto daftar.
Regards
hosting dan domain itu apa
Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your site by chance, and I’m
surprised why this twist of fate did not came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
how expensive are Steroids
70918248
References:
how expensive are Steroids
apa itu pnb dan pdb
This is my first time go to see at here and i am actually pleassant to read everthing at alone place.