3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 162,918

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.

162918 Responses

  2. sumo138
    | Reply

    Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you be acquainted with afterward you
    can write if not it is complicated to write.

  4. JVA Electric Fence
    | Reply

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was
    a amusement account it. Look advanced to
    far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?

  6. 부산 임플란트
    | Reply

    I’ve been browsing online greater than three hours nowadays,
    buut I never discovered any interesting article like yours.
    It iss pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the interet might be a lot more helpful than ever before.

    부산 임플란트

  14. get online visa
    | Reply

    Appreciating the time and effort you put into your site and
    in depth information you offer. It’s great to come across a
    blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed
    material. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your
    RSS feeds to my Google account.

  22. Star pulsa
    | Reply

    Very soon this web site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building visitors, due to it’s good articles or reviews

  26. ips77
    | Reply

    Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve
    tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

  28. imprimir camisetas
    | Reply

    Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to
    browse your website on my iphone during lunch break.

    I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good site!

  29. penipu
    | Reply

    I read this post completely regarding the resemblance of most up-to-date and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.

  30. sumo138
    | Reply

    Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great.

    I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.

    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.

  35. Raja Pulsa
    | Reply

    I like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to our blogroll.

  41. Leslietiz
    | Reply

    sweepstakes casino
    Analyzing Contest Casinos: An Exciting and Reachable Playing Option

    Preface
    Promotion casinos are becoming a well-liked alternative for players desiring an thrilling and authorized manner to enjoy virtual betting. Unlike conventional digital gambling platforms, contest casinos work under separate authorized frameworks, facilitating them to offer games and awards without falling under the same regulations. This exposition explores the concept of contest casinos, their merits, and why they are appealing to a expanding number of users.

    Defining Sweepstakes Casinos
    A lottery betting site functions by supplying users with online coins, which can be used to participate in activities. Players can win further digital money or physical prizes, including funds. The key distinction from conventional casinos is that players do not acquire funds immediately but acquire it through marketing efforts, such as buying a product or participating in a gratis access lottery. This model allows lottery betting sites to function lawfully in many territories where conventional virtual wagering is limited.

  43. казино
    | Reply

    Особенности отыгрыша того или иного поощрения есть в описании акций.

  44. Scottriz
    | Reply

    real money slots
    Discovering Gambling Slots

    Overview
    Gambling slots have turned into a popular selection for players wanting the thrill of gaining actual currency. This piece examines the perks of real money slots and the reasons they are drawing more gamblers.

    Advantages of Cash Slots
    Genuine Rewards
    The key draw of cash slots is the potential to earn actual funds. In contrast to free slots, gambling slots provide users the adrenaline of prospective money prizes.

    Large Game Selection
    Real money slots offer a vast array of styles, elements, and payout structures. This guarantees that there is a game for every player, covering old-school 3-reel slots to state-of-the-art slot games with numerous payment lines and bonus features.

    Enticing Deals
    Numerous online casinos give thrilling promotions for gambling slot gamblers. These can comprise welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback offers, and loyalty programs. Such offers improve the overall playing experience and give additional possibilities to gain funds.

    Motivations for Opting for Money Slots
    The Rush of Securing Tangible Currency
    Money slots provide an adrenaline-filled adventure, as players anticipate the possibility of gaining genuine cash. This aspect injects a significant dimension of excitement to the playing experience.

    Prompt Payouts
    Money slots offer enthusiasts the satisfaction of instant earnings. Winning money immediately improves the casino activity, transforming it into more gratifying.

    Numerous Game Choices
    With money slots, users can enjoy a broad variety of slot machines, ensuring that there is always a game new to play.

    Summary
    Gambling slots offers a exciting and gratifying gaming adventure. With the chance to gain genuine currency, a broad selection of slot games, and enticing bonuses, it’s obvious that countless gamblers favor cash slots for their casino choices.

  45. apple day hcg
    | Reply

    My brother suggested I may like this web site.
    He was totally right. This put up truly made my day.
    You cann’t believe just how a lot time I had spent for this info!

    Thanks!

    Also visit my website – apple day hcg

Leave a Reply

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