3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 167,358

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.

167358 Responses

  1. deliverance ministry
    | Reply

    A motivating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to publish more
    about this subject, it might not be a taboo matter but generally people don’t discuss these topics.
    To the next! Kind regards!!

  3. bokep viral
    | Reply

    My brother suggested I might like this website.
    He was entirely right. This post truly made my day.
    You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

  4. nhacaiuytin_161
    | Reply

    Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn.
    This is a really smartly written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come
    back to learn more of your helpful info. Thank
    you for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  5. xnxx
    | Reply

    I fеel that is one of the most important infߋ foｒ me.
    And i’m happy reading your article. Howｅver want
    to remark on few general іssues, The sіte taste is іdeal, the articles
    is truly nice : D. Good job, cheers

  7. brazzers
    | Reply

    Great goods from you, man. I have understand
    your stuff previous to and you are just extremely excellent.
    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are
    saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it
    sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful
    site.

  8. bandarqq
    | Reply

    Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was once a leisure
    account it. Glance complex to more delivered agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?

  9. bangbros
    | Reply

    An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had
    been conducting a little research on this.

    And he actually bought me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for
    the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time
    to discuss this issue here on your web site.

  12. av
    | Reply

    Ӏ visited multiple weƄ sites except the aսdio featurе for
    audio songs current at this site is actually marvelous.

  15. red boost powder
    | Reply

    Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if
    you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?

    I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any help is very much appreciated.

    Also visit my website; red boost powder

  16. click here
    | Reply

    Hi there, its good piece of writing concerning media print, we all be familiar with media is a enormous source of information.

  17. Maxie
    | Reply

    Boat Accident Lawyers Tools To Ease Your Everyday Lifethe Only Boat Accident Lawyers
    Trick Every Person Should Know boat accident lawyers, Maxie,

  18. klik disini
    | Reply

    Thanks so much for giving everyone remarkably wonderful opportunity to read articles and blog posts from this web site. It can be so cool and also packed with fun for me and my office acquaintances to visit your web site nearly three times per week to read the new tips you have. And of course, we’re actually happy concerning the incredible advice served by you. Certain 3 facts in this post are undeniably the most effective we have all had.

  19. click here
    | Reply

    Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

  20. visit here
    | Reply

    The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it does not disappoint me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, however I genuinely thought you would probably have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you can fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

  21. bangbros
    | Reply

    I pay a quick visit daily a few websites and sites to read posts,
    except this website provides feature based content.

  23. brazzers
    | Reply

    A person essentially lend a hand to make severely articles
    I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and to this point? I amazed with the
    research you made to create this actual submit extraordinary.
    Excellent activity!

  26. Pornô Online
    | Reply

    Hello exceptional blog! Does running a blog like this require a lot of work?

    I’ve no knowledge of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyhow, should you have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off subject however I simply needed to ask.
    Cheers!

  28. artificial turf for playground arlington dallas
    | Reply

    I’m extremely inspired along with your writing talents as neatly as with the structure for your
    blog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog
    like this one nowadays..

  30. June
    | Reply

    The Companies That Are The Least Well-Known To Follow In The Birth Defect Litigation Industry birth defect law firm (June)

  32. slot petir merah x500
    | Reply

    Awesome site you have here but I was curious if you
    knew of any message boards that cover the same topics
    discussed in this article? I’d really like
    to be a part of group where I can get feedback from other
    knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have
    any recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate it!

  33. lung clear pro
    | Reply

    Hello there! I simply would like to give
    you a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post.
    I will be returning to your blog for more soon.

    Also visit my web site :: lung clear pro

  34. Pornô Online
    | Reply

    Howdy, I believe your blog may be having internet browser compatibility issues.
    When I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however,
    when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
    I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that,
    fantastic website!

  41. electric fence malaysia
    | Reply

    Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe that this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back
    again to read through more, thanks for the info!

  44. celinetoto
    | Reply

    Hi Dear, are you in fact visiting this web site
    daily, if so then you will definitely obtain fastidious experience.

  47. slot minimal deposit 1000
    | Reply

    Heya! I understand this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask.
    Does building a well-established website like yours take a large
    amount of work? I’m completely new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary everyday.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and views online.
    Please let me know if you have any suggestions
    or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  48. login my exness
    | Reply

    Hello. Permit me to introduce the author. His name is Tod.
    My day job is a production and planning officer and the salary
    already been really pleasurable. New Jersey has always been his home but
    he needs to get because of his friends. Doing interior design is regarded
    as the things love the majority.

  50. bangbros
    | Reply

    Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
    guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?

    My site addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and
    I think we could greatly benefit from each other.

    If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!

Leave a Reply

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