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.
gap8.icu
What’s up, this weekend is fastidious designed for me, since this time
i am reading this great informative post here at my residence.
www.annunciogratis.net
What NOT To Do Within The Jaguar Key Cover Industry Jaguar xf key
fob case replacement; http://www.annunciogratis.net,
lung clear pro reviews
Great article, totally what I needed.
Also visit my web page lung clear pro reviews
links.Musicnotch.com
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It if truth be told used to be a
enjoyment account it. Glance complicated to far delivered
agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate? http://links.Musicnotch.com/jonnadelatte
indo bokep
I’m not sure why but this site is loading very slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my
end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still
exists.
Bokep Israel
Very nice write-up. I absolutely love this site.
Continue the good work!
두피문신
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance 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 setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have
any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks
car accident lawsuit
5 Killer Quora Answers To Car Accident Lawyer car accident lawsuit
Rosa Adams
Bardzo interesujący artykuł na temat skupu nieruchomości. Bardzo ciekawe, jak wiele korzyści może przynieść sprzedaż nieruchomości w szybki i bezproblemowy sposób anonimowy
bokep jepang
It’s remarkable to pay a quick visit this website and reading the views of all colleagues
about this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting knowledge.
Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
Guide To Double Glazing Repairs Near Me: The Intermediate Guide For Double Glazing Repairs Near
Me Double Glazing Repairs Near Me
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Top winning slots
10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has About High Roller Slots Top winning slots
Phoebe Franklin
Me alegra saber que cada vez más personas están adoptando la energía eólica como fuente de energía renovable https://www.bookmarkidea.win/los-aerogeneradores-pueden-ser-instalados-en-areas-con-alto-potencial-turistico
Forum Syair SGP
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
It’s always exciting to read articles from other authors and use something from other sites.
두문 부천점은 여기를 클릭 하세요~!
That is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to in quest of extra of your magnificent post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
Immediate Profit Scam
Hello mates, its fantastic paragraph concerning educationand entirely defined, keep it up all the time.
Aimee
The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Therun Under Desk Treadmill therun under desk treadmill (Aimee)
pvp777
Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this
weblog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info specially the ultimate part
🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
dịch vụ vệ sinh công nghiệp sau xây dựng
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do think that you ought to publish more on this topic, it
might not be a taboo matter but typically folks don’t
speak about such issues. To the next! Best wishes!!
Look into my web page: dịch vụ vệ sinh công nghiệp sau xây dựng
Myrtle Arnold
Me encanta cómo resaltas la importancia de la optimización de procesos en la producción de materiales más eficientes y sostenibles https://www.echobookmarks.win/la-innovacion-en-la-optimizacion-de-procesos-de-produccion-de-materiales-impulsa-la-eficiencia-y-la-calidad-en-la
sałatka z tortellini z ogórkiem
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys to my
personal blogroll.
bokep hd
First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts
prior to writing. I have had a difficult time
clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts 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 suggestions or hints?
Cheers!
penipu
When someone writes an paragraph he/she maintains the
thought of a user in his/her mind that how a user can be aware of it.
Therefore that’s why this post is outstdanding.
Thanks!
Leonie
How To Make A Successful Mini Car Keys How-Tos And Tutorials To Create Successful Mini Car Keys
Home replacement mini cooper key (Leonie)
feather flags pensacola fl
Yes! Finally something about feather flags.
Feel free to visit my blog post … feather flags pensacola fl
Immediate Alora Review
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this site,
for the reason that i wish for enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations in fact nice funny data too.
인천두피문신
What i don’t realize is in reality how you’re not really a
lot more smartly-preferred than you might be right now.
You are so intelligent. You already know thus significantly on the subject of this matter,
produced me individually believe it from numerous various angles.
Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga!
Your personal stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!
jak se zbavit jetele v trávníku
Highly descriptive blog, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be a part 2?
sell heroin
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.
도매사이트순위
Hi there! I simply wish to offer yyou a big thumbs up foor your great info you have right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blog for more soon.
도매사이트순위
Danteexcum
цены на квартиры https://kvartiru-kupit-spb.ru
Maud Castillo
Кто-нибудь знает, где можно узнать текущие курсы евро в Ташкенте? Нужен надежный и выгодный источник информации для обмена https://www.pexels.com/@don-nakamura-1370014532/
judi bola euro
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you
some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring
to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
apply evisa for malaysia
Hi there 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.
replacement glass for windows Near me
10 Myths Your Boss Has About Window Screen Replacement replacement glass for windows Near me
nyc asian escorts
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme
in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to
work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
2006-2012 eclipse led tail lights
This Week’s Top Stories About Online Sites For Shopping In Uk Online Sites
For Shopping In Uk 2006-2012 eclipse led tail lights
Sustainable Cutting Board
What To Say About How To Buy Clothes Online From Uk To Your Boss Sustainable Cutting Board
creatief met pallets
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you ought to write more
on this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually
people do not talk about these subjects. To the next! Many thanks!!
Consultant for MBBS Admission in Bangladesh
Thanks designed for sharing such a fastidious idea, paragraph is nice, thats why i have
read it completely
federal employers liability act
In Which Location To Research Federal Employers Liability Online federal employers liability act
Caluanie muelear oxidize uses
I love reading through a post that will make men and women think.
Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Fake Seo Services
I do agree with all the concepts you’ve introduced for
your post. They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Still, the posts are very short for novices.
Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.
드론 방제
What’s up every one, here every one iss saring such familiarity, sso it’s pleasant to read this web
site, and I used to go too ssee thiis website all thee
time.
드론 방제
2 In 1 pushchair pram
The Unspoken Secrets Of 2 In 1 Prams 2 In 1 pushchair pram
Jnjasg
piroxicam 20 mg canada – buy generic exelon order exelon 6mg generic
Mackenzie Mace
Hi there everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web page,
and post is actually fruitful for me, keep up posting such articles.
JosephFat
продажа квартир цены продажа квартир цены