3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,556

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.

111556 Responses

  2. web page
    | Reply

    Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before
    but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and
    checking back frequently!

  3. pepek becek
    | Reply

    Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if
    you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment
    form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m
    having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  5. result hk siang 77emas
    | Reply

    As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.

  7. TRULY
    | Reply

    Hello, yeah this piece of writing is in fact good and I have learned lot of
    things from it about blogging. thanks.

  9. brúska
    | Reply

    Hello, constantly i used to check website
    posts here early in the morning, since i enjoy to learn more and more.

  10. Game slot 77emas
    | Reply

    Thank you for the blog post. Jones and I have been saving to get a new e book on this subject matter and your article has made us to save the money. Your ideas really answered all our questions. In fact, above what we had acknowledged ahead of the time we discovered your superb blog. My partner and i no longer nurture doubts plus a troubled mind because you have clearly attended to each of our needs in this post. Thanks

  11. Las Vegas Massage
    | Reply

    In a vibrant city like Las Vegas, massage therapy is not just
    a luxury but a necessity for residents and visitors
    alike. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, people often seek relaxation and
    rejuvenation to alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

    Las Vegas Massage caters to this growing demand, offering a variety of massage therapies tailored to individual needs.
    From spa therapy to deep tissue massage, the range of services ensures that everyone can find the perfect
    treatment to unwind and destress.

    Located in the heart of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Massage is situated amidst
    diverse neighborhoods like Amber Hills and Arts District.

    Founded in the same year as the city itself
    in 1905, Las Vegas boasts a rich history and cultural heritage
    that continues to captivate residents and tourists alike.
    With a population of 646,790 residents and over 832,367
    households, Las Vegas is a bustling metropolis known for its entertainment,
    dining, and nightlife. Interstate 11, a major highway, connects the city to neighboring areas, facilitating both local travel and tourism.

    In a city where temperatures can vary dramatically, from scorching summers to mild winters, self-care becomes essential for maintaining overall well-being.
    Home to a myriad of attractions and entertainment venues,
    Las Vegas is also a city where residents and visitors can indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience.

    At Las Vegas Massage, clients can escape the heat and unwind in a serene oasis, where skilled therapists tailor treatments to address
    specific concerns and promote holistic wellness.

    Exploring the vibrant landscape of Las Vegas, visitors can discover a wealth of attractions that cater to every interest and inclination. From the dazzling lights of the Strip to the natural beauty
    of Floyd Lamb Park, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
    History buffs can explore the exhibits at the Atomic Museum, while thrill-seekers can brave the rides at Fly LINQ.
    Families can enjoy educational outings to the Discovery Children’s Museum, while foodies
    can indulge in the culinary delights of Chinatown Vegas.

    Choosing Las Vegas Massage for your relaxation needs ensures
    a rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
    With a team of licensed massage therapists and a wide
    range of spa packages to choose from, Las Vegas Massage offers personalized treatments that cater to your unique needs and preferences.
    Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or simply looking to unwind after a long day, Las
    Vegas Massage provides the perfect escape from the stresses of daily life.

  14. JAESSEY
    | Reply

    hello there and thank you for your information – I’ve definitely picked up
    anything new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using
    this website, as I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get
    it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more
    of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again soon.

  23. reddit freeze dryer
    | Reply

    Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end
    or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  27. the billionaire brain wave program
    | Reply

    hello there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise some technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the site many
    times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will
    very frequently affect your placement in google and
    could damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your
    respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this
    again very soon.

    my page :: the billionaire brain wave program

  30. spg138 link
    | Reply

    It’s going to be end of mine day, except before ending I am reading this great paragraph to increase my experience.

  31. live chat 77emas
    | Reply

    certainly like your web-site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come back again.

  33. porn
    | Reply

    Having read this I believed it was really enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort
    to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too
    much time both reading and posting comments.
    But so what, it was still worth it!

  35. what is considered logistics
    | Reply

    I’m no longer sure the place you’re getting your info, however good
    topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or working out more.
    Thank you for wonderful info I used to be searching for this
    info for my mission.

  36. sgp 138 slot
    | Reply

    Hi to every body, it’s my first visit of this website; this webpage contains awesome and genuinely good data in favor of readers.

  37. blow up doll sex toy
    | Reply

    It’s genuinely very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, therefore I only use the
    web for that purpose, and take the hottest information.

  38. AW8Indo
    | Reply

    Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at
    the internet the easiest thing to take into account of.
    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst other people
    consider worries that they plainly don’t recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the
    top and outlined out the entire thing without having side effect , folks can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  39. slot spg138 pragmatic
    | Reply

    Thank you for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.

  40. wd808 slot deposit dana
    | Reply

    I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link
    or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me recognise in order that I
    could subscribe. Thanks.

  42. 77emas slot
    | Reply

    I’m really impressed together with your writing abilities and also with the format for your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to look a great weblog like this one these days..

  43. spg138 alternatif
    | Reply

    obviously like your web-site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to inform the reality nevertheless I’ll certainly come again again.

  45. phen q
    | Reply

    Hello to all, because I am in fact eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated daily.
    It contains nice stuff.

    Look into my web page – phen q

  50. 77emas vip
    | Reply

    Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told was a amusement account it. Glance advanced to far delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep in touch?

Leave a Reply

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