3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 84,684

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.

84684 Responses

  1. memek cantik
    | Reply

    Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s blog link on your page at
    proper place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.

  3. หลุด mlive
    | Reply

    Veгy nice post. I just stumbled upon yoᥙr weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing yoսr blog posts.
    Afteг alⅼ I’ll be subsϲribing to your feed and I hope you write aցain very soon!

  4. 장산역한의원
    | Reply

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation however I
    in finding this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I might by no
    means understand. It seems too complex and very huge for
    me. I’m looking forward on your next submit, I will try to get the hold of it!

  7. bokep indonesia
    | Reply

    Hello There. I discovered your weblog the usage of
    msn. This is a very neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come
    back to learn more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post.
    I’ll certainly return.

  9. bokep indo
    | Reply

    It’s in point of fact a great and helpful piece of info.

    I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful info with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  10. bokep barat
    | Reply

    This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.

    Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  11. RobertSwisy
    | Reply

    Lebron Ramone James https://lebronjames.prostoprosport-ar.com American basketball player who plays the positions of small and power forward. He plays for the NBA team Los Angeles Lakers. Experts recognize him as one of the best basketball players in history, and a number of experts put James in first place. One of the highest paid athletes in the world.

  18. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    Good post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Thank you!

  20. LONGTOGEL
    | Reply

    Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for
    a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  23. happy1512
    | Reply

    I know this web site gives quality based articles or reviews and extra data,
    is there any other site which presents these kinds of stuff in quality?

  25. Slot Via Dana
    | Reply

    Having read this I believed it was very enlightening.

    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article
    together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both
    reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  27. pepek becek
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
    I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your work.
    If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  28. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new
    from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues
    using this web site, as I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly.

    I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
    Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish 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 am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content.
    Make sure you update this again soon.

  29. pepek becek
    | Reply

    Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much,
    However I am going through issues with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why
    I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anybody having identical
    RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  32. fitspresso reviews
    | Reply

    Howdy I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found you by error,
    while I was browsing on Aol for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say
    cheers for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it
    and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
    back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.

    Have a look at my site … fitspresso reviews

  35. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out
    and say I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts.

    Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums
    that deal with the same subjects? Thank you!

  36. genius wave reviews
    | Reply

    I am really inspired along with your writing skills as smartly as with the
    layout for your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself?
    Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a nice blog like this one
    today..

    Feel free to surf to my web blog – genius wave reviews

  41. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    Wonderful web site. Lots of helpful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing
    in delicious. And of course, thanks in your sweat!

  42. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your weblog.
    You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an email if interested. Thank you!

  43. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.

    I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  44. laundry services
    | Reply

    I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout
    on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice
    blog like this one these days.

  46. party recipes
    | Reply

    First of all I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
    I was interested to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before writing.
    I’ve had difficulty clearing my mind in getting my ideas
    out there. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted just
    trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?

    Thank you!

  47. apply e-visa online
    | Reply

    My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different website and thought I may as well check things out.

    I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to
    going over your web page yet again.

Leave a Reply

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