3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 87,336

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.

87336 Responses

  1. apply evisa online
    | Reply

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after going through a few of the articles I realized
    it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be book-marking it
    and checking back regularly!

  3. apply evisa online
    | Reply

    I feel this is one of the such a lot important information for me.
    And i’m happy studying your article. However wanna commentary on few normal
    issues, The website taste is perfect, the articles
    is in reality great : D. Just right job, cheers

  5. hey
    | Reply

    Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web site regularly, this web site is genuinely fastidious
    and the visitors are genuinely sharing nice thoughts.

  7. Casimira
    | Reply

    Great article! This is the type of information that should be shared across the internet.
    Shame on the seek engines for now not positioning this publish upper!

    Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  10. Combine PDF
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but
    I assumed this submit was once great. I don’t recognize who you are however definitely you are going to a well-known blogger when you are not already.
    Cheers!

  11. RodneyFliny
    | Reply

    Kyle Andrew Walker https://kylewalker.prostoprosport-br.com English footballer, captain of the Manchester City club and the England national team. In the 2013/14 season, he was on loan at the Notts County club, playing in League One (3rd division of England). Played 37 games and scored 5 goals in the championship.

  18. Jeffreysaili
    | Reply

    Jack Peter Grealish https://jackgrealish.prostoprosport-br.com English footballer, midfielder of the Manchester City club and the England national team. A graduate of the English club Aston Villa from Birmingham. In the 2012/13 season he won the NextGen Series international tournament, playing for the Aston Villa under-19 team

  20. ngentot nungging
    | Reply

    What i do not understood is in truth how you are no longer actually a lot more well-liked than you might be now.
    You’re very intelligent. You know thus considerably in the case of
    this topic, produced me in my view consider it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is something to do
    with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. At all times care for it up!

  21. ngentot nungging
    | Reply

    Someone essentially lend a hand to make seriously posts I would state.

    This is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far?
    I surprised with the research you made to create
    this particular put up extraordinary. Great process!

  30. mower repair near me
    | Reply

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who had been conducting a little
    homework on this. And he actually bought me dinner due to the
    fact that I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this….
    Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to
    discuss this matter here on your blog.

  31. hkg99
    | Reply

    I have read so many articles or reviews regarding the blogger lovers however
    this piece of writing is really a nice paragraph, keep it up.

  32. apply evisa online
    | Reply

    I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts
    on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site.
    Reading this info So i’m glad to convey that I have an incredibly
    just right uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I so much without a doubt will make sure to do not overlook this site and provides it a look regularly.

  33. bos cuan77
    | Reply

    Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of info
    on your page. Im really impressed by your site.

    Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this site.

  36. phenq
    | Reply

    Thanks for your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it,
    you can be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and may come back later in life.
    I want to encourage one to continue your great job, have a nice holiday weekend!

    Here is my web-site phenq

  37. apply evisa onine
    | Reply

    I was excited to find this web site. I need to to
    thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!!
    I definitely really liked every part of it and I have you saved to fav
    to look at new information on your web site.

  38. каскадеры шоу в москве
    | Reply

    Приглашаем вас на захватывающее шоу каскадёров! В программе
    https://suteam.ru/sportivnye-shou/cirkovoe-shou-v-moskve.html невероятные трюки, прыжки и акробатика. Опытные мастера своего дела продемонстрируют мастерство и смелость. Не упустите возможность стать свидетелем этого незабываемого зрелища! В нашем шоу участвуют только опытные и профессиональные каскадёры, которые готовы рисковать ради искусства. Это зрелище не оставит равнодушным ни одного зрителя!
    В шоу участвуют опытные мастера, которые исполняют трюки на автомобилях, мотоциклах . Это шоу объединяет в себе профессионализм, отвагу и технический гений инженеров.

  42. 장기렌트카
    | Reply

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, Howeever I am encountering troubles with your RSS.
    I don’t understand tthe reason why I am unable to subscribe to it.
    Is there anybodey getting identical RSS issues?
    Anyone tat knows the answer caan you kindly
    respond? Thanx!!
    장기렌트카

  45. bokep viral
    | Reply

    Great work! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared around the internet.
    Shame on Google for no longer positioning this put up
    upper! Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)

  48. hkg99
    | Reply

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well
    written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

Leave a Reply

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