3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,167

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.

111167 Responses

  3. 천호동출장마사지
    | Reply

    Wow, wonderful blog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?

    you make running a blog glance easy. The full look of your website
    is fantastic, as neatly as the content material!

  6. 수원출장마사지
    | Reply

    Good day! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here
    on this post. I am returning to your website for more
    soon.

  7. SEO
    | Reply

    you are in reality a excellent webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing.

    It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
    Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent task on this subject!

  13. movie pit sofa
    | Reply

    Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Here is my blog post :: movie pit sofa

  15. Erik
    | Reply

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue
    this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  17. Prediksi Sdy 5 Juli 2024
    | Reply

    fantastic points altogether, you simply won a emblem new reader.
    What might you suggest in regards to your
    publish that you just made a few days in the past?
    Any sure?

  21. Find Out More
    | Reply

    In today’s very competitive organization setting, modern technology participates in a crucial role in making certain firms remain reliable, ingenious, and before the curve. For organizations in California, a state recognized for its tech-savvy landscape and also growing economic situation, adopting the best modern technology answers is crucial, https://privatehd.org/user/trailyarn2/.

  30. คาสิโนออนไลน์ ฝาก-ถอน ด้วยระบบอัตโนมัติ
    | Reply

    หากคุณกำลังมองหาความเพลิดเพลิน การสัมผัสเกมที่ไร้ที่ติ,
    คุณต้องลงทะเบียนกับ
    Asia Gaming แล้ว!

    Asia Gaming เป็นผู้นำ ด้านวงการเทคโนโลยี ในภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้
    ที่นี่คุณจะได้พบกับเกมส์ ที่มีลีลา เฉพาะตัว ที่สะท้อนถึงวัฒนธรรม
    อย่างคมชัด

    ที่สำคัญคือ Asia Gaming ยังมีระบบการใช้งาน ที่เหนือชั้น เพื่อมอบความมั่นใจ ให้กับคุณตลอดการใช้งาน แถมพร้อมกับ รางวัลพร้อมโปรโมชั่นมากมาย ที่คอยเติมความสนุก ให้กับคุณด้วยวิธี

    ลงทะเบียนประสบการณ์การสัมผัส เกมที่เหนือระดับ กับ Asia Gamingทันที มาสนุกไปกับ ส่วนหนึ่งของเราพร้อมกับเพลิดเพลินไปกับดินแดนอัศจรรย์ แห่งความสุข ที่เหนือชั้น ที่เคย!

    My web page … คาสิโนออนไลน์ ฝาก-ถอน ด้วยระบบอัตโนมัติ

  31. RonaldAmups
    | Reply

    Luka Modric https://luka-modric.prostoprosport-cz.org je chorvatsky fotbalista, stredni zaloznik a kapitan spanelskeho tymu. klub Real Madrid, kapitan chorvatskeho narodniho tymu. Uznavan jako jeden z nejlepsich zalozniku nasi doby. Rytir Radu prince Branimira. Rekordman chorvatske reprezentace v poctu odehranych zapasu.

  32. Marina
    | Reply

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps
    everybody else encountering problems with your blog.

    It appears as if some of the text on your content are running off the screen.
    Can someone else please provide feedback and
    let me know if this is happening to them as well?

    This might be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Thanks

  33. Synogut reviews
    | Reply

    It’s in fact very complex in this full of activity life to listen news on TV, therefore I only use web for that purpose, and get the latest news.

  34. aizen power review
    | Reply

    This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an overly professional
    blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for in search of extra of your wonderful post.
    Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks

    Feel free to surf to my site … aizen power review

  37. masterslot69 link slot gacor
    | Reply

    We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.

    Your website offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire community shall be thankful to you.

  41. 비아그라
    | Reply

    I’m curious to find out what blog platform you are using?
    I’m having some minor security issues with my latest blog and I would like to find
    something more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?

  42. Sapphire earrings
    | Reply

    I used to be recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m now not positive whether
    this submit is written by means of him as nobody else understand
    such targeted about my trouble. You’re incredible!
    Thanks!

  43. slot minimal deposit 2000
    | Reply

    It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that
    you simply shared this useful information with
    us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  44. online order medicine
    | Reply

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied
    on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking
    about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to
    your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  45. carbon offset companies
    | Reply

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be
    actually something that I think I would never understand.

    It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang
    of it!

  46. bokep smp
    | Reply

    Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clarity on your post is just
    great and that i can think you’re an expert on this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with imminent post.
    Thank you one million and please carry on the gratifying
    work.

  47. asstomouth
    | Reply

    deepthroat, blowjob, anal, amatureporn, facefuck, baldpussy, asstomouth,
    assfucking, bbw, bbc, bigcock, bigass, teenass, teenfuck, bigtits,
    titfuck, footjob,thighjob, blackcock, hentai, ecchi, pedophliia, ebony, bigboobs,
    throatfucking, hardcore, bdsm, oldandyoung, masturbation, milf, missionary, nudist, oralsex, orgasm, penetration, pussylicking, teenporn, threesome, whores, bokep, bokepindonesia, bokepterbaru,
    bokepindonesiaterbaru, bokepterupdate, porno, pornoindonesia, pornoterbaru, pornoterupdate

  48. Reina
    | Reply

    Hi there to every body, it’s my first visit of this weblog; this webpage includes
    awesome and really excellent information in favor of readers.

  49. 대화동출장마사지
    | Reply

    Good day! I just would like to give you a big thumbs up
    for the great information you have got here on this post.

    I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  50. SeroLean Reviews
    | Reply

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
    I don’t know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if
    you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

Leave a Reply

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