3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,560

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.

111560 Responses

  2. Lino
    | Reply

    Hi there everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at
    this web site, and article is genuinely fruitful in support of me, keep up posting such posts.

  4. ngentod sange
    | Reply

    Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of
    volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
    Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  12. Your Health
    | Reply

    It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you
    shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
    Thanks for sharing.

  15. baskili poset
    | Reply

    Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this
    blog; this website consists of remarkable and really
    excellent information designed for visitors.

  16. bokep indo
    | Reply

    Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a amusement account it.

    Glance complex to more delivered agreeable from you!

    By the way, how could we be in contact?

  17. Nellie
    | Reply

    The other day, whille I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested tto
    see if it can survive a forty foot drop,
    just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now briken and she has 83 views.

    I know thhis iis completely off topicc but I had tto share it with someone!

    중국 직구 대행 사이트 (Nellie)

  20. nude
    | Reply

    Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, wonderful blog!

  24. 무료망가다시보기
    | Reply

    First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask iff you don’t mind.
    I wwas curiouhs to know how you center yourself
    and clear your head prior to writing. I have had a difficult timme clearing my mijd in getting my thoughts out there.
    I do enjoy writing but iit just seems like the first 10
    to 15 minutes are usually lost simply juset
    trying to fugure out how to begin. Anny recommendations or tips?
    Thank you!

  30. sex videos
    | Reply

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.

    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?

    Thanks a lot!
    Cum tribute for Anny Sweetfruit Yummi My husband’s partner fucks
    me while he records, rich cum on my ass. Fucked with my neighbor Exciting spanking Wonderful horny brunette with a lustful young man Submissive redhead girl fucked by 3 guys Cerecita Vixen Unfaithful Wife Hot Pleasures Redhead
    brunette fucked by lustful young man. My husband
    surprised me at the hotel having sex with another man. I couldn’t stop, that cock was delicious.
    Fiery redhead brunette subdued by three guys. Exciting moans.
    My Husband Records while his friends fuck me Fucking a horny redhead brunette Fucking my little redhead whore Anny
    touching herself Chinese Anny Anny double penetration video NR246
    GG Exclusive Anny Anal Sex #032 Adorable Anny Aurora gets nailed Pregnant Anny #05 from MyPreggo.com Anny – Young German fucked Sensual Anny Aurora gets nailed Anny Aurora Her Heat of Passion My Friends Anny Aurora Secret
    Anny Max 3on1 Airtight DP (MILF anal) SZ1265 Anny
    Aurora, Jessica Ryan Learning To Share

  33. tonic greens immune support
    | Reply

    Just desire to say your article is as astonishing.
    The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you
    are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date
    with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the rewarding work.

    My webpage tonic greens immune support

  35. slot anti kalah 2024
    | Reply

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was
    wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice
    would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

  36. Robert Montgomery
    | Reply

    Apartamenty Nad Morzem, Noclegi Jastrzębia Góra, Rozewie

    Odkrywajcie nowe smaki, obserwujcie podobieństwa i różnice kulturowe. Warto dać się zainspirować, wybrać idealną dla siebie ofertę i zarezerwować ją bez problemu on-line na stronie Interhome więcej

  44. казино Вулкан
    | Reply

    Оба раза я арендовала машину
    в местной прокатной компании BlueCarRental, смело могу рекомендовать их.

  45. sex viet nam
    | Reply

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was entirely right.
    This put up actually made my day. You cann’t believe just how a lot
    time I had spent for this info! Thank you!

  47. kanyewestposters.com
    | Reply

    Ye has solidified his position as a creative genius, and his
    influence extends far beyond music. Ye posters have become highly sought-after among fans and art collectors worldwide.

    Starting with his initial releases like “The College Dropout” to his innovative albums like “Yeezus” and “The Life of Pablo,” Kanye’s designs have always been memorable.
    These images are usually turned into prints, which encapsulate the spirit of his creative vision.

    Collectors adore these prints not just for their artistic value, but
    also for the nostalgic value they carry. A Kanye West print can transform a bedroom into a music shrine, infusing flair and uniqueness.

    Each poster narrates a tale of Kanye’s evolution as an icon.
    The “Graduation” print, with its bold design, symbolizes the celebration of accomplishment, while the “808s & Heartbreak” design, with its sparse aesthetic, emphasizes the raw emotion of the era.

    Whether you’re a passionate supporter of Kanye’s art or
    simply appreciate innovative art, there’s a Mr. West artwork out there for you.
    These art pieces serve as excellent choices for friends who love
    his music.

    In conclusion, Mr. West posters are beyond wall hangings; they are manifestations of a music legend.
    Get one today and add to your collection a piece
    of music history.

Leave a Reply

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