3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 78,121

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.

78121 Responses

  2. pursvive
    | Reply

    It’s going to be end of mine day, except before end I am reading this fantastic post to increase my knowledge.

  8. robotics components Nepal
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more
    than just your articles? I mean, what you say is
    valuable and all. Nevertheless think of if you added some
    great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this site could definitely be
    one of the very best in its field. Excellent blog!

  9. 관악구출장마사지
    | Reply

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog
    and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I
    care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a very long
    time. Thank you and good luck.

  11. tonic greens
    | Reply

    It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this outstanding blog!
    I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your
    RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this site with my
    Facebook group. Chat soon!

    My blog post: tonic greens

  14. Gina
    | Reply

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

  17. Mohamed
    | Reply

    I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but
    your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark
    your website to come back in the future. Cheers

  21. Vanessa
    | Reply

    It is the best time to make some plans for the
    future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this
    post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Perhaps you can write next articles referring
    to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  27. plumbing system
    | Reply

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
    this blog. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content from
    you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged
    me to get my own, personal site now 😉

  34. 카지노솔루션
    | Reply

    I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me
    to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
    Exceptional work!

    Feel free to visit my blog … 카지노솔루션

  36. ngentot nungging
    | Reply

    I’m more than happy to find this web site. I wanted to thank you for your time due to
    this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and I have
    you bookmarked to see new stuff in your website.

  38. asbestos Legal
    | Reply

    Most asbestos Legal victims and their families begin the
    process by hiring a skilled lawyer. A reputable lawyer will assist them prepare a lawsuit
    to get compensation from defendants who made asbestos-containing product.

  40. JAV
    | Reply

    Superb post however I was wondering if you could write
    a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little
    bit more. Thank you!

    Also visit my blog; JAV

  45. Garland
    | Reply

    Every weekend i used to visit this web page, as i
    wish for enjoyment, since this this web site conations
    really fastidious funny stuff too.

  46. 91club.game
    | Reply

    Excellent site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
    I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!

  49. Slot
    | Reply

    Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out
    much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

    Have a look at my webpage: Slot

Leave a Reply

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