3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 87,359

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.

87359 Responses

  1. slut
    | Reply

    We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your site offered us with helpful info to work on. You have done
    a formidable process and our whole community might
    be grateful to you.

  4. winter4d
    | Reply

    You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who
    aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
    All the time follow your heart.

    My site: winter4d

  5. sumbawatoto
    | Reply

    always i used to read smaller posts which also clear their motive,
    and that is also happening with this piece of
    writing which I am reading now.

    Also visit my website: sumbawatoto

  7. bokep terbaru
    | Reply

    Hi there are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any
    coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  10. link bokep
    | Reply

    Useful information. Lucky me I found your web site
    accidentally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate didn’t took place earlier!

    I bookmarked it.

  11. apply e-visa turkey
    | Reply

    No matter if some one searches for his vital
    thing, therefore he/she wishes to be available that in detail, so
    that thing is maintained over here.

  12. pentastogel
    | Reply

    Hey are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying
    to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my web blog: pentastogel

  13. bokep hd
    | Reply

    What’s up everyone, it’s my first go to see at this web site, and piece of writing is actually fruitful in favor
    of me, keep up posting these types of posts.

  15. cm8 slot
    | Reply

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

  16. Wildlife Encounters
    | Reply

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

    Feel free to visit my page – Wildlife Encounters

  17. memek cantik
    | Reply

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog.
    I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog
    posts from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉

  18. bokep pelajar
    | Reply

    I used to be suggested this blog by means of my cousin. I am now not certain whether this publish is written by him as
    nobody else know such detailed approximately my difficulty.
    You’re incredible! Thanks!

  23. memek basah
    | Reply

    Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a captcha
    plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

  25. sumbawatoto
    | Reply

    I simply couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I really
    loved the usual information an individual provide on your
    guests? Is gonna be back continuously to inspect new posts

    Feel free to surf to my web-site … sumbawatoto

  26. Emmanuel
    | Reply

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing alll that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!

    아이허브 8월 할인코드; Emmanuel,

  30. reddit
    | Reply

    I am really loving the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
    A small number of my blog visitors have complained about
    my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari.
    Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?

  32. klik disini
    | Reply

    First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Many thanks!

  34. sumbawatoto
    | Reply

    Heya! I know this is kind of off-topic however I had to ask.
    Does managing a well-established blog like yours require a massive amount
    work? I’m brand new to running a blog however I do write in my diary daily.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for
    brand new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!

    Feel free to visit my blog – sumbawatoto

  36. boostaro reviews
    | Reply

    Thanks for the marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.

    I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually
    come back down the road. I want to encourage you
    to ultimately continue your great posts, have a nice evening!

  38. Leigh
    | Reply

    Hello there, I discovered your web site via Google while searching for a
    similar matter, your site got here up, it seems
    to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply was aware of your weblog through Google, and located that it’s really informative.
    I am going to be careful for brussels. I will be grateful should
    you continue this in future. A lot of other folks will probably be benefited from
    your writing. Cheers!

  40. link bokep
    | Reply

    I’ll right away take hold of your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Please allow me realize in order that I may
    just subscribe. Thanks.

  41. bonus new member 100 slot game
    | Reply

    Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a long time now
    and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood
    Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the fantastic job!

  44. glucoslim erfahrungen
    | Reply

    What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this good article.

  45. pentastogel
    | Reply

    I got this web site from my buddy who informed me
    about this site and at the moment this time I am browsing
    this web page and reading very informative content at this place.

    Feel free to visit my web site; pentastogel

  47. porn
    | Reply

    Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve be mindful your stuff prior to
    and you are just too magnificent. I really like what you have bought here, really like
    what you are stating and the way in which by which you assert it.
    You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take care of
    to stay it sensible. I can’t wait to learn far more from you.
    This is actually a great site.

  50. sumbawatoto
    | Reply

    What’s up mates, fastidious piece of writing and pleasant arguments commented at this place,
    I am truly enjoying by these.

    Feel free to visit my webpage; sumbawatoto

Leave a Reply

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