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.
aromatherapy candles for anxiety
Genuine HGH Benefits (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Checked Yet).
Here is my blog aromatherapy candles for anxiety
Scented Candles Bath And Body Works
They have products to sell or services to provide.
my web blog Scented Candles Bath And Body Works
canadian plant based meat companies
The vapor and flavor high quality is also wonderful.
my web site … canadian plant based meat companies
Breanna
Florals are a big trend for Homecoming dresses in 2024.
Also visit my site: Bookmarks (Breanna)
홀덤
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
It is the little changes which will make the greatest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
My web blog – 홀덤
apply e-visa online
Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my site thus i got here to go
back the desire?.I’m trying to find issues to improve my
site!I guess its ok to make use of a few of your
concepts!!
Bookmarks
USP human development hormonal agent (somatropin).
Look at my web-site Bookmarks
t shirt design software
High quality t shirt design software-shirts and outstanding print quality.
Christal
Allow me reveal you in my testimonial of NewULife.
Also visit my webpage: scented candles bath and body works
price [Christal]
Prom Dresses Long Dillards
Florals are a huge trend for Homecoming wear 2024.
My webpage; Prom Dresses Long Dillards
b&t vp9 pistol for sale Available In Stock
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
christmas scented candles bath and body works
NewULife Ranks. Welcome to my NewUlife Evaluation.
Feel free to visit my page … christmas scented candles bath and body works
Bruce Horton
저는 항상 ##카지노사이트 추천##을 이용하여 편안하고 안전한 게임 환경에서 플레이합니다 기사 출처
Bookmarks
XYGENYX, a licensing business for FDA-registered products.
My blog post – Bookmarks
Головоломка с Сортировкой Воды
It’s wonderful that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well as
from our argument made at this time.
porn
Quality articles is the key to be a focus for the people to pay a quick
visit the website, that’s what this site is providing.
quinceanera Dresses Red mexican
A synthetic USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Here is my blog post – quinceanera Dresses Red mexican
Bookmarks
Cutoff shipment times may change throughout the vacations.
my blog Bookmarks
Bookmarks
60+ magnificent instances of geometric styles.
Also visit my webpage … Bookmarks
Bookmarks
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
my web blog Bookmarks
Helen
Helpful write ups Thanks a lot!
Bookmarks
The intelligence is the best dry herb vape I
have actually attempted.
Feel free to visit my page Bookmarks
Tech gadgets
Hi there, its pleasant piece of writing regarding media print, we all be familiar with media is a impressive source of data.
t shirt design app for ipad
60+ spectacular examples of geometric layouts.
my website: t shirt design app for ipad
t shirt design ideas for women
Motorcyclist tees custom-made vector tee t shirt design ideas for women style.
Matilda Blair
카지노사이트추천을 위한 사용자 평점을 확인하면서 신뢰할 수 있는 사이트를 선택할 수 있습니다 도움이 되는 힌트
personalised teddy bears australia
Cutoff distribution times might transform throughout the
holidays.
Here is my site; personalised teddy bears australia
personalised teddy bears for newborns boy
Cutoff delivery times might change during the vacations.
Here is my homepage personalised teddy bears for newborns boy
Bookmarks
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Review.
my blog; Bookmarks
scented candles bath and body works price
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
My webpage … scented candles bath and body works price
aromatic candles amazon
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
Feel free to visit my web site – aromatic candles amazon
www.3222914.xyz
20 Up-Andcomers To Watch The Table Top Freezer Amazon Industry http://www.3222914.xyz
Window replacement Near me
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Window Replacement Near Me’s Secrets Window replacement Near me
Uxzpgt
order ascorbic acid 500mg – ferrous sulfate cheap buy compro online
quinceanera dresses red with gold
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Testimonial.
my web page quinceanera dresses red with gold
electronic component test lab
Hello too all, because I am genuinely eager of reading this weblog’s post to
be updated daily. It carries fastidious information.
Review my blog; electronic component test lab
Doctor Window
See What Doctor Windows Tricks The Celebs Are Using Doctor Window
g2g168f
It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it
is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you
some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you
could write next articles referring to this
article. I want to read more things about it!
www lowes com survey
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like
you wrote the book in it or something. I think that
you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that,
this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly
be back.
هایما 7X
magnificent points altogether, you just won a brand new
reader. What might you suggest in regards to your publish that you made a few days ago?
Any sure?
Boat Accident Lawyer
Are Boat Accident Settlement Just As Important As Everyone Says?
Boat Accident Lawyer
slot anti kalah
Great post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired!
Very useful information specially the final part
🙂 I maintain such info a lot. I used to be looking for this particular info for a long time.
Thanks and best of luck.
ufax10
Good site you have got here.. It’s hard to find good quality writing
like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you!
Take care!!
winston salem replacement windows
Great Blog I will be back
EliPaikefap
zanaflex 4mg
Best facial in Singapore
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this
board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
Feel free to surf to my webpage: Best facial in Singapore
Rickey
You actually said this really well!
sagame66
Hi there, You have done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my
friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
does denticore work
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this
site is genuinely fastidious.
my web site – does denticore work
singlebet
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue along with your
web site in internet explorer, would check this? IE still is
the marketplace leader and a big component of people will miss
your excellent writing because of this problem.