3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 79,636

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.

79636 Responses

  2. Tonic Greens herpes
    | Reply

    Hello there! Quick question that’s entirely off
    topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able
    to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share.
    With thanks!

    my web-site: Tonic Greens herpes

  4. bethoki77
    | Reply

    Hello there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
    but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any
    please share. Thanks!

  7. memek cantik
    | Reply

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this info So i am glad to exhibit that I have an incredibly just
    right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed.
    I most indisputably will make sure to don?t put out of your mind this website and give it a glance regularly.

  8. doujin
    | Reply

    It’s awesome to visit tһis site and reading the views of all colleagueѕ about this
    post, while I am also eager of getting кnowⅼedge.

  9. Pijat Pasutri
    | Reply

    Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this site regularly, this website is actually fastidious and the
    people are truly sharing good thoughts.

  10. kanye west posters
    | Reply

    Kanye West is a powerhouse in the music scene. His innovative approach
    has no limits, seen in his diverse body of work.
    Each record is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself.
    From “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” to “Ye”,
    he never fails to surprise.

    Beyond music, Mr. West’s reach is felt in fashion and pop culture.
    His work with major fashion houses and Yeezy have influenced modern style.
    Fans are always excited to his next move.

    Mr. West is famous for his outspoken nature and controversial moments.
    Love him or hate him, you can’t deny his impact on music and
    culture. He provokes thought and makes people think, which is essential for progress.

    Additionally, his contributions to social causes is sometimes overlooked.
    Kanye has donated to numerous charities, demonstrating his dedication to making a difference.

    Overall, Ye is more than just a musician with a lasting legacy.
    Whether you admire him or critique him, it’s clear that he has left an indelible mark the industries he’s involved in.

  11. qq poker online
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about including a little
    bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say
    is important and everything. But imagine if you added some great
    visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could undeniably be
    one of the best in its niche. Excellent blog!

  12. hey
    | Reply

    Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone
    4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look
    forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  13. ดูหนังav
    | Reply

    Hеllo there I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while
    I ԝas researching on Digg for ѕomething else, Ꭺnyways I ɑm
    here now and woᥙld just like to say thanks a lot for a
    іncredible post ɑnd a all roᥙnd entertaining blog (I also
    love thе theme/Ԁesign), I ԁon’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and alѕo added your RSS feeds, so when I have time
    I will be back to read a great deal more, Pleasе do keep up the awesome job.

  17. GASWIN
    | Reply

    Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one!
    It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Excellent choice
    of colors!

  18. construction techniques
    | Reply

    You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation however
    I in finding this topic to be actually one thing which I think I might
    by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and very wide
    for me. I’m looking ahead to your subsequent submit, I will
    try to get the grasp of it!

  19. GASWIN
    | Reply

    Its such as you read my mind! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, like you wrote the guide in it or something.

    I think that you simply can do with some p.c. to force the message home a bit,
    however other than that, that is fantastic blog.

    A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  20. ufldl.stanford.edu
    | Reply

    What epidermis attorneys does it have? Whatever your troubles may be, there
    is often a specialist lawyer that will offer you legal services.
    Most attorneys practice in narrow fields, choosing one or two specific areas.

    Look at my web site – UK immigration attorney in US (ufldl.stanford.edu)

  22. rtp serubet
    | Reply

    I’m really impressed along with your writing talents and also with the layout on your blog. Is that this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  23. hey
    | Reply

    Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for supplying this
    information.

  26. CBD Oil UK
    | Reply

    Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no data backup.

    Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  28. bokep simontok
    | Reply

    Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same
    time as you amend your site, how can i subscribe
    for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal.

    I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered shiny clear idea

  30. gitlab.freedesktop.org
    | Reply

    Dinh bài cờ cuộc vui tiền kỹ thuật số crypto
    casino trong Tiếng Việt cho 60 từ Sân tiền điện tử crypto casino là nền tảng sân cờ bạc
    trực tuyến sử dụng tiền ảo như Bitcoin Ethereum để giao dịch Người chơi có thể đặt cược
    chơi các trò chơi như poker blackjack slots mà
    không cần tiết lộ thông tin cá nhân Crypto casino mang
    lại sự an toàn tốc độ giao dịch nhanh chóng bảo mật cao và minh bạch

  32. best barista course
    | Reply

    I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not
    sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem.
    You are incredible! Thanks!

  33. W88167
    | Reply

    Hello, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, since this occasion i am reading this enormous informative piece of writing here at my home.

  34. GASWIN
    | Reply

    whoah this weblog is magnificent i love reading your articles.
    Stay up the great work! You already know, lots of
    persons are searching round for this info, you can help them greatly.

  35. serubet asia
    | Reply

    Hello, you used to write wonderful, but the last few posts have been kinda boring? I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  41. Luxury car rental
    | Reply

    Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not
    very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions?
    With thanks

  43. foto bugil
    | Reply

    fantastic points altogether, you simply received a logo
    new reader. What may you suggest in regards to your post that you simply made a few days in the past?

    Any positive?

Leave a Reply

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