3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 78,808

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.

78808 Responses

  1. bokep indonesia
    | Reply

    If you are going for finest contents like myself, just go
    to see this website every day because it offers quality
    contents, thanks

  5. dewa scatter
    | Reply

    That is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very
    professional blogger. I have joined your feed and stay
    up for in the hunt for more of your fantastic post.

    Additionally, I have shared your website in my social
    networks

  10. cobblestone road
    | Reply

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

  12. apply vietnam visa for us citizen
    | Reply

    I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all
    web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a
    lot more useful than ever before.

  18. Meritking
    | Reply

    Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this
    web site.

  24. tonic greens cure herpes
    | Reply

    Admiring the commitment you put into your site and detailed information you offer.
    It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t
    the same out of date rehashed information. Excellent read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS
    feeds to my Google account.

    Here is my web site tonic greens cure herpes

  27. travel to japan if vaccinated
    | Reply

    Healthcare in Daytona Beach is dominated by Halifax Well being (previously referred to as Halifax Hospital).
    The garage is strategically situated, subsequent to the Ocean Center, Daytona Lagoon,
    and across the street from the Hilton Hotel and
    Ocean Stroll Shoppes. The Volusia County Parking Garage is located at 701 Earl Road at North Atlantic
    Avenue (SR A1A). They embrace (starting from furthest downstream) the Veterans Memorial Bridge (which carries CR 4050 site visitors), the Broadway Bridge (which carries US ninety two
    visitors), the main Road Bridge (which carries CR 4040 visitors), and the Seabreeze Bridge (which
    carries SR 430 visitors). In June, 2016, the Veterans
    Memorial Bridge was closed as a part of a 3-12 months project
    to demolish the drawbridge and substitute it with
    a excessive span bridge. Passenger airline services are positioned at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which is centrally located within the city adjoining to
    Daytona International Speedway. The location was first used as an airport with terminals being
    constructed in 1952 and 1958. The present facility was
    constructed in 1992 at the price of $46 million, and includes both a home terminal and a world terminal.

  28. pepek becek
    | Reply

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this site.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that
    “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
    I must say that you’ve done a great job with this. Also,
    the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!

  33. Rudy
    | Reply

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  35. Kaya787 Kontol
    | Reply

    I always used to study article in news papers but now as I
    am a user of net so from now I am using net
    for content, thanks to web.

  38. sandibet
    | Reply

    Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.

    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so
    I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience.
    Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  41. Experienced Realtor Columbus OH
    | Reply

    Fantastic site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any user
    discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other Experienced Realtor Columbus OH individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.
    Thanks a lot!

  42. slot deposit 1000
    | Reply

    Thanks for another informative site. The place else could
    I am getting that kind of information written in such an ideal approach?

    I have a undertaking that I’m just now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.

  43. qq online
    | Reply

    I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
    this blog. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
    In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now ;
    )

  44. Columbus OH real estate agent services
    | Reply

    I think everything posted was actually very reasonable.
    But, consider this, what if you were to write a awesome headline?

    I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, however what if you added a title to possibly get folk’s attention? I
    mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report is kinda vanilla.
    You might glance at Yahoo’s home page and see how they create post headlines to grab people to open the links.
    You might add a video or a picture or two to
    grab readers interested about what you’ve got to say.
    In my opinion, it could bring your posts a little livelier.

    Here is my web site … Columbus OH real estate agent services

  46. Maltepe hurdacı
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact
    enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be
    subscribing on your augment or even I achievement
    you access consistently rapidly.

  47. kanyewestposters.com
    | Reply

    Do you admire Kanye West’s work? If so, you might be interested in the most recent Kanye West poster currently
    on the market.

    Kanye West-themed posters are perfect for showing your admiration.
    Whether you’re enhancing your living area, a Kanye West
    poster can bring style and personality to any room.

    Featuring iconic images of Kanye, these posters embody his essence as
    a musician and cultural figure. There are multiple designs to choose
    from, from simple to striking, making it easy to find
    one that matches your style.

    Hang a Kanye West poster in your living room for a touch of inspiration. Every
    piece is printed on high-quality paper, ensuring clarity and durability.

    If you’ve been a fan for a while or are newly
    discovering his music, a Kanye West poster is essential.
    It’s not just a decoration; it’s a statement of admiration for
    his contributions to music and culture.

    So, why wait? Order your Kanye West poster today and display your passion for an icon in the music
    industry. Enhance your space with a bit of Kanye’s style with a stylish and iconic poster.

  48. Website
    | Reply

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

  49. Realtor in Columbus OH
    | Reply

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at a
    few of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m certainly pleased I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking
    back frequently!

    Review my web blog: Realtor in Columbus OH

  50. qq poker online
    | Reply

    Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the net the simplest thing to take into account of.

    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while other people
    consider worries that they plainly do not understand about.
    You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire
    thing with no need side effect , other folks could take a signal.

    Will likely be again to get more. Thank you

Leave a Reply

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