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.
www.google.com.pk
You’ll Be Unable To Guess Railroad Injuries Lawyers’s Benefits railroad injuries lawyers (http://www.google.com.pk)
dewacuan
What’s up, this weekend is good designed for me, as this occasion i am reading this impressive
educational post here at my home.
replacement double glazed units near me
A Look In The Secrets Of Double Glazed Units Near Me replacement double glazed units near me
pornhub
My Ƅrother suggested Ӏ might like this website.
He was totally right. This post actᥙally made my day.
You cann’t іmagine simplу how much time I had spent for this infⲟ!
Thanks!
automotive portfolio brokerage
certainly like your website but you need to take a look at
the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very
bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will certainly come back again.
Michaelorems
Gerakl24: Профессиональная Смена Основания, Венцов, Настилов и Перемещение Строений
Фирма Геракл24 профессионально занимается на предоставлении полных услуг по замене фундамента, венцов, покрытий и перемещению домов в населённом пункте Красноярск и за его пределами. Наша команда профессиональных специалистов обещает отличное качество выполнения различных типов ремонтных работ, будь то деревянные, каркасные, из кирпича или из бетона строения.
Достоинства работы с Gerakl24
Квалификация и стаж:
Все работы проводятся лишь опытными мастерами, имеющими большой стаж в области создания и восстановления строений. Наши мастера эксперты в своей области и реализуют задачи с максимальной точностью и учетом всех деталей.
Всесторонний подход:
Мы предоставляем разнообразные услуги по реставрации и реконструкции строений:
Смена основания: усиление и реставрация старого основания, что обеспечивает долгий срок службы вашего дома и предотвратить проблемы, связанные с оседанием и деформацией.
Смена венцов: восстановление нижних венцов деревянных зданий, которые наиболее часто подвергаются гниению и разрушению.
Установка новых покрытий: установка новых полов, что кардинально улучшает внешний вид и функциональные характеристики.
Передвижение домов: безопасное и надежное перемещение зданий на новые места, что обеспечивает сохранение строения и избегает дополнительных затрат на создание нового.
Работа с любыми типами домов:
Древесные строения: восстановление и укрепление деревянных конструкций, защита от гниения и вредителей.
Каркасные дома: укрепление каркасов и реставрация поврежденных элементов.
Кирпичные строения: ремонт кирпичных стен и усиление стен.
Дома из бетона: реставрация и усиление бетонных элементов, устранение трещин и повреждений.
Качество и прочность:
Мы используем только высококачественные материалы и современное оборудование, что гарантирует долгий срок службы и надежность всех выполненных работ. Каждый наш проект проходят строгий контроль качества на всех этапах выполнения.
Индивидуальный подход:
Каждому клиенту мы предлагаем подходящие решения, учитывающие все особенности и пожелания. Наша цель – чтобы результат нашей работы соответствовал вашим ожиданиям и требованиям.
Зачем обращаться в Геракл24?
Работая с нами, вы найдете надежного партнера, который берет на себя все заботы по ремонту и реставрации вашего дома. Мы гарантируем выполнение всех работ в сроки, оговоренные заранее и с в соответствии с нормами и стандартами. Выбрав Геракл24, вы можете быть спокойны, что ваше строение в надежных руках.
Мы готовы предоставить консультацию и ответить на все ваши вопросы. Свяжитесь с нами, чтобы обсудить детали и получить больше информации о наших услугах. Мы обеспечим сохранение и улучшение вашего дома, обеспечив его безопасность и комфорт на долгие годы.
Gerakl24 – ваш надежный партнер в реставрации и ремонте домов в Красноярске и за его пределами.
https://gerakl24.ru/просел-дом-красноярск/
คลิปหลุด vk
Jᥙst wish to say your articlе is as surprising.
The cⅼеarness for yoսг submit is simply nice and
i can think you’re a professional in this subject. Well with үour permission allow
me to grab your feеd to keep սp to date with coming near near post.
Thank you a million and please contіnue the enjoyable work.
1win app
Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to
generate a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a
lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
local Seo Agency near me
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Local SEO Agency Near Me local Seo Agency near me
digital marketing
I got this site from my friend who informed me on the topic of
this website and now this time I am visiting this web site
and reading very informative articles or reviews here.
کیر
Cheers, I value this.
construction regulations
obviously like your web-site but you have to take
a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it
very bothersome to inform the truth then again I will definitely come back
again.
마짱마사지
May I simply say what a relief to discover someone that really
understands what they are talking about on the internet. You certainly understand how to bring an issue to
light and make it important. A lot more people ought to
look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised
that you are not more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
memek becek
I am curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing?
I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site and I’d like to find something
more safe. Do you have any recommendations?
CNC obráběcí technika prodej
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find
It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to offer something again and aid others such as you aided me.
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Sex positions
Amazing postings, Appreciate it.
vietnam evisa for indian
You made some good points there. I looked on the net to learn more
about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
ویندوز 10 اورجینال
Your mode of telling the whole thing in this article is actually good, every one be able
to simply know it, Thanks a lot.
에볼루션 코리안 바카라
The Choices In Online Casino Gambling 에볼루션 코리안 바카라
air conditioning efficiency
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
fast. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you
bokep jepang
My relatives all the time say that I am killing my time here at web, but I know I am getting experience
all the time by reading such fastidious posts.
3222914.xyz
Table Top Freezer Amazon Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
3222914.xyz
nha cai lua dao
zoolujan.com lua dao nguoi choi dam me ca do bong da
apply for vietnam visa from usa
Keep this going please, great job!
Erotic lingerie
You actually mentioned it adequately.
купить аттестат о среднем образовании в москве
Где можно купить диплом о высшем образовании?
купить аттестат о среднем образовании в москве
솜트는집
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against
hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked harrd
on. Any suggestions?
솜트는집
Mesothelioma settlement
What’s The Ugly The Truth About Mesothelioma Lawyer Mesothelioma settlement
카지노사이트
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back in the future.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing, have
a nice weekend!
My page :: 카지노사이트
KPOPB2B
I’ve been surfin online more than 2 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.
KPOPB2B
kamasutra
Excellent items from you, man. I have bear in mind your stuff previous to and
you’re just extremely fantastic. I actually like what you’ve
acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the best way through
which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep
it sensible. I can not wait to learn much more from you.
This is really a great website.
garantsantexnika.ru
Сантехника инженерная купить можно в специализированных
магазинах, предлагающих продукцию для профессионального использования.
Важно выбирать качественные и надежные изделия.
Kedai Togel
The support and encouragement I receive from the members here are truly heartwarming.
Mostbet Betting Zew
На Tubba RU https://tubba.ru доступны фильмы и сериалы, которые недавно вышли на стриминговых платформах.
climate funding
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I
get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I
achievement you access consistently rapidly.
Replacement saab car keys
15 Hot Trends Coming Soon About Saab 93 Key Replacement saab car keys
orbitxch
Peculiar article, totally what I wanted to find.
milton keynes locksmith
16 Must-Follow Instagram Pages For Door Fitters Milton Keynes-Related Businesses milton keynes locksmith
Seefracht
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I might check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward
to looking at your web page for a second time.
검색엔진최적화 방법
The Best Keyword Research Tool – How Accomplishes This Keyword Thing Work?
검색엔진최적화 방법
ปั้มไลค์ IG
I know this if off topic but I’m loiking inyo starting mmy ownn weblog and
was curious what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming
hqving a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any
recommendations or advice would be gredatly appreciated.
Kudos
ปั้มไลค์ IG
memek cantik
Wonderful website you have here but I was curious about
if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really like to be a part of online community where
I can get comments from other experienced people that share the
same interest. If you have any recommendations, please
let me know. Thank you!
agen sex online
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that will make the most important changes.
Thanks for sharing!
roofing company troy
roofing company troyhttp://www.rehutches.com/category/roofing-services/
bokep jepang
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga
group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
FILL DIRT DUMP TUCK SERVICES
Peculiar article, exactly what I needed.
bokep indonesia
What’s up, after reading this remarkable piece of writing i am as well
happy to share my familiarity here with mates.
novochvedomosti.ru
bookmarked!!, I love your web site!
digitalcodeonline.site
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to
him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!