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.
read more
Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I
clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr…
well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say fantastic blog!
jual anak di bawah umur
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme
in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to
work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire
community will be thankful to you.
vietnam visa e visa
Great article.
seeing followers that are active on Instagram
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 could
do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of seeing followers that are active on Instagram,
this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Golyósmalom működési elve és részecskeméret
Experience the thrill of innovation up close and personal. Visit our facility to see how we revolutionize planetary ball mills.
Fuck
Buy Drugs
Dropshipping On eBay
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be
okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new
updates.
Feel free to surf to my webpage … Dropshipping On eBay
marketing
Informative article, totally what I wanted to find.
Ebay Dropshiping
I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can’t find your
e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any?
Please allow me understand in order that I may just subscribe.
Thanks.
Check out my web blog Ebay Dropshiping
여성 탈모
I blog quite often and I truly appreciat your content. The article has really peaked my interest.
I’m going to bookmark your website and keep
checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS
feed as well.
여성 탈모
e visa for vietnam
This website really has all of the information and facts I wanted about this
subject and didn’t know who to ask.
how can you remove category Instagram
Hey! This is my first comment here so I
just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really
enjoy reading through your posts. how can you remove category Instagram you
suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the
same topics? Thanks a lot!
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your
sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later.
Cheers
Here is my site Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
vietnam entry visa
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time
a comment is added I recieve four emails with the exact same comment.
Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service?
Thank you!
visa into vietnam
I read this piece of writing completely about the
difference of newest and previous technologies, it’s amazing article.
Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog
loading? I’m trying to determine if its a
problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.
Take a look at my page … Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
vietnam visa e visa
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for
travel
e visa vietnam
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog
and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Hello, I want to subscribe for this website to get hottest updates, so where
can i do it please help.
Check out my blog … Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
ips77
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
vietnam entry visa
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your
web site in web explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace
chief and a huge section of folks will omit your magnificent writing because of this problem.
Packing essentials for travel
Peculiar article, just what I was looking for.
Mesothelioma lawsuits
Guide To Mesothelioma Lawsuits: The Intermediate Guide In Mesothelioma
Lawsuits Mesothelioma lawsuits
ngentot pembantu
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the
book in it or something. I think that you could do with
some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is
magnificent blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Highly descriptive post, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
Here is my webpage: Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
e visa vietnam
I quite like reading through a post that can make people think.
Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
Analyzing Slot Machine Payouts
This is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise information… Many thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!
Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites
I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always exciting to read through content from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
my website Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
e visa vietnam
of course like your web site however you have to test the spelling on several of
your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the
truth then again I’ll definitely come again again.
vietnam travel visa
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old
one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design.
Outstanding choice of colors!
BULAN3388
Excellent, what a website it is! This blog provides helpful
facts to us, keep it up.
Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting
anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this
good article.
Also visit my webpage: Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Holistic solutions for travel discomfort
hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked
up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical
points using this web site, as I experienced to reload the website
many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web
host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage
your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective
exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon.
Verticale Planetaire Balmolen voor gebruik in handschoenenkastjes
For a hands-on experience with cutting-edge milling technology, visit our planetary ball mill factory today.
Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts
and I will be waiting for your next write
ups thanks once again.
Look into my web site – Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
It is not my first time to visit this website,
i am browsing this web page dailly and obtain fastidious data from here all
the time.
Also visit my page :: Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and
starting a new initiative Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a outstanding
job!
get growth matrix
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year
old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I
had to tell someone!
Here is my web blog … get growth matrix
vietnam visa e visa
Hi there to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and
your views are pleasant in favor of new people.
ramtoto
Generally I don’t read arrticle on blogs, but I wish too say that this ѡrite-up vеry сomⲣelled me to taje a look at and do so!
Yourr writing style has been amazed me.Thanks, very nice article.
Realtor in Boca Raton FL
naturally like your web site however you have to check the spelling on quite a few
of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I Realtor in Boca Raton FL finding it very troublesome to inform the reality on the other hand I will
certainly come again again.
Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Very quickly this website will be famous amid all blogging people, due to it’s pleasant articles or reviews
my web site Best Realtor in Longboat Key Florida
Realtor in Boca Raton FL
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites
I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always
be exciting to read through content from other writers and use something from
other sites.
Here is my web page; Realtor in Boca Raton FL
Realtor in Longboat Key FL
First off I would like to say terrific blog!
I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not
mind. I was interested to find out how you center yourself
and clear your mind before writing. I have had a tough time clearing
my thoughts Realtor in Longboat Key FL
getting my ideas out. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying
to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints? Cheers!
Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida
Hello to every single one, it’s Realtor in Del Ray Beach Florida fact a good
for me to pay a quick visit this website, it includes precious Information.
sex indo viral
I’m not certain where you’re getting your information, however good topic.
I must spend some time learning more or working out more.
Thank you for great info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.
frytowy planetarny młyn kulowy
We’re always on the lookout for talented planetary ball mill sellers to join our growing family. Let’s collaborate.
비트코인 웹 세미나
Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies that aren’t operated by banks or otheer thhird celebration institutions.
Visit mmy website: 비트코인 웹 세미나
watch porn video
watch porn video
lung clear pro reviews
I really like it when individuals come together and share views.
Great blog, stick with it!
Here is my blog post … lung clear pro reviews