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.
Buy Viagra
Scam
situs slot
I have been browsing on-line greater than 3 hours lately, yet I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It is pretty worth sufficient for me. Personally, if all
webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever
before.
Porn
Pornstar
Segal Business Advisor
Thank you, I appreciate this!
Swsedy
gasex for sale – brand ashwagandha purchase diabecon sale
immigration lawyer close to me
Awesome post.
nejlepsi dodavatel laboratornich planetarnich kulovych mlynu
Discover why our planetary ball mills are the preferred choice for industries worldwide. Schedule your visit today.
Buy Viagra
Porn site
the growth matrix review
Hi, yup this piece of writing is actually pleasant and I have learned lot of things from
it about blogging. thanks.
Have a look at my page :: the growth matrix review
akun slot pragmatic auto maxwin
Very energetic blog, I loved that bit. Will there be a part 2?
نظافتچی های رستوران خرچنگی
نظافتچی هستم
the billionaire brain wave reviews
Great site you have here.. It’s hard to find excellent
writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
My site: the billionaire brain wave reviews
Webcamsex
Fantastic post! I really enjoyed reading this :
) Keep up the good work.
orthopedic shoe store near me
Lucky Feet Shoes Anaheim
5761 Ε Santa Anaa Canyon Rɗ ste c,
Anaheim, CA 92807, United Ѕtates
+17142821000
orthopedic shoe store near me
vertical laboratory planetary ball mill semi circle model
For top-tier lab ball mills that won’t compromise on quality or your wallet, we’re the factory you can rely on.
vietnam visa on line
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!
diy閬婃槦銉溿兗銉儫銉伄澹层倞鎵嬨伅銇┿亾銇с仚銇嬶紵
From raw materials to finished products, we’re transparent about our process. Visit us to see how we make our planetary ball mills.
دانلود موزیک جدید افشین آذری
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post,
I’ll try to get the hang of it!
travel to japan in november 2022
You wish to be ready to wash up the mess with ease and use the booster seat on the next trip.
Top Tip: all the time check the exact particulars of your coverage as many
annual packages have restrictions that could leave you
with out protection halfway by a visit. It’s best to never go away your dog in a
truck’s bed unattended — it might change into threatened by or threatening to strangers.
Competitive cooking reveals reminiscent of “Prime Chef” and
“Iron Chef” dazzle and amaze, sure, but can go away you feeling decidedly inferior.
However not every little thing’s a contest,
and instructional cooking reveals encourage home chefs to adopt new strategies, experiment
with recipes and hone basic expertise. Because of the tv exhibits listed in this text, the
kitchen is no longer simply the place to home the refrigerator; it’s a heart of nourishment, competence, innovation, science
and knowledge. Most ramps and steps will probably be adjustable and fit
quite a lot of autos — or even the steps of your own home.
bokep viral
This is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Simple but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read post!
대학생 생활비 대출
Is A Debt Loan For Users? 대학생 생활비 대출
Tổ chức Nhà nước Hồi giáo (IS)
Hi there friends, how is all, and what you want to say on the topic of this piece of writing, in my view its truly remarkable designed
for me.
bokep ayang
What’s up, just wanted to tell you, I liked this
post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
Buy Viagra
Pornstar
apply for vietnam visa
What’s up Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web site regularly, if so
after that you will absolutely get nice knowledge.
Drugs
Sex
eliminar dispositivo perdido eliminar Family Link de un dispositivo no puedo eliminar un dispositivo de Family Link eliminar control parental Family Link como quitar Family Link sin permiso como eliminar Family Link sin perder la cuenta
Hi Dear, are you genuinely visiting this website on a regular basis,
if so then you will without doubt get pleasant
know-how.
สาระน่ารู้ทั่วไป
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your weblog.
You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a
good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like
to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please send me an email if interested. Cheers!
Review my web page … สาระน่ารู้ทั่วไป
Drugs
Pornstar
child porn
saya sangat suka child porn karena saya sangat horny
setelah melihat nya, Jika kalian mau melihat vagina
anak-anak bisa bergabung disini
Отделка квартир
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will
try to get the hang of it!
Porn
Scam
蟿喂渭萎 魏伪喂 伪蟺蠈未慰蟽畏 蟿慰蠀 蟺位伪谓畏蟿喂魏慰蠉 蟽蠁伪喂蟻
We’re eager to forge partnerships with planetary ball mill sellers worldwide. Let’s collaborate and drive success together.
Forum Syair Macau
My brother suggested I may like this website. He was entirely right.
This publish actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent
for this information! Thank you!
what scenarios require the use of corundum ball laboratory ball mill
Premier laboratory ball mill manufacturers, offering top-notch quality at competitive rates. Inquiries welcome!
蟿慰 魏伪位蠉蟿蔚蟻慰 蔚蟻纬伪蟽蟿畏蟻喂伪魏蠈 蔚蟻纬慰蟽蟿维蟽喂慰
Join us in revolutionizing the milling industry. Planetary ball mill sellers, your expertise is invaluable. Let’s work together.
wie kaufe ich die billigste planetenkugelmuhle fur das labor
Planetary ball mill sellers, your success is our success. Let’s work together to achieve new heights in the industry.
climate funding
I do not know if it’s just me or if everybody
else experiencing problems with your website.
It looks like some of the text in your content are running off the screen.
Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is
happening to them as well? This could be a issue with
my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
Kudos
apply for vietnam visa
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 trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!
Ozempic Cross-Border
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done
an impressive task and our entire community shall be grateful to
you.
My page :: Ozempic Cross-Border
خرید ویندوز
May I just say what a comfort to discover an individual who genuinely knows what they are discussing
over the internet. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make
it important. A lot more people ought to read this and
understand this side of your story. I was surprised you’re not more popular given that you most certainly
possess the gift.
snaptik.life
แอนดรอยเป็นเครื่องหมายการค้าของบริษัท Google Inc.
demo slot pragmatic maxwin olympus
I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and
bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
video sex học sinh
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your website in web explorer, would check this?
IE still is the market chief and a huge element of folks will leave out your great writing because of this problem.
equipacion italia mundial
Tienda Nº 1 en Camiseta Italia
Encontrarás cada camiseta equipacion italia mundial 2022 y ropa de entrenamiento de los clubs y selecciones nacionales para adultos y niños.
비트코인 사용
This app caters to both Android annd iOS users, making certain comprehensive accessibility.
Feel free to surf to my site – 비트코인 사용
the purpose and efficacy of planetary ball mills
We’re always on the lookout for talented planetary ball mill sellers to join our growing family. Let’s collaborate.
moinho de bolas agitado de laboratorio
Join the thousands who trust our laboratory ball mill factory for quality, affordability, and expert advice.
Mostbet App
After looking at a number of the blog posts on your web site, I really appreciate your
technique of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site
list and will be checking back in the near future.
Please visit my website too and let me know how you feel.
연체자 대출
How To Set Sound Card And Processor Problems Within Your Computer 연체자 대출