3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 177,213

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.

177213 Responses

  2. save tiktok without watermark
    | Reply

    Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your site.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hello there, You’ve performed a fantastic job.

    I’ll definitely digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends.
    I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  4. Hemp Oil Gummies
    | Reply

    Thanks for some other wonderful article. Where else may just anyone get that type of information in such an ideal way
    of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.

  7. truck repair hudson wi
    | Reply

    An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you ought to write more about this subject,
    it might not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t discuss these topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

  8. Continue Reading
    | Reply

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out
    right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly
    a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

  11. 100larn
    | Reply

    100larn.com เว็บหวยส้มที่มาแรงที่สุด อัตราจ่ายสูงสุด |
    หวย 12 ราศี บาทละ 1,200
    AF12% |

  12. Screen cleaning Denver CO
    | Reply

    naturally like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts.

    A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome
    to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll surely come again again.

  13. Crack
    | Reply

    I used to be recommended this blog via my cousin. I am not certain whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else recognise such
    precise about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thanks!

  18. Ivermectin
    | Reply

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward
    to your new updates.

    My web page – Ivermectin

  20. praca hydraulik za granicą
    | Reply

    While borrower continues reducing his obligation through periodical repayments, credit history automatically improves.
    And then, you can either make the affordable monthly payments or repay
    the loan when you can. The application procedure is lightning quick
    and can be completed in just a few minutes from a home or office computer.

  26. Marilyn
    | Reply

    If some one wishes to be updated with hottest technologies then he must be pay a quick visit
    this web site and be up to date every day.

  29. botox near me
    | Reply

    Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I
    was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice practices
    and we are looking to trade strategies with other folks, please shoot
    me an e-mail if interested.

  31. lakiernik szwajcaria
    | Reply

    Thank you for some other excellent post. The place else may just anybody get that type of
    info in such a perfect approach of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the
    search for such info.

  32. cunteyed
    | Reply

    Wow that waѕ strange. I just wrote an extremely long coment but aftyеr I clicked
    submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m nnot wrіting all that
    over again. Ꮢｅgardless, just wanted to say superbb blog!

  35. slot online hari ini
    | Reply

    I just couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual info a person provide in your guests?
    Is gonna be again incessantly to check out new posts

  36. Live Draw Sdy
    | Reply

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube
    sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.

    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  38. colored
    | Reply

    Hey! I understand this is kind of off-topіc however
    I needed to ask. Does building a well-established blog like yours гequire a massive amount work?
    I’m completely new to running a Ьlog but I do write іn my journal everydɑy.
    I’d like to start a blog so I willl be able to
    share myy personal experience аnd thoughtѕ online.
    Pleease let me know if you have any recommendations or tipѕ for new azpiring
    bloggers. Appreciate it!

  42. exhibition stand design
    | Reply

    you are truly a good webmaster. The web site loading
    velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique
    trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful activity in this matter!

  44. Chiropractic Gilberts IL
    | Reply

    My brother suggested I might like this web
    site. He was totally right. This post truly made
    my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for
    this information! Thanks!

  45. garasislot
    | Reply

    Your way of explaining the whole thing in this
    paragraph is genuinely nice, every one be capable of simply
    be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

  46. pharmeasy
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered about including a
    little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything.
    However imagine if you added some great
    graphics or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this blog could definitely be one
    of the very best in its field. Great blog!

  50. beauty
    | Reply

    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 extremely broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

Leave a Reply

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