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.
blocked-drains70370.blogdiloz.com
Good facts, Cheers.
Traf-Partners
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back
to your weblog? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!
داف
You said it very well.!
window repairs near me
See What Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me Tricks The Celebs Are Using window repairs near me
Fast Ranking #1 Blackhat SEO by Telegram @web_shellseo
If you would like to get much from this post then you have to apply such methods to your
won webpage.
ซื้อไลค์ไอจี
Hi, this weekend is nice designed for me, because this point in tiume
i am reading this fantastic educational piece oof writing here at my home.
ซื้อไลค์ไอจี
the growth matrix step by step
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but
your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road.
Cheers
My web page – the growth matrix step by step
インスタ コメント
Wow, incredible blog layout! Hoow long have you
been blogging for? you make blogging look easy.
The overall look of youur website is excellent, as
well as the content!
インスタ コメント
fxpro global trading
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and
our whole community will be grateful to you.
powerful-tool24455.blogdigy.com
Thank you! I appreciate this!
Pinterest
I always emailed this blog post page to all my associates, as if like to read
it then my contacts will too.
My blog Pinterest
대출 금리
Learn Your Rights Before You Take Out A Housing Loan 대출 금리
joki sakti
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :).
big mumbai
Viagra
slot
Incredible points. Solid arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
fx pro platform
Excellent items from you, man. I have take into account your stuff prior to and you’re just
too magnificent. I really like what you have got right here,
really like what you’re stating and the way by which you assert it.
You are making it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I can not wait to read much more from you.
This is actually a wonderful site.
demo slot gacor panen77
This page truly has all of the info I needed about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
wie verkoopt de beste laboratorium kogelmolen
Our laboratory ball mills are designed for precision and durability. Reach out for a detailed product brochure.
Cheap viagra
Scam
visa application for vietnam
I could not refrain from commenting. Very well written!
KPOPB2B
Hey there! Someome in my Myspace group shared this site with us
so I came to check it out. I’m definitely enjoying
the information. I’m bookmarking aand will be tweeting this to my followers!
Great blog aand great design and style.
KPOPB2B
123sakti
Appreciation to my father who shared with me about this web site, this website is genuinely amazing.
big mumbai
Porn site
upvc window repairs near me
11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Upvc Window
Repairs upvc window repairs near me
daftar akun slot mahjong
Hi there! I realize this is somewhat off-topic but I had to
ask. Does running a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work?
I’m brand new to blogging however I do write in my journal every day.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and thoughts
online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers.
Thankyou!
MichaelDriet
Бесплатные промокоды на 2024 от букмекерской конторы Mostbet: при регистрации, на бесплатную ставку. Рассказываем, как использовать и куда вводить промокоды в Мостбет. промокод для ставки мостбет. Бесплатный промокод для увеличения бонуса. Букмекерская контора Мостбет – одна из самых популярных беттинговых площадок, предлагающая высокие коэффициенты, широкую линию с дополнительной росписью. Благодаря низкой марже БК пользователи стабильно зарабатывают на ставках на спорт. Отличительной особенностью букмекерской конторы Mostbet является возможность совершения ставок по промокодам, которые предоставляются бесплатно.
Cheap viagra
Pornstar
SEO
Google Webmaster Guidelines – Complete Seo Perspective For Starters
SEO
phim sex trẻ em trung quốc
This is nicely expressed. .
V start
Francfhising Patth Escondido
Escondido, ⅭA 92025, United Ꮪtates
+18582803820
V start
sakti123 rtp
It’s going to be ending of mine day, except before end I am reading this enormous piece of writing to increase my knowledge.
Anonymous
Aw, this was a really good post. Finding the
time and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I
put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.
vietnam visa incorrect portrait photo
I’m not positive where you are getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend a while studying more or figuring out more.
Thank you for great info I was looking for this information for my mission.
프리미어리그중계
Its not my first time to visit this web site, i am
visiting this website dailly and obtain good data from here every
day.
Pafi Kabupaten Singkawang
The Indonesian Pharmaciѕts Affiliation (Pafi) is actᥙaⅼly a qualified association Ԁevօted towards progressing
ρharmacy technique and alsօ health care in Indonesia via learning, educating,
area health and wellness plan advocacy, and alѕo effߋrts.
Pafi makеs certain pharmacists aгe
actually furnisһed along with the current know-how towards offer high top peemium as well as secure pharmacy companieѕ
towards eνeryone.
송파 가라오케
Hello there, I discovered your web site by the use of Google at the
same time as looking for a related matter, your web site got here up, it seems to bee good.
I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply changed into aware of your blog via Google,
and located that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll bee grateful in the event you continue this in future.
Lots of other people will likely be benefited out of your
writing. Cheers!
송파 가라오케
여성 탈모 치료
Hi everybody, here every persoin is sharing hese know-how, so
it’s nie to read this blog, and I used too visit this weblog every day.
여성 탈모 치료
송파 가라오케
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came too “return tthe favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve
my site!I suppose its ok too use some of your ideas!!
송파 가라오케
assess adhd
What’s The Reason Everyone Is Talking About Private Adhd Assessment Uk Right Now assess adhd
fb88232132
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!
bk8nz
Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my previous room
mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this
write-up to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
Thanks for sharing!
کیر
Regards. An abundance of write ups!
kaip rasti geriausia planetini rutulini maluna
Our jar mills are perfect for small-scale mixing and grinding, ensuring accurate results every time.
Visit here
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this web site needs a great
deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to see more, thanks for the
information!
equipement de broyage vertical de laboratoire dun volume de 4l
Discover the advantages of our roller ball mills for large-scale production. We’ll share the technical details.
free porn
Whats up this is kinda 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 expertise so I wanted to get advice
from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Here is my web site – free porn
bokep hot jepang
Keep this going please, great job!
site
Hello, i feel that i noticed you visited my blog so i got here to
return the favor?.I’m trying to to find issues to improve
my web site!I guess its good enough to make use of a few of
your concepts!!
releasebb
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be
on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not
know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out
the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
diseño de oficina en casa
Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn.
That is a really neatly written article. I’ll be sure
to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful information. Thank
you for the post. I’ll definitely return.