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.
house repair needs
Clients currently expect home services to be on-demand.
My page; house repair needs
porn xnxx
My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was once totally right.
This publish truly made my day. You can not believe simply how so much time I had spent for this information! Thank you!
besides retirement income what kinds of benefits does social security provide
Genuine HGH Rewards (NewULife Hgh Gel Not Evaluated Yet).
Review my blog post – besides retirement income what kinds of benefits does social security provide
book editing services near me
We screen, examination, and check our editors.
my blog; book editing services near me
Bookmarks
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Evaluation.
Stop by my blog … Bookmarks
sofa chaise longue en u
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I am inspired!
Very helpful information specifically the ultimate section 🙂
I care for such information a lot. I was
looking for this certain info for a very lengthy time.
Thanks and good luck.
jasa pembuatan pt cv tangerang selatan
You can certainly see your expertise in the article you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers such
as you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
Always follow your heart.
sofas modulares jardin
Usually I do not learn post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and
do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me.
Thank you, very nice post.
Bookmarks
Proofing is the extremely last stage in modifying a book.
Here is my web site Bookmarks
book editing software editor
I most likely modified the whole book editing software editor 10 various times.
memek enak
At this time it looks like Movable Type is the top blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re
using on your blog?
N95 Masks California
Cloth N95 Masks California
are machine-washable and reusable.
how much does a lab powder grinder cost
Mix powders, liquids, and pastes with precision using our versatile mixers, suitable for a range of industries.
bookmarks
We evaluate, examination, and monitor our editors.
Have a look at my homepage: bookmarks
scatter plot
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured
I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or
vice-versa? My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and
I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
If you’re interested feel free to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!
Bookmarks
Simply put, solar energy is energy from the sun.
Feel free to visit my webpage Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Our expert caregivers supply a selection of services.
Feel free to visit my website; Bookmarks
Bookmarks
The very best developmental editors get on Reedsy.
my homepage; Bookmarks
solar energy advantages and disadvantages bbc bitesize
Most heat from the sun arrives as infrared
solar energy advantages and disadvantages bbc bitesize.
Child Care Center
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly
the same nearly very often inside case you shield this
increase.
Also visit my webpage: Child Care Center
book editing jobs canada
Proofing is the very last stage in modifying a publication.
Also visit my blog post; book editing jobs canada
list of disability benefits
XYGENYX, a licensing company for FDA-registered items.
Review my web site: list of disability benefits
Bookmarks
This is the divine grail of fiber links.
Feel free to surf to my web blog Bookmarks
types of ssa disability benefits
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
my web site types of ssa disability benefits
Bookmarks
AT&T provides fiber net solutions in 21 states.
Check out my website … Bookmarks
Bookmarks
USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
Visit my web-site: Bookmarks
book publishing companies in the philippines
We evaluate, examination, and check our editors.
my webpage – book publishing companies in the philippines
Lottery Defeater
This is a topic which is close to my heart…
Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
my web blog Lottery Defeater
porn site
I have learn a few good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much effort you put to make this kind
of wonderful informative site.
phimxét
This excellent website definitely has all of the information and
facts I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
all of your home repair needs
Our expert caretakers supply a selection all of your home repair needs
services.
avaliação real do Cellucare
What’s up, I log on to your blogs on a regular basis.
Your story-telling style is awesome, keep up the good work!
Bookmarks
They have products to market or solutions to supply.
Look at my webpage: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
I was very happy to discover this web site. I need to to thank you for ones
time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every bit of it and i also have you saved
as a favorite to look at new information on your blog.
my web-site :: Bookmarks
Bookmarks
The best developing editors get on Reedsy.
my webpage … Bookmarks
book editing services uk
The best developmental editors get on Reedsy.
Also visit my web site: book editing services uk
Bookmarks
We screen, test, and check our editors.
Here is my blog post: Bookmarks
Pineal Guard Reviews
I will immediately snatch your rss feed as I can’t find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Please permit me understand so that I may just subscribe.
Thanks.
social security retirement processing Time reddit
NewULife Ranks. Invite to my NewUlife Testimonial.
my webpage: social security retirement processing Time reddit
home service needs
Among the services we offer is lasting treatment.
Here is my website; home service needs
Best Aluminum Railing Suppliers
Thanks. I value this!
book publishing companies in the philippines
book publishing companies in the philippines most effective developing editors get on Reedsy.
Shalanda
Let me show you in my evaluation of NewULife.
Also visit my website … Bookmarks – Shalanda,
Bookmarks
We evaluate, test, and monitor our editors.
Feel free to visit my webpage – Bookmarks
vietnam visa application for chinese citizens
This piece of writing is in fact a nice one it assists new net people, who are wishing for blogging.
Bookmarks
Proofing is the very last phase in editing a book.
My web blog – Bookmarks
social security benefits application
USP human growth hormone (somatropin).
My web-site social security benefits application
Bookmarks
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
my web site … Bookmarks
별풍선 충전
I know this site gives quality depending articles or reviewss and other stuff, is there anny other site which offers these things in quality?
별풍선 충전
solar Energy pros and cons .gov
Suppliers’ solar Energy pros and cons .gov rates vary
a great deal by region.