3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 107,599

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.

107599 Responses

  2. Pasaran Camertoto
    | Reply

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m making my way to the top as well. I absolutely liked reading everything that is posted on your site.Keep the aarticles coming. I enjoyed it!

  4. LiamDriet
    | Reply

    действующий промокод Melbet Введите: RS777 и тогда при депозите вы получите бонус 10400 рублей автоматически. Букмекерская контора Мелбет в 2024 году создала комфортные условия для заядлых беттеров и новых пользователей. Международная букмекерская платформа Melbet стремительно набирает популярность среди беттеров. Для привлечения новой аудитории и повышения лояльности уже имеющейся, администрация сайта создала специальный промокод.

  5. xxxbombo.com/xxxgal653cc15eb75e912
    | Reply

    An outstanding share! I havfe just fodwarded this onto a co-worker who had been doing
    a little homewordk on this. Andd he iin fsct bought me lunch simpply becausee I fouund iit for him…
    lol. So llet mme reword this…. Thaznks forr thee meal!!
    Butt yeah, thanx foor spending tine to discuss this subject here oon youir site.

  12. Phen Q Reviews
    | Reply

    I blog often and I really appreciate your information. The article has
    really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking for new information about once a
    week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

    Here is my website Phen Q Reviews

  13. Goa Games
    | Reply

    Thanks for every other magnificent post. Where else
    could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect manner of writing?
    I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such information.

  15. Danelle
    | Reply

    I think the admin of this web site is in fact working hard for his site, for the reason that here every
    data is quality based material.

  17. couvreur charpentier
    | Reply

    Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!

    Extremely helpful information specifically the closing
    phase 🙂 I deal with such information much. I used to be seeking this certain info for a very long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  19. Bocoran Camertoto
    | Reply

    Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your web-site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply could not come across. What a great web site.

  20. kontol
    | Reply

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.

    Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and
    checking back often!

  27. memek
    | Reply

    Hi there are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to
    get started and create my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

  30. Marcos
    | Reply

    Tremendous issues here. I am very happy to peer your
    article. Thank you a lot and I’m having a look ahead to contact you.
    Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  35. penipu
    | Reply

    Excellent weblog right here! Also your site loads up very fast!
    What host are you using? Can I get your associate hyperlink on your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours
    lol

  36. Azultoto
    | Reply

    Anda mencari situs bandar togel online terpercaya yang siap membantu Anda meraih kemenangan di setiap putaran? Jangan lewatkan Azultoto, agen togel
    yang hadir dengan banyak pilihan pasaran, analisis akurat, serta layanan terbaik untuk para pecinta togel di NTT.

  39. Goa Games
    | Reply

    Great beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your website,
    how can i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent idea

  41. 카페제빙기
    | Reply

    wonderful publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the opposite experts of this sector don’t understand this.
    You should proceed yoiur writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

    카페제빙기

  42. porn
    | Reply

    I like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever
    work and reporting! Keep up the awesome works
    guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.

  43. Camertoto terpercaya
    | Reply

    certainly like your web site but you have to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I will definitely come again again.

  44. sboagen
    | Reply

    Excellent way of explaining, and fastidious paragraph to get facts regarding
    my presentation topic, which i am going to present in university.

  47. Sacred geometry
    | Reply

    Amazing blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid
    option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused
    .. Any recommendations? Kudos!

    my web-site … Sacred geometry

Leave a Reply

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