3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,091

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.

111091 Responses

  1. Live Draw Macau
    | Reply

    Fantastic website you have here but I was curious
    if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of online community where
    I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!

  2. DanielDriet
    | Reply

    Букмекерская контора Melbet является одним из столпов международной беттинговой индустрии. За счет масштабной маркетинговой компании, высоких коэффициентов и оперативной технической поддержки БК Мелбет удалось привлечь и удержать большое количество игроков. На сегодняшний день, букмекер предлагает получить один из самых высоких бонусов на рынке – 10400 рублей. Размер бонуса в Melbet составляет 100% от суммы первого пополнения, но не менее 100 рублей и не более 10400. К примеру, если пополнить баланс на сумму 4000, то справа от основного счета появится бонусный. Как видим, использовать Melbet имеет смысл, особенно тем бетторам и бонусхантерам, которые привыкли заключать пари по-крупному. С учетом того, что он бесплатный – воспользоваться им может абсолютно любой игрок.

  6. 包绑
    | Reply

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or
    something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog.
    A great read. I will definitely be back.

  7. Admin Bootstrap 5 themes
    | Reply

    naturally like your web-site but you need to take a
    look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to
    find it very bothersome to tell the truth however I will surely come again again.

  12. xem phim lẻ hay
    | Reply

    A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that
    you should publish more about this subject, it may not be
    a taboo subject but typically people don’t speak about these
    issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

  14. cvv料
    | Reply

    whoah this blog is excellent i really like studying your posts.
    Keep up the good work! You know, lots of people are looking around for this info,
    you can help them greatly.

  15. trc20 wallet generator
    | Reply

    Hey There. I found your weblog the use of msn. That is a very well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful info.
    Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  17. sitemap
    | Reply

    I every tijme used too read piece off wrtiting in ness papers butt now aas I aam a use oof net
    therefre from noww I aam usong net forr posts, thanks too web.

  19. EthanDriet
    | Reply

    В Мелбет промокод — это уникальная комбинация из цифр и букв. Он может использоваться в самых разных ситуациях. Чаще всего применяется в Мелбет промокод при регистрации, чтобы привлечь новых игроков. Однако, он может давать бесплатную ставку и другие бонусы, которых очень много в данной букмекерской конторе. Этот материал расскажет о том, что из себя представляет и что дает Melbet. Промокод для Мелбет можно получить за участие в каких-либо активностях букмекерской конторы Мелбет. Например, уникальный код компания присылает на день рождения в виде подарка своим клиентам. Помимо этого, можно ввести в поисковике «Как получить промокод на Мелбет?» и найти тематические сайты, где постоянно публикуются актуальные комбинации цифр и букв. Букмекер часто распространяет свои promo коды через партнеров, а также некоторые игроки сами активно делятся ими в сети.

  29. memek
    | Reply

    Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but
    after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and
    I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

  39. herpesyl
    | Reply

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful.
    I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

    My web site … herpesyl

Leave a Reply

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