3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,993

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.

111993 Responses

  6. เกมส์9
    | Reply

    After looking over a handful of the articles on your site,
    I truly appreciate your technique of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking
    back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and
    let me know how you feel.

  8. digital casino
    | Reply

    Fantastic Reply to Web Publication Comment

    Brilliant entry! I’m definitely appreciating the information on this
    platform. Own you at any time considered on gaining
    within internet wagering gaming? Evolution Gaming Site is a amazing
    website offering a broad collection of premium real-time dealer products.
    The overall outing is unbelievably riveting and authentic, it seems resembling you’re precisely there inside the
    real wagering.

    On the condition you’re intrigued about attempting it
    out, I’d be delighted to ecstatic to share my special suggestion address.
    The Evolution comprises a great welcome promotion to latest gamblers.
    It definitely certainly useful examining out provided you’re
    craving a different internet gaming adventure.

    Thanks as well with regards to the wonderful website
    content. Retain at the fantastic undertakings!

    Review my web blog: digital casino

  13. like this
    | Reply

    Its such as you read my thoughts! You appear to know so much approximately
    this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something.
    I believe that you simply can do with a few
    % to power the message house a little bit, however other than that, that is excellent blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.

  15. Natural Stone Tiles Sydney and Pavers
    | Reply

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I have take note your stuff
    prior to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve received right here, certainly like what you’re saying and
    the way during which you are saying it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of
    to keep it smart. I cant wait to learn much more from you.
    This is really a tremendous site.

  20. Extra resources
    | Reply

    Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article!
    It is the little changes which will make the most significant changes.
    Thanks a lot for sharing!

  21. Website
    | Reply

    Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it
    😉 I’m going to come back yet again since i have saved as a favorite it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may
    you be rich and continue to guide others.

  23. Mai
    | Reply

    Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this,
    such as you wrote the e-book in it or something. I believe that you simply could do with a few p.c.
    to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, that is great blog.

    A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  24. Fitspresso
    | Reply

    FitSpresso is a remarkable supplement that has piqued my interest due to its unique blend of ingredients and
    its focus on promoting healthy weight loss in a natural way.
    What makes FitSpresso different is its unique mix of components that
    not only aid in fat loss but also enhance metabolism and support overall
    health. I appreciate that FitSpresso is designed
    to be gentle yet effective, making it a good choice for people who are looking for a healthy weight loss method.

    The fact that it increases energy while curbing hunger is a great advantage because it helps to stop
    unhealthy dieting or intense cravings that many other weight management products cause.

    Additionally, its all-natural composition makes it a safer option compared to synthetic supplements.
    I’ve seen many success stories from customers who
    have seen significant improvements in their energy levels, mood, and body transformation after using FitSpresso into their daily
    routine. It’s also worth noting that it fits well into a busy lifestyle since it doesn’t require a
    major diet overhaul or heavy exercise.

    All in all, FitSpresso appears to be a great option for anyone serious about achieving their weight loss goals while supporting their health with a safe, simple supplement.

    I believe it delivers an easy and effective way for those who want to shed extra pounds without sacrificing their
    health.

  25. Brisbane Wedding Rings
    | Reply

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your
    site. You have some really good posts and
    I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want
    to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles for your
    blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.

    Thank you!

  27. mesothelioma
    | Reply

    Mesothelioma
    is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity and, in rare
    instances, the abdomen’s lining and the heart.
    The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

  28. us poker sites
    | Reply

    Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?

    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great,
    as well as the content!

  32. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of the
    challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is
    very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

  35. mega.sb
    | Reply

    It’s truly very complicated in this active life to listen news on TV, thus I simply use world wide web for that reason, and
    obtain the latest news.

  36. kingslot96
    | Reply

    This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  38. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation?
    My blog has a lot of unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but
    it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without
    my permission. Do you know any methods to
    help prevent content from being stolen? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  39. Asbestos Lawsuit
    | Reply

    A good mesothelioma lawyer will offer a free case evaluation to determine whether
    you qualify for compensation. The top mesothelioma lawyers operate on a contingent basis.
    This arrangement allows for the highest the compensation of clients.

    Here is my site … Asbestos Lawsuit

  41. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    of course like your web-site however you need to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts.
    A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality
    however I will surely come back again.

  43. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work
    you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
    Always go after your heart.

  44. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.

    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read more things about it!

  46. memek
    | Reply

    I do not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody
    else experiencing issues with your blog. It looks like
    some of the written text on your content are running off
    the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and
    let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This could be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had
    this happen previously. Kudos

    Feel free to visit my web site memek

  48. top picks reviews
    | Reply

    Wow, awesome weblog format! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?

    you made blogging glance easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent, let
    alone the content material!

Leave a Reply

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