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.
sex whore
Porn site
CareYaya healthcare
What’s up to every body, it’s my first visit of this blog; this website contains remarkable and in fact
fine data in favor of readers.
M1Bar.Com
How Mesothelioma Settlement Transformed My Life For The Better Mesothelioma Compensation – M1Bar.Com,
Cara urus PIRT makanan ringan
I’m very pleased to discover this great site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely savored every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to see new information on your web site.
web068.dmonster.kr
Five Killer Quora Answers To Treadmills UK Reviews treadmills uk reviews (web068.dmonster.kr)
חשפניות ירושלים
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with
the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like
this one these days.
Live Draw Sydney 6D
Your website is a perfect blend of creativity and professionalism. The seamless navigation, coupled with high-quality content, makes for an exceptional user experience. It’s clear that a lot of care and effort have gone into every aspect of the site. Truly impressive!
rollators Tri walkers
What Is 2 In 1 Rollator Wheelchair And Why Is Everyone Dissing It?
rollators Tri walkers
Virdsam HK
The advice and suggestions offered in this forum are trustworthy and reliable. It’s clear that members are knowledgeable and genuinely want to help others succeed.
RogerVop
Discovered an article that’s sure to appeal to you Р I recommend checking it out http://true.pahom.su/2024/09/13/seo-dlya-kompaniy-nizhnego-novgoroda-razvitie-biznesa-onlayn.html
Porn
Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam comments?
If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.
fiat Doblo van Remote key
Unexpected Business Strategies Helped Fiat Doblo Key Fob
Replacement Achieve Success fiat Doblo van Remote key
link MPOMAX
I just couldn’t leave your site before suggesting that I actually loved
the usual info a person supply for your visitors? Is gonna be again regularly
to investigate cross-check new posts
Also visit my website – link MPOMAX
4ft loft bed
This Is The One Cheap Loft Beds Trick Every Person Should Be Able To 4ft loft bed
как разместить музыку на цифровых площадках
Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a quick
visit of this weblog; this blog carries amazing and truly good material for
readers.
dripper coffee maker
9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Dripper Coffee Maker dripper coffee maker
9710861
“The Ultimate Cheat Sheet” For Oil Heating Radiators 9710861
Pengurusan izin PIRT frozen food
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and may come back down the road. I want to encourage you continue your great writing, have a nice afternoon!
do i need an eta for australia
For newest information you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on internet I found this site as a finest web site for most up-to-date updates.
Carrollproop
Came across an interesting article, worth a glance https://privatebin.net/?cb498afe2fde146d#2tpWccHCpekvJGF43dEMBTvU3fHSAYWjJNHpwnHrhmNd
Refridgerators
10 Beautiful Images Of Fridges For Sale Refridgerators
역삼야구장 위치
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
여성 탈모
I have been surfing online mpre than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like
yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view, iif
aall site owners and bloggers made good content ass you did, the net wioll bbe much more
useful than ever before.
여성 탈모
Kasey
The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Lightest Folding
Electric Wheelchair Industry folding electric mobility chair (Kasey)
24 hour Auto locksmith
Beware Of These “Trends” About Locksmith For Auto 24 hour Auto locksmith
L shaped sectional
10 Facts About L Shaped Sofa Sectional That Make
You Feel Instantly A Good Mood L shaped sectional
asmussen-hammond-2.technetbloggers.de
Guide To Best Rated Bunk Beds: The Intermediate Guide For Best Rated Bunk Beds best rated bunk
beds (asmussen-hammond-2.technetbloggers.de)
슈어맨
Available 24/7, they arre a fantastic way to solve any inquiries you might have.
Feel free to visit my web-site: 슈어맨
NeuraBit GPT review
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to
come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer
to create your theme? Exceptional work!
auto Locksmith ignition replacement
Auto Locksmith Ignition Replacement Tools To Help You Manage
Your Daily Life Auto Locksmith Ignition Replacement Trick Every Person Should Know auto Locksmith ignition replacement
Jasa pembuatan PIRT UMKM cepat
Good article. I absolutely appreciate this website. Continue the good work!
solo Male sex toy
7 Simple Strategies To Completely Moving Your Male Sex Toy solo Male sex toy
Dorothy
5 Killer Quora Answers On Integrated Fridge Freezer 50 50 integrated fridge freezer 50 50;
Dorothy,
iptv premium service provider
Lovely material, Thanks a lot!
Konsultan PIRT Jakarta berpengalaman
I’m really inspired with your writing talents as smartly as with the structure in your weblog. Is that this a paid subject or did you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to look a nice weblog like this one these days.
Types of upvc Door Hinges
20 Things You Need To Know About Upvc Door Hinge Types of upvc Door Hinges
Auto Injury Legal Experts Sacramento
Many thanks! Loads of knowledge.
lừa đảo người chơi
Nicely put. Regards!
Adhd No Medication
9 . What Your Parents Taught You About ADHD
No Medication Adhd No Medication
fridge freezer next day delivery
The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Tall Larder Fridge fridge freezer next day delivery
Sectional sofa sale
Ten Ways To Build Your Modern Sectional Sofa Empire Sectional sofa sale
High class escort New York
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your
posts! Carry on the superb work!
Personalised gifts
Appreciating the hard work you put into your blog and in depth information you provide.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a
while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Excellent read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Feel free to visit my web page … Personalised gifts
what is adhd Symptoms in adults
What Is Adhd Symptoms In Adults Test? History Of Adhd Symptoms In Adults
Test what is adhd Symptoms in adults
Carrollproop
Discovered an interesting article, I suggest you familiarize yourself https://privatebin.net/?aaa8d584152977fe#3q76g1Micwwjcn8ni9ojhGPF8EerFtHBanKubtJMZDPL
Arabica coffee
What’s The Current Job Market For Whole Bean Arabica Coffee Professionals Like?
Arabica coffee
谐写械 褟 屑芯谐褍 泻褍锌懈褌褜 谢褍褔褕褍褞 谢邪斜芯褉邪褌芯褉薪褍褞
https://www.lab-mill.net/de/planeten-kugelmuhle-kritische-drehzahl/planeten kugelmuhle kritische drehzahl
bunk beds cabin beds
20 Inspiring Quotes About Cabin Bed With Wardrobe bunk beds cabin beds
Bunk bed double bottom single top
Five Killer Quora Answers On Bunk Bed Double Bottom
Single Top Bunk bed double bottom single top
eta australia contact
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll certainly comeback.