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.
Dane
10 Top Mobile Apps For Ghost Immobiliser Birmingham autowatch ghost installation walsall – Dane –
スギhd 株価
You’ll by no means should pay any finance expenses or late payment fees, nor will you have to keep a minimum steadiness on the card.
head injury attorney california
The brain head injury attorney california legal representatives at DE CARO & KAPLEN, LLP.
Hongkong Pools
The information provided on this site is comprehensive and reliable.
grey Electric fire suite
“The Ready Assembled Electric Fire Suites Awards: The Top, Worst, Or Weirdest Things We’ve Seen grey Electric
fire suite
online casino reload bonuses
Salutations, peer reader. I must compliment the author for their insightful and
beautifully-written blog post. The content was both revealing
and thought-provoking, leaving me with a deeper understanding of
the issue at hand.
I would like to extend an recommendation to become a member of the prestigious PUSSY888 community.
This domain offers a universe of pleasure and thrill, catering to those who
revere the more luxurious things in being. I advise you to discover the extensive selections and
engulf yourself in the exhilarating explorations
that entice you. Your contribution would be extremely valued, and I
await with excitement the occasion to discourse with
you in depth within this exalted online territory
Also visit my blog post; online casino reload bonuses
cokeiraq62.bravejournal.net
20 Up And Coming How To Get ADHD Diagnosis Stars To Watch The How To Get
ADHD Diagnosis Industry adhd diagnosis in adults uk (cokeiraq62.bravejournal.net)
insurance king
I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else
encountering problems with your website. It appears as though some of
the written text in your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me
know if this is happening to them too? This might be a problem with
my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Cheers
Williefus
Stumbled upon interesting material – I can’t help but recommend you to read http://kurgetrp.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=622
Long-Range Mobility Scooters
See What Long-Range Mobility Scooters Tricks The Celebs Are Using Long-Range Mobility Scooters
treadmills uk
What’s The Job Market For Treadmills UK Reviews Professionals Like?
treadmills uk
brain injury lawyer dc
The mind brain injury lawyer dc attorneys at DE CARO & KAPLEN,
LLP.
구글 seo
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information much.
I was seeking this particular information for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
blowjob
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this web site needs far more
attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
Fridge freezer Sale
You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Fridge Freezer Sale’s Tricks Fridge freezer Sale
Cabin beds double
Why Nobody Cares About Cabin Bed With Wardrobe Cabin beds double
Porn
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your website is extremely
helpful. Thank you for sharing!
tonic greens reviews
Post writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with then you can write or else it is difficult to write.
Feel free to surf to my blog post: tonic greens reviews
Mobility scooters to buy
10 Quick Tips About Best Buy Mobility Scooters Mobility scooters to buy
sex indo vira
Very nice article, totally what I was looking for.
porn video
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
mulino a rulli da laboratorio
https://www.lab-mill.net/tr/gezegensel-bilyali-degirmen-kritik-hiz/gezegensel bilyali degirmen kritik hiz
kontol
kontol penis jumbo pepek di ngentot sampai mampus tukang ngentot
anak kecil ngentot wanita gratis tanpa di bayar pepek kuda di kebiri ramai ramai
mental health assesment
10 Sites To Help Become An Expert In Mental Health Assessments mental health assesment
Download Original
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this site needs
a lot more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the information!
Scot Kiehn
Your blog is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Keep up the amazing work! 당신의 블로그는 종종 혼탁한 온라인 콘텐츠 세계에서 밝은 등대와 같습니다. 당신의 사려 깊은 분석과 통찰력 있는 논평은 항상 깊은 인상을 남깁니다. 훌륭한 작업을 계속해 주세요!
Discover More Here
I’m curious to find out what blog system you happen to be utilizing?
I’m experiencing some small security problems with
my latest website and I’d like to find something
more secure. Do you have any solutions?
where to get Diagnosed with adhd
The No. 1 Question That Anyone Working In ADHD Diagnosis UK Adults
Should Be Able To Answer where to get Diagnosed with adhd
sortoto
Thanks for finally talking about > Short term missions
are not the race – The Hus Report < Loved it!
situs slot gacor hari ini
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search
Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m
not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Many thanks!
brain injury attorney new york
The mind brain injury attorney new york attorneys at DE CARO & KAPLEN, LLP.
Asbestos legal
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs.
My blog :: Asbestos legal
software contable
fantastic post. Ne’er knew this, thanks for letting me know.Gestion de sistemas erp
buying home franchise services
HorsePower Brands Omaha
2525 N 117tһ Ave #300,
Omaha, NE 68164, United Stɑtes
14029253112
buying home franchise services
Best personal injury lawyer los angeles
A knowledgeable mind Best personal injury lawyer los angeles legal representative might be able to aid.
חשפניות בנתניה
Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you
download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few
simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your theme.
Many thanks
상품권매입
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills ass well as with
the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Anyway kewp uup the excellent quality writing, it’s rare
to see a great blog like this one today.
상품권매입
visit here
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great design and style.
willysforsale.com
Replacement Hyundai Key Fob’s History History Of Replacement Hyundai
Key Fob how to find lost hyundai key fob (willysforsale.com)
visit here
Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the net the simplest thing to understand of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as people think about worries that they plainly don’t realize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , other people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you!
personal injury lawyer los angeles ca
An experienced mind personal injury lawyer los angeles ca legal representative
may be able to assist.
klik disini
Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I include a fragment of your post to my site?
slot demo
Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
symptoms of anxiety disorders
Why Nobody Cares About Anxiety Disorders symptoms of anxiety disorders
xnxx.coml}
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home
a bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read.
I will certainly be back.
Nitka.By
Why Hyundai Key Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession Hyundai Santa Fe Keys (Nitka.By)
Durable vinyl fence selections
Stand Strong Fencing
Nashville, Tennessee 37201, Unites Ѕtates
16154311511
Durable vinyl fence selections
dudoser.com
See What I Lost My Car Keys Honda Tricks The Celebs Are Making
Use Of car keys honda – dudoser.com –
loft bed With storage stairs
13 Things You Should Know About Double Loft Bed That You Might Never Have
Known loft bed With storage stairs
пользовательский опыт на Wildberries
Wonderful content Cheers!
Look into my site; https://telegra.ph/Kak-stat-uspeshnym-prodavcom-na-Wildberries-09-15