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.
Coffee Beans 1Kg Arabica
A Organic Coffee Beans 1kg Success Story You’ll Never Believe
Coffee Beans 1Kg Arabica
Fraîche Tuber Brumale
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find
It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like
you aided me.
New Jersey land sale timeline
You actually revealed this adequately.
Portland medical negligence proof attorney
What’s up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, as this occasion i am reading this impressive informative
article here at my house.
روغن آرایشی
I really like what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
Mysterybookmarks.Com
The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Private Psychiatrist
Online Best Private Psychiatrist London (Mysterybookmarks.Com)
sex
Hi, I do think this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I may
return once again since i have book-marked it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be
rich and continue to guide others.
anti virus asli
Hey, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!
Software asli
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for info approximately this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. However, what concerning the bottom line? Are you certain concerning the source?
eta aquarids meteor shower 2022 australia
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless
just imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips
to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images
and clips, this blog could definitely be one of the
very best in its field. Excellent blog!
designer lounge radiators
Designer Lounge Radiators Tools To Streamline Your Daily
Life Designer Lounge Radiators Trick That Everybody Should Learn designer lounge radiators
luck8
I’m really inspired together with your writing talents as well as with the format on your blog.
Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it’s rare to look a great weblog like this one
today..
Sell Oklahoma hunting land
Fantastic forum posts Kudos.
treadmill For sale
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Treadmill For Sale Near Me
treadmill For sale
Sell Minnesota lake property
You said it nicely.!
www.kemenagpaluta.com
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate
you writing this article and the rest of the website is really good.
penjual software
Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Chrome, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, terrific blog!
ravn-zimmerman.federatedjournals.Com
10 Inspirational Graphics About Mobility Scooter To Buy best mobility scooter to buy (ravn-zimmerman.federatedjournals.Com)
fridge freezer in Uk
20 Resources To Make You More Effective At Table Top Freezer Uk fridge freezer in Uk
seo optimization
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this
blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end
or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
bookmarkfox.com
10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding Emergency Auto Locksmith
Near Me locksmith for auto keys near me (bookmarkfox.com)
Mobility scooter for Shopping
Mobility Scooter For Shopping Tools To Ease Your
Daily Lifethe One Mobility Scooter For Shopping Trick That Everyone Should Know Mobility scooter for Shopping
변기막힘
Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views aree
nice designed for new viewers.
변기막힘
dancelover.tv
The People Closest To Single Bed Mattress Have Big Secrets To Share mattress price for single bed (dancelover.tv)
the growth matrix leaked
Your style is unique compared to other people I have read
stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I’ll just bookmark this site.
Also visit my homepage; the growth matrix leaked
Louvenia
20 Quotes That Will Help You Understand Pragmatic Genuine 프라그마틱
순위 (Louvenia)
capsule Machine Coffee
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Capsule Machine Coffee capsule Machine Coffee
Asbestos Claim
Mesothelioma and other Asbestos Claim-related diseases take a
long time to manifest, which can make it difficult to determine
the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit.
software murah
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
Chas
The Best Retro Espresso Machine Experts Are Doing 3 Things high end espresso machine – Chas –
Cash offers for Minnesota property
You definitely made the point.
Jual Software
I do not even know the way I finished up here, however I assumed this put up was good. I do not understand who you are however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers!
truffes
For most up-to-date information you have to pay a visit internet and on world-wide-web I found this web page as a best web page for newest updates.
bookmarkangaroo.Com
5 Killer Quora Answers On Sectional Couches For Sale Sectional couches for sale, bookmarkangaroo.Com,
diseño grafico elche
I’m now not sure the place you’re getting your information, but
great topic. I must spend some time studying much more or figuring out more.
Thanks for fantastic information I was in search of this information for my mission.
fiat 500 Abarth key fob replacement
15 Funny People Working Secretly In Fiat Key fiat 500 Abarth key fob replacement
Sell Oklahoma riverfront property
You actually said that fantastically!
Cirugía mamaria
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really
nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back
later. Many thanks
Service
Seven Explanations On Why Upvc Door Repairs Near Me Is Important Service
laboratory horizontal planetary ball mill
https://www.lab-mill.net/te/ceramic-ball-mill-machine/ceramic ball mill machine
software terbaru
As soon as I discovered this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
bedford Double glazing repairs
10 Wrong Answers To Common Glass Repair Bedford Questions: Do You
Know Which Ones? bedford Double glazing repairs
cs.xuxingdianzikeji.com
14 Common Misconceptions Concerning Black Electric Stove Fire electric stove fires (cs.xuxingdianzikeji.com)
Ohio land photography
You stated that adequately.
british shorthair
I every time spent my half an hour to read this blog’s articles
or reviews all the time along with a mug of coffee.
Wyoming land buyer's guide
Very good stuff, With thanks.
read this article
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look
of your website is great, let alone the content!
Global Mapper pro
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the structure on your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it’s uncommon to peer a great blog like this one these days.
Porn Sex
Link exchange is nothing else except it is just placing the other person’s web site link
on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.
schmidt-lindahl.technetbloggers.de
Are You Responsible For An Coffeee Machine Budget?
12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money Coffeee machines [schmidt-lindahl.technetbloggers.de]