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.
토지노 커뮤니티
14 Cartoons On Sports Toto Prizes To Brighten Your Day 토지노 커뮤니티
Reprogram
What Is The Renault Clio Replacement Key Term And How To
Use It Reprogram
Lolipop-Pandahouse.Ssl-Lolipop.Jp
See What Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of
Window Repairs Near Me (Lolipop-Pandahouse.Ssl-Lolipop.Jp)
Aluminium Patio Door Repairs
You’ll Never Guess This Aluminium Patio Door Repairs’s Benefits Aluminium Patio Door Repairs
làm bảng hiệu
Great article.
mini Cooper key fob programming
The Ultimate Guide To Mini Cooper Key mini Cooper key fob programming
couch l shaped Sofa
You’ll Never Guess This Couch L Shaped Sofa’s Benefits couch l shaped Sofa
audi Tt Key fob
How Audi A4 Spare Key Changed My Life For The Better audi Tt Key fob
bech-hald-4.Blogbright.net
What’s The Job Market For Ghost Installations Professionals Like?
ghost install (bech-hald-4.Blogbright.net)
Cat flap fitters
Cat Flap Fitters Cat flap fitters
the growth matrix tm
I am no longer sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more.
Thank you for magnificent information I was searching for this info for my mission.
Feel free to visit my web blog – the growth matrix tm
AwinitaNal
You actually expressed this very well!
resorts online casino phone number free online casino games slots online casino best deposit bonus
Della
10 Reasons Why People Hate Audi Advanced Key audi key replacement (Della)
Private Adhd Assessment Maidstone
Are The Advances In Technology Making Private Assessment For ADHD
Better Or Worse? Private Adhd Assessment Maidstone
Work capability assessment for mental health
How To Make A Successful Mental Assessments Guides
With Home Work capability assessment for mental health
como comprar la mejor picadora de laboratorio
https://www.lab-mill.net/hu/bolygokerekes-golyos-orles-kritikus-fordulatszam/bolygokerekes golyos orles kritikus fordulatszam
3 wheel running buggy
Check Out What Three Wheeler Pushchairs Tricks Celebs Are Utilizing 3 wheel running buggy
строительство загородных домов коттеджей
Компания «НовоселИнвестСтрой» предлагает широкий спектр услуг в сфере строительства и продажи домов в Казани. Мы специализируемся на индивидуальном подходе к каждому клиенту, обеспечивая высокое качество работ и материалов.
Наша команда опытных специалистов готова разработать индивидуальный проект дома, учитывая все ваши пожелания и предпочтения. Мы предлагаем https://novoselkzn.ru/ различные варианты материалов для строительства, такие как кирпич, газобетон, дерево и другие.
Кроме того, мы предоставляем услуги по внутренней отделке помещений, установке инженерных систем и подключению коммуникаций. Наша цель — сделать процесс строительства и покупки дома максимально комфортным и удобным для вас.
Обращаясь к нам, вы получаете гарантию качества выполненных работ, соблюдение сроков и внимательное отношение к каждому этапу строительства. Мы стремимся создать для вас дом вашей мечты, который будет радовать вас и вашу семью долгие годы.
g
Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice thought, paragraph is pleasant, thats why i have read
it fully
best live dealer casinos
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the good spirit.
emergency locksmith Service
20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Locksmith Emergency Cost emergency locksmith Service
Camisetas De Toulouse FC Baratas
wonderful points altogether, you just won a emblem new reader.
What would you recommend in regards to your put up that you just
made a few days ago? Any sure?
liveinternet.ru
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.
Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this page.
haber yazılımı
haber yazılımı
Hi I am so delighted I found your website, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and
would just like to say thanks for a tremendous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
time to browse it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it
and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the
fantastic job.
gestation period canine
It is truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
situstoto Slot
See What Situstoto Slot Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing situstoto Slot
tonic greens cure
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise some technical points using this website, since
I experienced to reload the site a lot of times previous to I could
get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes
affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Well I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
Make sure you update this again soon.
Take a look at my web blog – tonic greens cure
프라그마틱 정품확인방법
It’s Time To Expand Your Pragmatic Slot Tips Options 프라그마틱 정품확인방법
Bunk beds
Best Small Bunk Beds Tools To Ease Your Daily Life Best Small Bunk Beds Trick That Everyone Should Know Bunk beds
Strollers for rough terrain
All Terrain Pushchair Uk: 11 Thing You’re
Leaving Out Strollers for rough terrain
tutoring
Helpful advice Regards.
Fireplace Insert
The Most Successful Wall Mount Fireplace Gurus
Do 3 Things Fireplace Insert
Philipp
Media Wall Electric Fires Uk 10 Things I’d Like To Have Known Earlier electric media wall
fire – Philipp,
ラブドールエロ
With our top rated recommendations, エロ 人形it’s not necessary to be concerned about exterior branding or obvious shipping labels giving away what is inside of.
ラブドール中古
But, some counterfeit makers and vendors request toえろ 人形 emulate what the ideal are carrying out in a fraction of the cost.
ラブドールエロ
with disabilities or mom and dad whose adult young children suffer えろ 人形from physical or mental ailments that go away them socially isolated. Some people use dolls to check out their sexuality.
ラブドールエロ
工場での完成写真をご確認いただいてから発送するサービスもラブドール 中古、当店が日本で最初にはじめました。
telegra.ph
Upvc Door Locking Mechanism: What No One Is Discussing upvc
Doors repairs (telegra.ph)
پت شاپ آنلاین
What’s up, I want to subscribe for this blog to obtain newest updates, thus where can i do it
please help.
Brandon
Five Killer Quora Answers To Treadmill Used For Sale treadmill used for sale (Brandon)
repair door Frame hinge side
10 Facebook Pages That Are The Best Of All Time
About Hinges repair door Frame hinge side
search gpt tamil
With thanks. Loads of information!
ラブドールエロ
Overview of 87scholarly books, articles, and essays revealsオナドール quite a few developments in the sphere.
ラブドールエロ
Mon four Mar 2024 Eben Upton is CEO of Raspberry Pi,オナドール which models the popular one-board personal computers experiencing wonderful achievement in colleges and amongst hobbyists, along with in industrial settings.
ラブドールエロ
Generally, you’ll want to scrub out any orifices you employ and keep えろ 人形the doll’s exterior clean up and dry.
rubber gym flooring
I blog frequently and I truly thank you for your content.
This great article has truly peaked my interest.
I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new
details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
Court document filing
I blog often and I really appreciate your content.
The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I opted in for your Feed as well.
eta vs rta
Great work! This is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared across the net.
Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this post higher!
Come on over and talk over with my website . Thank you =)
pottery classes in Los Angeles
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise information… Appreciate your sharing
this one. A must read article!
Camisetas De Troyes Baratas
Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look.
I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking
and will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and
superb style and design.