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.
patio door Repairs near me
The 10 Scariest Things About Patio Door Repairs
Near Me patio door Repairs near me
Volvo Ignition Key Replacement
A Look At The Future What’s The Volvo Key Fobs Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
Volvo Ignition Key Replacement
posteezy.com
Why You Should Concentrate On Improving Replacement
Jaguar Key Fob jaguar f-pace key fob programming [posteezy.com]
Chauffagiste Mons
hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right
here. I did however expertise a few technical points using
this site, as I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly.
I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your
placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for much more of
your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon.
Also visit my web-site … Chauffagiste Mons
Shane
A Relevant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds fireplaces (Shane)
프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트
“The Pragmatic Free Awards: The Best, Worst, And Weirdest Things We’ve Ever Seen 프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Car Key Cover Audi
15 Reasons To Not Ignore What Is Audi Comfort Key Car Key Cover Audi
Meri
Despite the fact that asbestos usage declined in the 1970s,
exposure asbestos legal (Meri)-related dangers could lead to life-threatening illnesses like mesothelioma.
porn jav
Appreciation to my father who told me concerning this blog, this web site is in fact amazing.
biofireplace
Tips For Explaining Fireplace Bioethanol To Your Boss biofireplace
Chauffagiste Charleroi
Your style is so unique compared to other people I have read stuff from.
I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity,
Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
Also visit my page: Chauffagiste Charleroi
Caroline Lee
I am young and dirty and I think quite nice to look at. My tits are natural and my nipples are . Hehe now don’t keep me waiting and let’s go before someone else does and calls me.
Loodgieter Antwerpen
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you
wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
Also visit my webpage – Loodgieter Antwerpen
ebet com register login
Remarkable Blog Write-up
Gosh , what an insightful and meditative content! I stumbled upon myself nodding along as
I perused through your scrutiny of this essential matter.
Your points were well-researched and articulated in a lucid, convincing manner.
I particularly appreciated how you were capable to
extract the fundamental subtleties and subtleties at work ,
minus oversimplifying or disregarding the hurdles.
This entry has offered me a significant amount to ponder .
You’ve certainly enlarged my understanding and altered
my viewpoint in certain meaningful forms.
Gratitude for investing the effort to impart your knowledge on this issue.
Articles like this are quite a valuable contribution to the discourse .
I eagerly await experiencing what other illuminating content
you have in supply.
Review my blog post – ebet com register login
xnxx
bokep Seriously quite a lot of good data.
situs judi online terpercaya
What’s up to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web page, and your views are good designed for new people.
Porfirio
Hey there! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting
about this. I will forward this write-up to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
bokep
You actually revealed that superbly!
door repair bromley
Is Your Company Responsible For An Windows Bromley Budget?
12 Top Ways To Spend Your Money door repair bromley
seo tools software
10 Signs To Watch For To Buy A SEO Tools seo tools software
Fenger-roed.technetbloggers.de
20 Inspiring Quotes About Fireplace bio-fireplace (Fenger-roed.technetbloggers.de)
minecraftcommand.science
Guide To Mesothelioma Attorneys: The Intermediate Guide To Mesothelioma Attorneys mesothelioma Attorney (minecraftcommand.science)
Loodgieter Brugge
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog!
I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will share this blog with
my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Feel free to surf to my website; Loodgieter Brugge
situs judi online terbaik
Excellent blog right here! Additionally your web site lots up fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink for your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
penis enlargement
penis enlargement
Loodgieter Gent
Ridiculous quest there. What occurred after? Take care!
Here is my page :: Loodgieter Gent
ig 演算法
Hi thre Dear, are you genuinnely visitring this web site
regularly, if so then you wwill absolutely take good
know-how.
ig 演算法
Plombier Namur
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
My blog – Plombier Namur
Plombier Namur
Thank you for another magnificent article. The place else may anybody get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing?
I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such information.
Also visit my blog … Plombier Namur
cat flap installation in glass doors near me
Cat Flap Installation In Glass Doors Near Me cat flap installation in glass doors near me
슬롯머신
Wonderful site. A lot of useful info here.
I’m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thanks to your effort!
what Is titration adhd
What Is Titration ADHD Adults? History Of Titration ADHD Adults what Is titration adhd
private Assessment For adhd Uk
10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Assessment UK Private private Assessment For adhd Uk
online casinos nz
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has helped me out
loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different users like its
aided me. Good job.
genius wave free
Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I
came to take a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting
this to my followers! Excellent blog and superb design and style.
Have a look at my page … genius wave free
iptv subscription service
Great info. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident
(stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
admiralx.cfd
Awesome posts, Thank you.
asbestos Legal
asbestos Legal is a tough and fireproof mineral that was once used in numerous industries.
Workers were exposed asbestos during construction, ship repairs
and automobile manufacturing.
Chloe
Would you like to have fun with me and hot cam show together in front of the cam until you climax? I really like sperm games and you?
成人影片
I savor, lead to I found just what I was looking for.
You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
Also visit my blog post; 成人影片
best crypto and bitcoin casinos
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger,
and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some
nice practices and we are looking to swap strategies with others, be sure
to shoot me an email if interested.
xnxx
If you would like to improve your familiarity only keep visiting
this website and be updated with the latest information posted here.
Slate roof
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
my site; Slate roof
คาสิโนเว็บไซต์
ความหลงใหล ในการ ซื้อ “หวยลาว”
เป็นหนึ่งในกิจกรรมยอดนิยมในประเทศไทย โดยผู้คนจำนวนมากมักจะ สนใจ ในการเสี่ยง ด้วยความหวังที่จะได้รับ ความมั่งคั่ง และ ปรับเปลี่ยน ชีวิตของตนเอง
“หวยลาว” เป็นการ ลุ้น ที่ถูกกฎหมายในประเทศลาว และได้รับ ความหลงใหล อย่างมากในหมู่ ประชาชนไทย
โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งในช่วงเทศกาลสำคัญ ๆ
เช่น วันสงกรานต์ วันขึ้นปีใหม่ และช่วงก่อนการออกรางวัลใหญ่ของ”หวยลาว” ผู้คนจะ ต่างเสี่ยง เพื่อลุ้นรับ โชคลาภมหาศาล ที่จะ พัฒนา ชีวิตของพวกเขา
อย่างไรก็ตาม การ พนัน “หวยลาว” ก็ไม่ปราศจากปัญหา เนื่องจากบางคนอาจ ปรารถนา การพนันและใช้เงินมากเกินไป ส่งผลให้เกิด ปัญหาสังคม นอกจากนี้ การ
ลุ้น “หวยลาว” ยังอาจเป็นช่องทางให้คนบางกลุ่ม กระทำการอันไม่ถูกต้อง โดยมิชอบ ด้วยการ ฉ้อโกง รางวัลของผู้ชนะ
แม้ว่าการ เสี่ยง “หวยลาว” จะเป็นกิจกรรมที่ถูกกฎหมายและ เป็นที่ชื่นชอบ ในหมู่ คนในประเทศไทย แต่ควรมีการ ปกป้อง อย่างใกล้ชิดเพื่อ ลบล้าง ปัญหาที่อาจเกิดขึ้น ทั้งนี้ เพื่อให้การ ซื้อ “หวยลาว” เป็นเพียงการ ลุ้นรับรางวัล เท่านั้น และ ไม่ก่อให้เกิดผลเสีย ต่อ การเงิน
ของผู้เล่น
Take a look at my blog post … คาสิโนเว็บไซต์
bras micro gaming
What an thought-provoking and meditative write-up! I have to declare , your examination of
this vital subject was truly exemplary.
The depth and nuance you infused to the discourse
was extraordinary , casting new illumination on the complexities at work .
I stumbled upon myself nodding along as I skimmed through your masterfully composed
points . The manner you were equipped to extract
the core points minus streamlining was specifically
exceptional.
It’s evident you’ve dedicated a considerable time of energy into studying this subject .
This article has offered me a substantial amount to mull over
and has compelled me to re-evaluate certain facets of my personal perspective .
I value you taking the energy to convey your expertise – articles like this are
exceptionally valuable in progressing the greater conversation.
I anticipate skimming more of your material in the days
to follow. Please sustain the excellent work !
Have a look at my site … bras micro gaming
private adhd asd assessment Near me
10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About The Word “Private Assessments For ADHD”
private adhd asd assessment Near me
Anal
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the
challenges. It was definitely informative.
Your website is useful. Thank you for sharing!
mã captcha là gì
Helpful information. Lucky me I found your site accidentally, and I am surprised why this coincidence didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
electric mobility scooters for sale Near me
Cutting-Edge Electric Scooters Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters electric mobility scooters for sale Near me