3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 93,051

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.

93051 Responses

  1. Austin video production
    | Reply

    Choosing the right Austin video production agency is key to creating compelling and engaging video content. By defining your goals, reviewing portfolios, and evaluating technical expertise, you can find an agency that aligns with your vision and delivers top-quality results. Keep in mind factors like pricing, collaboration, and local knowledge, as they play an essential role in ensuring a smooth production process.

  2. slot gacor resmi 2024
    | Reply

    I was more than happy to discover this page. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to see new information in your website.

  4. koitoto
    | Reply

    Hey there, You have done a fantastic job.

    I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my
    friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.

  18. xxxtubebest.com/xGk6P751L3Vjk
    | Reply

    Hello, I think yolur website mighht be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at yokur blkog site iin Safari, it look
    fine butt when opening in Interne Explorer, it hhas ssome overlapping.
    I jhst wanted to give youu a quuck heads up!
    Othher ten that, ggreat blog!

  30. philippine casino
    | Reply

    As you explore these top online casinos, remember to gamble responsibly and take advantage of the generous bonuses and promotions available. The world of online gambling is filled with opportunities, and with the right Philippine casino, you can enjoy an exciting and rewarding gaming experience. Dive into the thrilling world of online casinos and discover the excitement that awaits!

  35. 안전놀이터
    | Reply

    결론적으로, 안전놀이터는 온라인 게임을 즐기기 위한 필수적인 요소입니다. 안전하고 신뢰할 수 있는 플랫폼에서 게임을 즐기는 것은 개인 정보 보호와 공정한 게임 환경을 보장받는 것과 직결됩니다. 따라서, 온라인 게임을 즐기기 전에 반드시 안전놀이터의 기준을 확인하고, 자신에게 맞는 플랫폼을 선택하는 것이 중요합니다.

  36. iso777 slot
    | Reply

    I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one today.

  37. hornyxxx.win/hornyvid1975326713
    | Reply

    Does your blig have a contactt page? I’m having trouble locatingg it but, I’d liike tto shoot
    yyou an e-mail. I’ve got skme creawtive idess for yoour bpog youu miggt bee interested inn hearing.
    Either way, greatt blog and I lok fofward too seeing it develop ovwr time.

  41. iso777 wap
    | Reply

    Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website 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, very good blog!

  43. how to use web 2.0 sites for backlinks
    | Reply

    understanding how to use Web 2.0 sites for backlinks is essential for any effective SEO strategy. By selecting the right platforms, creating high-quality content, and engaging with your audience, you can build a strong backlink profile that drives traffic and improves your website’s authority. Remember to maintain a natural integration of your target keyword throughout your content for optimal SEO results. Start leveraging these strategies today, and watch your online presence flourish!

  46. daftar situs judi online
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I stopped up right here, but I thought this submit used to be good. I don’t recognise who you are but definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger in case you are not already. Cheers!

  48. slot gacor anti rungkad
    | Reply

    I don’t even understand how I finished up here, however I thought this submit used to be good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you happen to are not already. Cheers!

  49. Mikki
    | Reply

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if
    you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from
    your writing. Cheers!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *