3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 254,191

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.

254191 Responses

  6. Las Vegas Karaoke
    | Reply

    Having read this I thought it was very enlightening.

    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together.
    I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments.
    But so what, it was still worthwhile!

    Here is my webpage – Las Vegas Karaoke

  22. Las Vegas wings
    | Reply

    What i do not realize is in fact how you are not actually much more neatly-preferred than you may be now.
    You are very intelligent. You know therefore significantly with regards to this subject,
    made me for my part imagine it from a lot of varied angles.
    Its like men and women are not fascinated until it’s something to do with Lady gaga!
    Your individual stuffs great. All the time take care of it up!

    Feel free to surf to my webpage – Las Vegas wings

  24. gledek88
    | Reply

    That is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of extra of your wonderful post.
    Also, I have shared your website in my social networks

    Also visit my web page – gledek88

  25. Tbilisi Pub Crawl
    | Reply

    Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
    My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be
    able to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions,
    please share. Thank you!

    Also visit my web site :: Tbilisi Pub Crawl

  26. Cloud IT-ondersteuning
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring
    on other sites? I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely
    interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

    my website … Cloud IT-ondersteuning

  27. Microsoft OneDrive for Business
    | Reply

    I have been browsing online more than three hours these
    days, yet I never discovered any interesting article like yours.
    It’s pretty price sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all
    web owners and bloggers made just right content material
    as you probably did, the internet can be a lot
    more useful than ever before.

    my website … Microsoft OneDrive for Business

  28. کسب و کار
    | Reply

    Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover someone that genuinely knows what they’re talking
    about over the internet. You actually know how to bring
    a problem to light and make it important.
    More and more people ought to read this and understand this
    side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since
    you most certainly possess the gift.

  29. Microsoft 365 voor bedrijven
    | Reply

    hey there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up something
    new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this web site, as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous to I could get it to
    load properly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often 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 could look out for much more
    of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon.

    My homepage – Microsoft 365 voor bedrijven

  31. 카지노 게임
    | Reply

    Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re
    using? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs
    and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  34. Las Vegas Karaoke
    | Reply

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your web site for a while now and
    finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from New Caney Texas!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!

    Feel free to surf to my site Las Vegas Karaoke

  39. Las Vegas Chicken
    | Reply

    I just couldn’t go away your website prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the usual info an individual provide
    for your guests? Is going to be back steadily to investigate cross-check new posts

    Here is my web site Las Vegas Chicken

  40. koitoto
    | Reply

    I wanted to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly loved every bit of it.
    I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look at new things you post…

  42. Lien
    | Reply

    ADHD Titration Waiting List Tools To Improve Your Daily Life ADHD Titration Waiting List Trick That
    Should Be Used By Everyone Learn adhd titration waiting list
    (Lien)

  45. 의정부 돌출이 교정
    | Reply

    Magnificent items from you, man. I’ve be mindful youhr stuff prior
    to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I actually
    like what you have obtained right here, really lioke what you are stating and the best way in which yyou say it.
    You are making it enjoyable andd yoou stioll care for to
    stay iit sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
    That is actually a tremendous web site.
    의정부 돌출이 교정

  47. Proactive IT support
    | Reply

    Hey there exceptional website! Does running a blog such as this require a
    large amount of work? I’ve very little understanding of programming however I had been hoping
    to start my own blog in the near future. Anyways, if you have any
    suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this
    is off subject however I simply needed to ask. Thanks a lot!

    My blog post Proactive IT support

  50. Managed IT services
    | Reply

    Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your
    blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.

    Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access
    consistently quickly.

    My website – Managed IT services

Leave a Reply to Window Hinge Replacement Cancel reply

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