3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 111,498

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.

111498 Responses

  2. bong da lu pc
    | Reply

    Heya this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.

    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Look into my site :: bong da lu pc

  3. bong da lu fun
    | Reply

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check
    again here frequently. I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

    Feel free to visit my web-site bong da lu fun

  9. nuddies
    | Reply

    It’s the best time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be
    happy. I have learn this publish and if I may just I want to recommend you some interesting issues or
    tips. Perhaps you could write next articles regarding this article.

    I want to learn even more issues about it!

  11. bong da lu pc
    | Reply

    Someone essentially help to make critically articles I’d state.

    That is the very first time I frequented your web page and up to now?
    I surprised with the research you made to create this actual publish incredible.
    Magnificent task!

    Review my web blog – bong da lu pc

  12. Roof Inspections
    | Reply

    Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to
    see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so
    she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and
    she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had
    to share it with someone!

  13. jiliko login
    | Reply

    Jiliko’s live dealer section offers an immersive experience that brings the excitement of a physical casino to your screen. Games like live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat are hosted by professional dealers, and players can interact with both the dealer and other players.

  17. Camisetas De Fiorentina Baratas
    | Reply

    Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you
    have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  18. bong da lu fun
    | Reply

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I am quite sure I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

    Feel free to surf to my website … bong da lu fun

  19. bong da lu
    | Reply

    I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this sort of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site.
    Studying this information So i’m happy to express that
    I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.

    I most certainly will make certain to don?t disregard this web site and provides
    it a look on a continuing basis.

    Here is my web-site – bong da lu

  23. jeetwin Cashback
    | Reply

    Jeetwin, a popular online casino catering to Pakistani players, offers a range of bonuses and rewards designed to enhance the gaming experience. Among the most enticing features is the Jeetwin Cashback program, a special incentive that allows players to recover a percentage of their net losses.

  25. dewascatter
    | Reply

    Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon every day.
    It’s always useful to read through articles from other writers and use a little something from their websites.

  39. bong da lu vip
    | Reply

    With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of
    plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a
    lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it
    up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to
    help reduce content from being stolen? I’d definitely
    appreciate it.

    Also visit my webpage :: bong da lu vip

  45. Katie
    | Reply

    We absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly what
    I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content in your
    case? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write related to here.
    Again, awesome web log!

  48. best etheruem casinos in uk
    | Reply

    Hello, I do believe your website could possibly be having
    internet browser compatibility problems. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues.
    I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
    Aside from that, wonderful site!

Leave a Reply

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