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.
머니라인 가입쿠폰
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this
webhsite needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more,
thanks for the info!
머니라인 가입쿠폰
Hotels for sale Thailand
Thank you for some other informative blog. Where else may I am getting that kind of
info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a challenge that I am just now working on,
and I have been on the glance out Hotels for sale Thailand
such information.
AI-powered online agency
My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how
much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
my web page AI-powered online agency
Leandro
Der Grund ist einfach, denn die Unternehmen sorgen für hochqualitative neue Spiele, sodass die Spieler immer wieder etwas Neues entdecken.
Visit my blog – vulkan vegas (https://liemhorealtyliving.com/vulkan-vegas-25-euro-bonus-wohlstand-fur-registrierung-735/vulkan-vegas-abgekartete-sache-abzocke-oder-serios-anbieter-im-test3-www-betrug-org-420/)
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
BJC Logistics
I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
My blog post BJC Logistics
autorizacion despacho aduanero
I don’t even know the way I stopped up here, but I believed
this publish was great. I do not recognize who you might be but certainly you are going to a well-known blogger for those who are not already.
Cheers!
my blog post – autorizacion despacho aduanero
fitspresso reviews reddit
If some one wishes to be updated with most recent technologies therefore he must be pay a visit this website and be up to date daily.
Targeted exercise sets and reps
What’s up, after reading this amazing article i am as well cheerful to share my
experience here with mates.
Feel free to visit my page Targeted exercise sets and reps
importacion de obras de arte esculturas
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a fair price?
Thanks, I appreciate it!
Visit my blog – importacion de obras de arte esculturas
Project-specific AI advice
Hi I am so thrilled I found your blog page, I
really found you by accident, while I was searching on Askjeeve for something else,
Anyways I am here now and would just like to say many thanks
for a remarkable post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also
love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through
it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I
have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do
keep up the excellent work.
My web blog Project-specific AI advice
JoshuaPaikefap
Lainaa 40000 euroa
AI-powered job application generator
Wow, this post is fastidious, my younger sister is analyzing these things, thus I am going to convey her.
Here is my blog post AI-powered job application generator
Ralf
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before butt after browsing through many of the posts I
realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I
stumbled upon it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!
인도 의약품 구매 (Ralf)
Brian Chee
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems
of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a
lot of unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a
lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement.
Do you know any ways to help stop content from being ripped off?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Also visit my homepage Brian Chee
Brian Chee
I don’t even know how I finished up here, but I thought this submit was good.
I don’t know who you are however definitely you’re going to
a well-known blogger for those who aren’t already. Cheers!
Visit my website Brian Chee
Targeted exercise sets and reps
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, because i want
enjoyment, as this this web page conations really nice
funny material too.
My web page Targeted exercise sets and reps
han2o.com
Ηowdy! Quick question tһat’s totalⅼy off topic.
Do you know hoow to make your site mobile friendly?
My blog looks wekrd whhen browsing from mу iphone. I’m
trying to find a theme oг plugjn thazt might Ƅe able to fix this
problem. If you have any recommendations, please
share. Thanks! https://han2o.com/index.php?mid=board_OvCs48&document_srl=588195
Discover More Here
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this
blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end
or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
portable blender for smoothies
Hello are using WordPress portable blender for smoothies your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started
and set up my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
milf sex,
Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your blog in Ie, 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, terrific blog!
personal blender
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Have a look at my blog :: personal blender
Hotel for sale Thailand
Hello there, I found your website via Google while looking for a comparable subject, your web
site came up, it seems great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply changed into aware of your weblog thru Google,
and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out Hotel for sale Thailand
brussels. I will appreciate for those who proceed this in future.
Lots of other people can be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Brian Chee
I will immediately grasp your rss feed as I
can not to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly let me realize in order that I
could subscribe. Thanks.
my webpage – Brian Chee
como conseguir likes en instagram
Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my blog so i came to return the
desire?.I am attempying to to find issues to enhance my web site!I guess its ggood enough too usse some
of your ideas!!
como conseguir likes en instagram
AI design consultants
Thank you for any other fantastic article. Where else may
just anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such information.
Also visit my blog post … AI design consultants
More information
It is the best time to make some plans for the
future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post
and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or
tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read even more things about it!
Experience-based application responses
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same layout
and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
Stop by my homepage :: Experience-based application responses
Mini Moto Stuff
It’s going to be end of mine day, however before finish I am reading this fantastic post
to increase my knowledge.
importacion de placas solares
Hi there to every single one, it’s in fact a fastidious for
me to go to see this site, it consists of priceless Information.
Also visit my web site … importacion de placas solares
mzplay
This is very interesting, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to in search of extra
of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
helpful site
I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I
never found any interesting article like yours. It’s
pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers
made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful
than ever before.
Experience-based application responses
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out
a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!
Also visit my web site :: Experience-based application responses
Equipment-specific workouts
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & help other users like
its aided me. Good job.
Here is my web-site … Equipment-specific workouts
royalslot
อยากจะสัมผัสความประหารใจ เหรอ?
มาเจอกับ Royal Slot Gaming ของเรา ที่อลังการ
กับความท้าทายที่มากมาย.
ทุกเกมของเราเตรียมความสนุกสนานมาให้คุณทุกนาที ทุกวินาที.
แค่คุณมาหาทุกวันก็สามารถรับไปเลย โบนัสสุดพิเศษจาก
Royal Slot Gaming ที่สามารถบังคับบานให้คุณมีโอกาสได้ลุ้นรับรางวัลใหญ่ .
สนุกสนานไปกับสล็อตที่ทันสมัยและเหนือกว่า .
Feel free to surf to my site royalslot
Louann
Amazing tons of great facts!
penis
Greaѡt goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous
tto andd you are just too fantastic. I really like what you have acquired
һere, certainly like what you are stating and the way іn which үou say it.
You make it enjoyaƄle and уou still care for to
keep it smart. Ӏ cann not wait to read far more from yoս.
This is aϲtually a wonderful web site. https://smpn4ciamis.sch.id/market/?products=jamuslot
visaform.org
Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing the
other person’s website link on your page at proper place and
other person will also do similar for you.
www.csnm419.com
I believe everything said was very logical. But, consider this, suppose
you composed a catchier title? I am not suggesting your
information is not good, however suppose you added a title that grabbed folk’s attention? I mean Short term missions are not the race – The Hus Report
is a little plain. You should look at Yahoo’s
front page and see how they create article headlines to grab people to click.
You might add a related video or a related picture or two to get readers excited about everything’ve written. In my opinion, it might bring your website a
little bit more interesting.
Hotel for sale Thailand
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of
the website is really good.
Have a look at my page Hotel for sale Thailand
Brian Chee
Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hi there, You have performed a fantastic job.
I’ll certainly digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
Feel free to surf to my web site; Brian Chee
EXPORTAR MOTOS
Normally I do not read article on blogs, however I would
like to say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do so!
Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great post.
Check out my webpage – EXPORTAR MOTOS
Customized fitness routines
This is very fascinating, You are an overly professional
blogger. I have joined your feed and stay up for in the hunt for extra of your great post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks
My web blog … Customized fitness routines
AI-driven form cues
That is really fascinating, You’re an excessively skilled
blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to in search of
extra of your excellent post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks
Check out my web blog: AI-driven form cues
lembu4d
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been conducting
a little research on this. And he in fact bought me dinner simply
because I found it for him… lol. So let
me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this topic here on your web site.
betflix
Hi there mates, how is all, and what you wish for to say concerning this post, in my view its really remarkable for me.
לה פלמורה אילת
https://roommx.com/
Tailored job applications
I every time used to study piece of writing in news papers but now as I am a user of
net thus from now I am using net for articles, thanks
to web.
my website … Tailored job applications
betflix
Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the superb work!
jamuslot
Ꮋi! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figuгed I’d aѕk.
Would you be interesteԁ in tгading links oߋr maybe guest writing a blog ⲣost or
vice-versa? My site discusses a lot of the same
topics as yours and I think we coulԁ greatly benefit from eadh other.
If you happen to be interested feel free to shoopt me an email.
I look forward to heaгing fro you! Exсellent blog by the waʏ!