3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 208,272

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.

208272 Responses

  5. Advanced coloring pages
    | Reply

    Now, I invite you to wipe out all these setbacks without delay and imagine what it would be like to have the opportunity to
    coloration 50 adorable cats, each with its own unique type and sense
    of humor. Clear, Crisp Lines: The designs feature defined lines,
    making them simple to shade and letting you concentrate on bringing every cat to life without
    hassle. Our assortment of cat coloring pages is a delightful mix of cute kittens,
    playful felines, and elegant cats. The Scottish Cat
    Club is in a flourishing condition, and has been steadily working
    up members since 1894. A present is annually held in Edinburgh, and
    fanciers over the border are taking a much keener interest in cats.
    1900, the club held its first huge present.
    1 into the wild, the first ebook. It was in 1895 that the first cat present
    of common interest was held at Madison Square Gardens, New York.
    This show is now an annual fixture, and the Cat Club
    of England sends medals and prizes to be competed for.
    1899, and this was followed by a most profitable enterprise on the part of Mrs.
    Clinton Locke, who founded the Beresford Cat Club,
    referred to as after Lady Marcus Beresford, and now numbering about 200 members.

  7. Orion Depp TikTok
    | Reply

    I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re working with?

    I’m having some minor security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something
    more safeguarded. Do you have any suggestions?

    Feel free to surf to my webpage Orion Depp TikTok

  10. touristrequirements.info
    | Reply

    I’m really 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?
    Outstanding work!

  19. 토지노 가입주소
    | Reply

    Fantastic website you have here but I was
    curious about if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really love to be a part of online community where
    I can get feed-back from other knowledgeable people that share the
    same interest. If you have any recommendations,
    please let me know. Appreciate it!

    Visit my web-site 토지노 가입주소

  20. 먹튀검증 정보
    | Reply

    I blog often and I seriously appreciate your content.
    This article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and keep
    checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed
    too.

    Here is my webpage … 먹튀검증 정보

  25. Olen
    | Reply

    This is a topic which is close to my heart… Many thanks!
    Exactly where are your contact details though?

  30. Orion Depp TikTok
    | Reply

    Hi are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge
    to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Here is my page Orion Depp TikTok

  32. Jorge Frank
    | Reply

    I recently had a pest issue in my home, and I was amazed by how effective the Puyallup Exterminator service was! They identified the problem quickly and implemented a comprehensive plan to eliminate the pests Puyallup Pest Control

  33. Flora Moreno
    | Reply

    It’s great to see more discussions about home care in Boca Raton! Finding compassionate caregivers is so important. I found some helpful resources at home care plantation that could really make a difference for families in need

  34. Orion Depp Crypto
    | Reply

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted
    to say great blog!

    Have a look at my web page … Orion Depp Crypto

  40. 카지노 가입주소
    | Reply

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.

    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
    connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or
    2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

    Look into my web site 카지노 가입주소

  43. Orion Depp
    | Reply

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility
    but I figured I’d post to let you know. The layout look
    great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers

    Here is my web-site; Orion Depp

  47. Sebastian
    | Reply

    Excellent weblog here! Also your site so much up very
    fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your
    affiliate hyperlink for your host? I want
    my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  49. Orion Depp
    | Reply

    wonderful issues altogether, you simply gained a emblem new reader.
    What may you suggest about your submit that you simply
    made a few days in the past? Any positive?

    Take a look at my homepage; Orion Depp

  50. real estate agent in Bossier City LA
    | Reply

    hey there and thank you for your information –
    I have definitely picked up anything new from right here.
    I did however expertise several technical issues
    using this website, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances
    times will sometimes affect your placement
    in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could
    look out for much more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again soon.

    My blog post – real estate agent in Bossier City LA

Leave a Reply

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