3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 160,251

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.

160251 Responses

  1. 토토이벤트
    | Reply

    Hola! I’ve been following your web site for a
    long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx!
    Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!

    Also visit my web blog 토토이벤트

  4. Beatriz
    | Reply

    Hi there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and
    personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will
    be benefited from this web site.

  7. real estate agent in Gorham ME
    | Reply

    Excellent items from you, man. I’ve have in mind your stuff previous to
    and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have obtained right here,
    certainly like what you are saying and the way in which during
    which you are saying it. You’re making it entertaining and you continue
    to take care of to stay it wise. I can not wait to read far more from
    you. This is actually a tremendous site.

    Look into my website; real estate agent in Gorham ME

  8. Gerardo
    | Reply

    you’re truly a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is amazing.
    It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick.
    In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic job on this
    subject!

  13. Iesha
    | Reply

    I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general
    things, The web site style is great, the articles is really great :
    D. Good job, cheers

  14. Philip Patrick
    | Reply

    Well done capturing essence guiding newcomers interested utilizing resources effectively throughout their journey towards decluttering spaces—they should definitely explore options presented by           ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ ▪️ affordable dumpster Whitsett

  20. Orion Depp Crypto
    | Reply

    When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment.
    Is there a means you can remove me from that service?

    Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my website :: Orion Depp Crypto

  23. yakima cleaning service
    | Reply

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.

    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  26. Orion Depp
    | Reply

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you
    could be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your
    blog and will eventually come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to continue your great job, have a
    nice morning!

    my web-site – Orion Depp

  29. Bokep Indonesia
    | Reply

    I simply could not leave your site before suggesting
    that I actually loved the standard info an individual
    provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  31. Floyd Jackson
    | Reply

    Szybka sprzedaż nieruchomości to idealna opcja w sytuacjach wymagających szybkiego pozbycia się mieszkania lub domu. Dzięki temu procesowi można zaoszczędzić czas na poszukiwaniach kupca skup mieszkań

  35. Maple
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I assumed this submit was good.
    I do not realize who you might be but definitely you’re going to a well-known blogger if you happen to are not
    already. Cheers!

  38. Carl Leonard
    | Reply

    The use of federal prisoners’ text messages has transformed communication within the correctional system it is a quick and efficient way to stay connected to family members that are incarcerated texting inmates

  43. Regulated markets
    | Reply

    The world of fierce gaming has undergone a remarkable
    evolution in recent years, with the rise of esports
    as a global fad . Amidst this rapidly adapting landscape, one name has emerged as a visionary – Spade Gaming.

    Spade Gaming is a power to be reckoned with, a gaming
    conglomerate that has carved out a unique realm for itself by
    blending cutting-edge invention , strategic planning , and a
    relentless commitment to preeminence .

    Established with the goal of reshaping the boundaries of fierce gaming, Spade Gaming has quickly
    become a standard of originality , driving the field forward with its innovative approach and uncompromising dedication.

    At the essence of Spade Gaming’s achievement lies its unyielding
    determination on competitor development and ensemble building.

    The enterprise has cultivated an community that empowers and empowers its performers , providing them with the tools , training , and support they need to secure new summits .

    But Spade Gaming’s effect extends far outside the constraints of the game on its own .
    The conglomerate has also consolidated itself as a trailblazer in the domain of
    information creation, utilizing its expansive inventory
    of superior practitioners to craft enthralling and spellbinding media that strikes a
    chord with followers encompassing the globe .

    Moreover , Spade Gaming’s loyalty to public responsibility and public
    engagement defines it apart from its competitors . The enterprise has tapped into its spotlight to
    rally behind consequential efforts , maximizing its sway and prominence to
    create a substantial impact in the ecosystem of esports and beyond .

    As the electronic sports market presses forward to metamorphize, Spade Gaming stands as a brilliant prototype of what can be realized when strategy
    , innovation , and a relentless quest of perfection unite .

    In the years to eventuate, as the landscape of fierce
    gaming soldiers on to rivet fans and reinvent the method we participate with pastime
    , Spade Gaming will unquestionably persist
    at the leading edge , leading the charge and molding a groundbreaking age in the ever-evolving
    realm of esports.

    Visit my webpage … Regulated markets

  46. Orion Depp Crypto
    | Reply

    Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this
    website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve
    had problems with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a
    good platform.

    Check out my web page Orion Depp Crypto

  47. Mason
    | Reply

    You’ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Citroen Key Replacement Cost’s Benefits citroen key replacement cost – Mason –

  50. Orion Depp Crypto
    | Reply

    Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest
    authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love
    to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would value your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

    Here is my web blog; Orion Depp Crypto

Leave a Reply

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