3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 160,513

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.

160513 Responses

  3. real estate agent in Frisco TX
    | Reply

    Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links
    or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?

    My website discusses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I
    feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!

    My homepage real estate agent in Frisco TX

  4. best realtor in Ann Arbor MI
    | Reply

    Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll
    just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.

    I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any recommendations for novice blog writers?

    I’d definitely appreciate it.

    Feel free to visit my website best realtor in Ann Arbor MI

  5. kawi777
    | Reply

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest
    but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future.
    All the best

  6. seo agency singapore
    | Reply

    Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, let
    alone the content!

  7. vilabet4d
    | Reply

    Do you have а spam issue on this blog; I aso am a blogger,
    and I was wanting to know your situation; we have devｅloped some
    nice practices and wwe aｒe looking to exchange techniques with othеr folks,why not shoot me
    an email if interestеd.

  17. Proxy
    | Reply

    An proxy service functions like an intermediary between the user’s
    device and the web, offering an additional level of safeguarding and confidentiality.
    By routing your web traffic through a server, your true Internet Protocol address gets hidden, enabling you
    to browse anonymously or view data blocked due to geographical limitations.

    Proxy servers are commonly utilized for various purposes, such as online extraction, bypassing controls, improving network speeds, as well as safeguarding critical digital operations.
    They exist in various forms, including residential, data center,
    as well as portable intermediaries, all tailored
    to particular requirements as well as purposes.

    The requirement for intermediary solutions has increased considerably due to the increase
    of digital privacy concerns as well as the necessity for open internet access.
    Companies rely on proxy servers to observe
    market players, carry out information processing, as well as ensure secure communication. People rely on them to safeguard their personal data and access international material.
    Choosing the right proxy service is critical; considerations including performance, stability,
    and responsible policies must be evaluated. As the web evolves, proxy servers continue to be a vital
    resource for both personal and professional digital tasks.

    RIX78643278

  20. Colin
    | Reply

    Hey there! I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and finally got the courage
    to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas!

    Just wantdd to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

    의정부 돌출형 교정 (Colin)

  23. best realtor in Columbus OH
    | Reply

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I
    provide credit and sources back to your webpage?
    My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my
    users would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this okay with you. Thank you!

    Here is my website … best realtor in Columbus OH

  25. link sigap168
    | Reply

    That is really attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
    I have joined your feed and stay up for seeking extra of your great post.
    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks

  27. best crypto casinos
    | Reply

    It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could
    I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  29. kitchen countertops
    | Reply

    Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice even as you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a weblog site?

    The account helped me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered brilliant clear concept

  32. ngentot pembantu
    | Reply

    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, very good blog!

  35. best realtor in Acworth GA
    | Reply

    I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and
    let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about.
    Now i’m very happy that I found this during my hunt for something
    relating to this.

    My web blog – best realtor in Acworth GA

  37. TraderFlix +9 GPT
    | Reply

    What’s up everybody, here every one is sharing these knowledge,
    therefore it’s nice to read this blog, and I used to go to see this
    webpage every day.

  43. mega888
    | Reply

    I love your bⅼog.. very nice colоrs & theme. Did you make this wеbsite
    yourself or did you hire someone too do іt for you?
    Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my օwn blog and would like to find out where u ɡot this frоm.
    thanks a ⅼ᧐t

  45. check this link right here now
    | Reply

    I seriously love your site.. Great colors & theme.
    Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking
    to create my own personal site and want to know where you got this from or what the theme is called.
    Appreciate it!

Leave a Reply

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