3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 162,729

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.

162729 Responses

  2. slot thailand
    | Reply

    I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post
    is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
    You are wonderful! Thanks!

  6. Bit 2 Alrex
    | Reply

    Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read
    this post i thought i could also create comment due to this good piece of writing.

  8. rankerx review
    | Reply

    My partner and I absolutely love your blog and
    find nearly all of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
    Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs?
    I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a number
    of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web site!

  10. Java Burn
    | Reply

    Its not my first time to visit this web page, i am visiting
    this web site dailly and obtain nice facts from here everyday.

  11. fundwise affiliate san diego ca 92101
    | Reply

    Greetings from Ohio! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to check out your website
    on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways,
    great site!

  16. UG8
    | Reply

    Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

    Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we communicate?

  19. koi toto
    | Reply

    Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s web site
    link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in favor of you.

  22. Film Porno Ariel lunamaya jadul
    | Reply

    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it
    but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be
    interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve
    over time.

  27. Leonard Wood
    | Reply

    Najlepszy blog informacyjny i tematyczny to nieocenione źródło wiedzy na różnorodne tematy. Dzięki częstym publikacjom można być na bieżąco z nowinkami. Tego typu blogi łączą rzetelność z przystępną formą, co sprawia, że zyskują szerokie grono odbiorców o jego

  29. go to this web site
    | Reply

    Hi my family member! I wish to say that this post is awesome,
    great written and include approximately all important infos.
    I would like to peer more posts like this .

  34. เกมสล็อต ออนไลน์ ได้เงินจริง
    | Reply

    Howdy would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
    Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and
    style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something
    completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but
    I had to ask!

  36. go to this web site
    | Reply

    whoah this weblog is great i really like reading your posts.
    Keep up the good work! You recognize, many persons are looking
    around for this info, you can help them greatly.

  39. bokep lick pussy
    | Reply

    I do accept as true with all of the ideas you’ve offered in your post.
    They are very convincing and can certainly work.

    Still, the posts are too short for beginners.
    Could you please extend them a bit from next time?
    Thank you for the post.

  46. sex kich duc
    | Reply

    It’s amazing to pay a visit this web site and reading
    the views of all friends concerning this paragraph, while I am also eager of getting experience.

  47. click here
    | Reply

    Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
    previous to and you are just too great. I actually like
    what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are
    stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise.
    I can not wait to read far more from you. This is
    really a wonderful site.

  48. 789club
    | Reply

    Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to give something back and help others like you aided me.

Leave a Reply

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