3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 169,197

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.

169197 Responses

  4. zeus88
    | Reply

    Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let
    you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers
    and both show the same outcome.

    Also visit my web site – zeus88

  6. Bernardo
    | Reply

    Wow, fantastic blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
    you make blogging look easy. The entire look of your web site is excellent, let alone the content material!

  7. situs slot
    | Reply

    I got this site from my buddy who shared with me on the topic of this web page and now this time
    I am visiting this web site and reading very informative articles or reviews
    at this place.

  11. cannabis
    | Reply

    Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your
    website in web explorer, could check this? IE still is
    the marketplace chief and a good component of people will leave out your excellent writing due to this problem.

  14. link slot zeus
    | Reply

    Hello there! This post could not be written much better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept talking about this. I am going
    to forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Also visit my web page link slot zeus

  17. Chase
    | Reply

    With havin so much written content do you ever
    run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?

    My site has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced
    but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my
    agreement. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from being stolen?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

  22. hot latina porn
    | Reply

    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and
    it is 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 want to read more things about it!

  23. slot gacor
    | Reply

    Terrific article! That is the type of info that
    should be shared around the web. Shame on Google for now not positioning this put up upper!
    Come on over and talk over with my site . Thanks =)

    Feel free to surf to my blog; slot gacor

  24. Soila
    | Reply

    Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from
    an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog?
    I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.
    I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

    Thank you

  25. Sidney
    | Reply

    Excellent blog right here! Additionally your web site rather a
    lot up fast! What host are you the use of? Can I am getting your
    associate hyperlink in your host? I want my site loaded up as
    quickly as yours lol

  28. BOKEP TERBARU
    | Reply

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
    community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work
    on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  29. Blanche Hughes
    | Reply

    I love exactly how limos can boost any type of event! Whether it’s a wedding or an evening out, they include a touch of deluxe. Discover more suggestions on choosing the right limo service at suv limo

  32. Flor
    | Reply

    I believe that is among the so much vital info for me.
    And i am happy studying your article. However wanna statement on some normal things, The site style
    is wonderful, the articles is truly great : D. Just right job, cheers

  33. lanjiao
    | Reply

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this
    blog. I really hope to view the same high-grade content by you
    in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own site now 😉

  47. toto slot 777 login
    | Reply

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for
    your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

Leave a Reply

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