3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 171,400

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.

171400 Responses

  1. finanzenundboerse
    | Reply

    Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing
    a few months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to
    stop hackers?

  2. Ilse
    | Reply

    Hello there I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by
    accident, while I was searching on Digg for something else, Regardless I
    am here now and would just like to say kudos for a fantastic
    post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to look over it all at the minute but I have saved it and also added your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent job.

  4. music distribution
    | Reply

    Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favourite reason seemed
    to be on the internet the easiest factor to remember
    of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst other folks
    consider issues that they just don’t understand about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as smartly as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
    people could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.
    Thanks

  8. demo
    | Reply

    What’s up mates, nice post and good urging commented at this place, I am really enjoying by these.

  13. Delphia
    | Reply

    Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing ..

    I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also? I am happy to find a
    lot of useful information right here within the publish, we’d like work out
    extra strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
    . . . . .

  16. anal sex
    | Reply

    Its such as you learn my thoughts! You seem to know a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.
    I feel that you just could do with some p.c. to drive the
    message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog.

    A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  20. big dick
    | Reply

    Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post is amazing,
    great written and include approximately all vital infos.
    I would like to look extra posts like this .

  21. ヒカキン日本人じゃない
    | Reply

    Have a look at it this manner: If your job search were equivalent to an Web connection, a classifieds-only search can be similar to using a dial-up modem — it might enable you get the place you need to go, but it will not do in order effectively or quickly as a high-speed connection.

  26. Thomasnor
    | Reply

    Welcome to Bungee Exchange
    In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, the ability to exchange currencies securely and efficiently is crucial. Bungee Exchange offers a seamless platform that caters to both beginners and experienced traders alike.
    bungee bridge
    Why Choose Bungee Exchange?
    Bungee Exchange stands out as a top choice for currency swaps due to its:

    User-Friendly Interface: Designed with simplicity in mind, the platform allows users to navigate with ease.
    Robust Security Measures: Your transactions are protected with state-of-the-art security protocols.
    Wide Range of Supported Currencies: Bungee Exchange supports a variety of cryptocurrencies to meet diverse trading needs.
    Key Features
    Here are some key features that make Bungee Exchange an attractive choice:

    Instant Transactions: Benefit from quick processing times that facilitate rapid exchanges.
    Competitive Exchange Rates: Receive favorable rates that maximize the value of your trades.
    24/7 Customer Support: Access reliable support whenever you need assistance or have queries.
    How to Use Bungee Exchange
    Getting started with Bungee Exchange is straightforward. Follow these steps:

    Sign Up: Create an account by providing your email and setting a secure password.
    Verify Identity: Complete the KYC process to ensure safety and compliance.
    Select Exchange Pair: Choose the currencies you wish to swap.
    Confirm Transaction: Review the details and confirm your trade to initiate the exchange.
    Conclusion
    Whether you are a seasoned trader or just getting started, Bungee Exchange offers a streamlined platform for effective cryptocurrency swaps. With its emphasis on security, user-friendliness, and efficiency, you can trade with confidence. Discover the potential of Bungee Exchange today and take control of your cryptocurrency transactions with ease.

  27. Madonna
    | Reply

    Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to check it out.
    I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking
    and will be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog
    and terrific style and design.

  28. cartonize ai
    | Reply

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I
    get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
    Appreciate it!

  30. Timothy Pratt
    | Reply

    I like how limousines can boost any type of occasion! Whether it’s a wedding celebration or a night out, they include a touch of luxury. Discover more pointers on picking the ideal limousine service at limo company

  31. situs slot dana
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to
    assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your
    blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I
    achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  36. LarryNeuck
    | Reply

    Welcome to Cow Swap: Your Gateway to Easy Crypto Trading
    In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Cow Swap has emerged as a reliable and efficient platform for traders. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the crypto space, understanding how Cow Swap operates can enhance your trading experience.

    Why Choose Cow Swap?
    cow protocol
    Cow Swap offers several benefits that make it a preferred choice for many traders:

    Decentralized Platform: Enjoy the security and privacy of trading on a decentralized exchange without any intermediaries.
    Cost Efficiency: Lower transaction fees compared to traditional exchanges.
    User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the trading process, making it accessible for everyone.
    No Sign-Up Required: Start trading without the hassle of creating an account.
    How Cow Swap Works
    Cow Swap utilizes a unique approach named CoW Protocol (Coincidence of Wants). This protocol matches traders’ orders without requiring them to be actively involved in the trade execution process. Here’s how it works:

    Order Submission: Traders submit their buy or sell orders to the platform.
    Order Matching: The platform uses the CoW Protocol to match these orders based on the best possible deal.
    Settlement: Once a match is found, the trade is executed swiftly and securely.
    Tips for Getting Started on Cow Swap
    To make the most out of your Cow Swap experience, consider the following tips:

    Stay Informed: Always check the latest trends and market updates to make informed decisions.
    Secure Your Assets: Utilize hardware wallets for added security of your funds.
    Use Test Networks: Familiarize yourself with the platform using test networks before making large transactions.
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Many traders have questions when first encountering Cow Swap. Here are a few common queries:

    Is Cow Swap safe to use?
    Yes, Cow Swap is designed with top-notch security, utilizing the decentralized nature of blockchain technology to keep your transactions safe.

    Do I need a wallet to use Cow Swap?
    Yes, you will need a compatible cryptocurrency wallet to connect and trade on Cow Swap.

    What cryptocurrencies can I trade on Cow Swap?
    Cow Swap supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, allowing you to trade your preferred coins seamlessly.

    By leveraging the strengths of Cow Swap, traders can efficiently and securely navigate the crypto landscape. Start exploring the possibilities today and enhance your trading experience!

  39. tonic greens reviews
    | Reply

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful
    and it has helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & help other users
    like its aided me. Good job.

  47. Debra
    | Reply

    This website certainly has all the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.

  49. Website with Free Credit Offers
    | Reply

    Hey there are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my
    own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

  50. Orval
    | Reply

    I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent :
    D. Good job, cheers

Leave a Reply

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