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.
Gary Santiago
The method you broke down the process of marketing a home was incredibly useful! Numerous sellers really feel shed without support. For additional marketing suggestions, go to we buy houses sacramento
Harvey Wilkerson
This is very insightful. Check out office moving san diego for more
Blake Warner
Thanks for highlighting the neighborhood factors that affect home value! Very useful info! For additional insights, check out sell my house fast las vegas
Water Damage Restoration
I got this website from my pal who shared with me regarding this web
site and now this time I am browsing this website and reading
very informative content at this time.
Feel free to visit my blog; Water Damage Restoration
Cory Banks
I enjoyed this article. Check out residential moving near me for more
บ้านบอล
I believe this is one of the most vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. However should
remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is truly great :
D. Excellent activity, cheers
Here is my web blog :: บ้านบอล
Manuel Ball
Locating the right community is equally as important as locating the right home! I discovered so much regarding community elements from cash home buyers near me — absolutely worth an appearance if you’re
Garrett Carroll
Thanks for the helpful advice. Discover more at office moving companies near me
Alexander Newman
Appreciate the comprehensive insights. For more, visit moving companies san diego
Willie Foster
Thanks for the great tips. Discover more at moving
Mae Washington
This is quite enlightening. Check out local moving companies san diego for more
ราคาบอล
Hi, the whole thing is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts,
that’s in fact fine, keep up writing.
my webpage – ราคาบอล
Christian Porter
Thanks for the valuable insights. More at moving company near me
Timothy Buchanan
Appreciate the detailed information. For more, visit san diego best moving companies
Alberta Mathis
This was very well put together. Discover more at san diego moving and storage
Todd Cooper
If you’re in Garden Grove and need an auto shipper, I had great success with Garden Grove car shippers
Lettie Jennings
Auto shipping doesn’t have to be stressful! Check out Garden Grove auto transport companies for reliable services in Garden Grove
บอลวันนี้
Very nice post. I absolutely love this website.
Keep writing!
Here is my web-site: บอลวันนี้
Claudia Gregory
Appreciate the detailed post. Find more at moving companies near me
Keith Warner
I enjoyed this post. For additional info, visit san diego moving and packing
Billy Lowe
Great insights! Discover more at san diego movers and storage
best orthodontist melbourne
I blog often and I really thank you for your content.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I will bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week.
I subscribed to your Feed too.
Lawrence Conner
I currently had my AC serviced in Canoga Park, and it made any such difference! If everybody demands assistance, I indicate visiting https://list-wiki.win/index.php/Affordable_AC_Installation_by_Qualified_Contractors_in_LA for more facts
Rosie Floyd
Appreciate the thorough analysis. For more, visit Industrial Electrician Near Me
Hulda Salazar
Anyone else find that regular maintenance like power washing saves money in the long run? It really does pay off! Pressure Washing Company
Katie Bowen
Clearly presented. Discover more at gas cooker installation
바카라 사이트
Hey there! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering if you knew
where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one?
Thanks a lot!
My web-site – 바카라 사이트
Kindra
Incredible quest there. What happened after? Thanks!
промокод 1хбет на слоты
промокод 1хбет на слоты
House Clearance Dorset
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such
detailed about my trouble. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Here is my webpage House Clearance Dorset
Mark Price
Great coverage discussing mice prevention amidst chillier months drawing near quickly—it’s usually superior staying in advance in place of ready until it’s too late now isn’t it? Hoping others be a part of me diving deeper onto discipline be counted Pest Control Companies Near me
House Clearance Ferndown
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it.
I’ve got you book-marked to look at new things you post…
Here is my web page: House Clearance Ferndown
Nancy Morgan
Thanks for the detailed post. Find more at roof repair near me
ダッチワイフ
we have found these words popularly attributed to William A.オナホ おすすめDebby Herbenick is one of the foremost researchers on American sexual behavior.
Lina Jenkins
Love the exact illustrations in your post approximately gutter installing! They’re so necessary Gutter Repair Heimann Gutters Vernon
Water Restoration Pueblo
I have read some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much effort you place to create the sort of wonderful informative site.
Also visit my web blog Water Restoration Pueblo
Joseph
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve
truly loved browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing
for your rss feed and I hope you write once
more soon!
메이저 바카라 사이트
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to give it a look.
I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will
be tweeting this to my followers! Wonderful blog and
brilliant design.
Also visit my web-site – 메이저 바카라 사이트
car battery delivery shop near me
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested
to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be
a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has
83 views. I know this is completely off topic but
I had to share it with someone!
Elmer Richardson
Massage medical care is a game changer for strain comfort! If you might be in the hunt for fine recommendations, examine out Elite European Spa
바카라 사이트
Very good article! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the great writing.
Also visit my homepage 바카라 사이트
Water Restoration Pueblo
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment
is added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any
way you can remove me from that service? Thank you!
Here is my webpage – Water Restoration Pueblo
Read More Here
Hello 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 html coding
knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
nouveau casino en ligne
hi!,I love your writing very much! percentage we keep
up a correspondence more about your article on AOL?
I require an expert in this space to resolve my problem.
May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
Here is my webpage … nouveau casino en ligne
PRINCEBET88
Its not my first time to pay a quick visit this site, i am visiting this web site
dailly and take good data from here daily.
pgjoker
The recent crackdown on betting rackets and short-term casinos
in Delhi-NCR has driven the city’s gambling businesses to take their trade online.
The operators are increasingly using digital platforms and online apps, hosted outside
the country, to hold chance game events amid a closed, members-only community.
The weeks ahead of Diwali are considered the peak season for
gambling when playing cards or other luck games
is considered auspicious by many, swelling the number of players looking to try their luck.
Gambling in India is heavily restricted bar some lotteries and horse racing
Operators create exclusive clubs online where clients can place their bets in real time and the money is collected offline the following
day.
‘We have inputs about gambling agents who are sharing links with businessmen of Delhi-NCR to
play card games online and huge money is being
traded each night,’ a senior Delhi Police official told Mail Today, requesting anonymity.
‘Earlier, they used to rent a farmhouse or bungalow for organising
poker, card-based games, and roulette around the festival of Diwali but now these agents are using digital covers for their operations.’
Offshore Casino ‘Pride’ in Panaji Goa one of the few states where gambling is allowed
The official admitted that it is difficult to crack down on online
players as most of the websites are hosted abroad.
‘There are several roadblocks, which includes getting a log
from the said app or site operator. Simultaneous raids at individual houses and gathering technical evidence
are other impediments,’ the police officer said.
Experts said apps like PPpoker gives an option of hosting the card game where local
players can be invited through their social media page.
There are other websites likes 888casino, Williams Hill and 1xbet
that offer popular live casino games.
Confirming the spike, UP Police Special Task Force (STF) additional superintendent Triveni Singh said, ‘Playing chance-based games, including card and number games on the online platform, is increasing as general perception is that it is legit.
It is not. We have received specific inputs and
based on that we are tracking traffic going to popular
gambling and betting sites.
The official admitted that it is difficult to crack down on online players as most of the websites are hosted
abroad
‘We have solid leads of some of the major operators.’ Explaining the modus operandi, one
of the legal casino operators from Goa told Mail Today that agents create their own playing arena on global sites.
‘Gambling agents have a closed group of players and no outsider is invited.
Only people with references can place the stakes.
The confirmation about the invite comes at the eleventh hour and the link to the gaming
arena is shared through WhatsApp or other such messaging apps,
‘ the operator explained.
‘Players use an allotted nickname and there is no transaction of real money.
Only points and credit score codes are provided.
After the end of each game, the credit score is
noted and the next day an agent goes and collect the money from the players,’ the operator said.
Police officials estimate that each year during Diwali, over Rs 1,
000 crore are pumped in ‘illegal gambling’ in the national
Capital.
As these games involve cash, it attracts a lot of unaccounted money.
But experts say these figures are just a tip of the iceberg as underground gambling is multi-billion industry in those Indian states
where betting is illegal.
The recent crackdown on betting rackets and short-term casinos in Delhi-NCR has driven the
city’s gambling businesses to take their trade online
Gambling is prohibited in a ‘common gaming house’
when there is an element of commercial motive for the organisers.
However, gambling in a private enclosure where there is no
invitation to members of the public and no element of ‘profit or gain’, is not illegal.
While popularity of digital gambling is rising,
experts say the traditional ways remain popular as ever.
‘I don’t see traditional ways of betting going down. Players still like
to sit across the table with real players, read their expression and place their bets with adrenalin rush,
‘ said Jay Sayta, a researcher in gambling laws and founder of GLaws.in, a gaming
laws web portal.
‘But yes, a large number of people have also moved online.
With dedicated forums to host gambling games to live casinos, Indians are playing it all.’
Jay said it is tough for law enforcement agencies to keep a check on offline and online gambling.
‘Gambling is a bailable offence and hence not a deterrence.
Laws related to gambling are quite old and do not cover the online part of it.
While IT laws can be applied on gamble offenders,
it is still tough for cops to catch the online operator, agents or players,’ said Sayta.
Last week police arrested a suspended Gurugram Police head constable for allegedly running an illegal casino in the upscale South City-I colony.
RELATED ARTICLES
Previous
1
Next
Bangladesh steps up patrols at West Bengal border over fears…
Cattle, workers and relics of India’s colonial past face an…
Share this article
Share
Cops also arrested 41 people, including city businessmen and
four women.
Meanwhile, All India Gaming Federation has demanded making skill-based
games legal.
‘The casino business has huge potential as it can generate revenue for the state.
Black money is involved in it as it is not legal.
‘As soon as a state decides to legalise and regulate it, many corporates will come forward to operate it professionally,’ said Roland Landers, CEO AIGF.
Herbert Price
I never thought I’d need a personal injury attorney until I had an accident accident lawyer
casino en ligne nouveau
Excellent article. I’m experiencing many of these issues
as well..
Here is my web page … casino en ligne nouveau
Hilda Brock
Wonderful tips! Find more at متن روز پدر برای استوری
jinda55
NEW DELHI, Nov 13 (Reuters) – India’s largest maker of
stainless steel, Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Ltd, warned on Tuesday that New Delhi’s decision to sign a new trade deal with China could lead to a surge
in cheaper imports and hurt domestic producers.
Delhi-based Jindal Stainless, whose quarterly profit dropped for the first time in more than a year,
said the inclusion of flat stainless steel products in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would force
some small Indian steel companies to close.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the latest talks on RCEP, touted as a free trade deal
that will encompass more than a third of the world’s gross domestic product.
The pact involves 16 countries, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations,
Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, but not
the United States.
“India will become a dumping ground for all goods through this open door policy approach by the government,” Jindal
Stainless said in a statement.
India is already staring at higher stainless steel imports this year, with overseas purchases at
453,693 million tonnes in the first five
months of fiscal 2018/19, 94 percent of total purchases in the previous year.
Earlier this year, India launched an investigation into subsidised production and exports of welded stainless
steel pipes and tubes from China and Vietnam. (Reporting by Neha
Dasgupta; Editing by Dale Hudson)