3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 171,818

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.

171818 Responses

  1. Leo Colon
    | Reply

    I’ve been visiting a chiropractor for the past few months, and it has made a significant difference in my overall well-being. The adjustments have improved my posture and reduced my chronic back pain Tacoma Chiropractor

  5. Nathaniel
    | Reply

    It is the best time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I have read this put up and if I may just I wish to
    suggest you few fascinating issues or suggestions.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things approximately it!

  7. Airmatic Malaysia
    | Reply

    Howdy! I just wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you have got here on this post.
    I will be coming back to your site for more soon.

  17. DanielSoype
    | Reply

    Welcome to Vertex Protocol: Revolutionizing DeFi Trading
    Discover the revolutionary Vertex Protocol, your gateway to the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) trading. As the crypto landscape rapidly evolves, Vertex Protocol stands at the forefront, providing users with unparalleled seamless trading experiences and enhanced liquidity access.
    vertex protocol
    What Makes Vertex Protocol Stand Out?
    Vertex Protocol is more than just a trading platform. It is a designed to empower you with:

    Intuitive User Interface: Navigate the complex world of crypto with ease and efficiency.
    Advanced Security: Enjoy peace of mind with industry-leading security protocols and safeguarding of your assets.
    High Liquidity: Access deep liquidity pools to execute large trades with minimal slippage.
    Diverse Asset Options: Explore a wide array of cryptocurrencies and tokens.
    Unlock Potential with Vertex’s Features
    Leverage the full potential of Vertex Protocol with these standout features:

    Decentralized: Trustless and Secure
    Trading on Vertex ensures transparency and autonomy, free from third-party control, making it a trustless and secure choice for crypto enthusiasts.

    Efficient Trading Engine
    Benefit from fast, efficient trade execution supported by state-of-the-art technology that maximizes your trading efficiency.

    Community Governance
    Be a part of a community-driven , allowing you to have a say in the protocol’s future developments.

    Getting Started with Vertex Protocol
    Embarking on your DeFi journey with Vertex is straightforward. To get started:

    Sign up and create your account.
    Securely connect your wallet.
    Begin trading and explore diverse assets and liquidity options.
    Whether you are a seasoned trader or new to the crypto scene, Vertex Protocol offers the tools and resources you need to succeed.

    Join the Vertex Community
    Participate in webinars, discussions, and forums to stay informed and connected. The vibrant awaits, offering support and insights to enhance your trading journey.

    In conclusion, Vertex Protocol is your ideal partner in navigating the dynamic world of decentralized finance. Start today and experience the future of trading.

  18. Ona
    | Reply

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it,
    you are a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back later in life.
    I want to encourage one to continue your great posts, have a nice holiday
    weekend!

  39. Jamesamoro
    | Reply

    Ethena Fi – Your platform for decentralized financial services
    ethena
    Invest, exchange, and manage your assets with confidence on Ethena Fi
    Discover the power of decentralized finance with Ethena Fi. As the world moves towards decentralized financial solutions, Ethena Fi offers you a platform to explore the limitless possibilities of cryptocurrency investments, exchanges, and asset management.

    At Ethena Fi, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their financial future. Whether you’re an experienced investor or new to the world of cryptocurrencies, our user-friendly platform provides you with the tools and resources you need to succeed.

    With Ethena Fi, you can:

    Invest in a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more
    Exchange digital assets quickly and securely
    Manage your portfolio with ease
    Access innovative financial products and services
    Join thousands of users who have already started their journey to financial freedom with Ethena Fi. Sign up today and experience the future of decentralized finance!

  42. Video bokep vior 10 menit download gratis
    | Reply

    Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your page.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part recommend to
    my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this
    site.

  43. luxury car rental
    | Reply

    I just could not go away your site prior to suggesting that I really loved the standard information a person supply to your visitors?
    Is going to be back often in order to investigate cross-check new posts

  45. dydx exchange
    | Reply

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your site?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you
    could a little more in the way of content so people
    could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  49. Matthias
    | Reply

    Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.
    Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.

    Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

Leave a Reply

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