3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 172,672

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.

172672 Responses

  2. how to apply for bolivia tourist visa
    | Reply

    Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a
    blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some
    nice methods and we are looking to swap methods with others,
    why not shoot me an e-mail if interested.

  4. nové technológie
    | Reply

    I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure 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 1 or 2 images.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  8. Best community access providers for participants with mental health challenges
    | Reply

    Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions Best community access providers for participants with mental health challenges aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there
    that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Many thanks!

  10. home remodeling st paul
    | Reply

    Unquestionably imagine that that you stated. Your favorite
    reason appeared to be at the web the simplest thing to be mindful of.

    I say to you, I certainly get irked even as folks think about worries that they
    plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the entire thing without having side effect , other
    folks could take a signal. Will likely be back
    to get more. Thanks

  23. Advanced HVAC Systems and Services
    | Reply

    Fantastic goods from you, man. I have consider your stuff previous to and you are just
    extremely great. I actually like what you’ve acquired right here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you are saying it.
    You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it wise.

    I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific site.

  25. open business in Dubai
    | Reply

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested
    to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
    My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it
    with someone!

    Here is my web site; open business in Dubai

  28. dad jokes list
    | Reply

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my
    apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty
    five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.

    I know this is totally off topic but I had to share
    it with someone!

  35. kmspico
    | Reply

    I’ve read a few just right stuff here. Definitely price
    bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much effort you put to create this kind of
    wonderful informative website.

Leave a Reply

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