3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 178,893

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.

178893 Responses

  3. đụ mẹ vn
    | Reply

    F*ckin’ tremendous issues here. I’m very glad to peer your post.
    Thanks a lot and i’m having a look ahead to touch you.
    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  12. b52clubsmy
    | Reply

    Asking questions are truly nice thing if you are not understanding something
    entirely, however this article presents pleasant understanding yet.

  16. bandung tour package
    | Reply

    I havе been exploring ffor a bit for any high qᥙality articles or blog poosts on this sort
    of house . Eхploring in Yahoo I ultimately stᥙmbled ᥙpon this website.
    Studyіng this info So i am gllaԀ to exһibit thhat I have а veгy excellent uncanny feeling I discovered exactlү what
    I needed. I so much no doubt will make sure to do not omit thiѕ website and proovides iit a lоok
    regularly.

  25. Game provider
    | Reply

    The world of challenging gaming has undergone
    a remarkable revolution in recent years, with the rise of esports as
    a global rage . Amidst this rapidly adapting landscape, one name has emerged as a
    trendsetter – Spade Gaming.

    Spade Gaming is a strength to be reckoned with, a gaming organization that has carved out a unique proficiency for itself by blending cutting-edge invention , strategic perspective , and a determined commitment to mastery .

    Established with the goal of transforming the boundaries of cutthroat gaming, Spade Gaming has
    quickly become a symbol of inventiveness , driving the industry forward with
    its groundbreaking approach and resolute dedication.

    At the core of Spade Gaming’s supremacy lies its determined
    concentration on competitor development and group building.
    The company has cultivated an environment that nurtures and empowers
    its players , providing them with the supplies , guidance , and assistance they need to secure new crescendos.

    But Spade Gaming’s consequence extends far beyond the reach
    of the parameters of the game on its own . The conglomerate has also entrenched
    itself as a innovator in the area of content creation, leveraging
    its expansive inventory of virtuosic individuals to produce
    enthralling and enthralling commentary that strikes a chord with admirers reaching the
    earth .

    What’s more , Spade Gaming’s dedication to community accountability and public interaction characterizes it
    unique from its counterparts . The corporation has leveraged
    its podium to support critical initiatives ,
    leveraging its reach and standing to generate a substantial difference in the domain of esports and
    extending further .

    As the competitive gaming sector presses forward
    to develop , Spade Gaming emerges as a glowing paragon of
    that which can be accomplished when perspective , originality , and a tireless
    ambition of excellence intersect .

    In the age to eventuate, as the domain of challenging gaming presses forward to captivate fans and rethink the manner we
    interact with diversion , Spade Gaming will without a doubt continue at the helm
    , leading the drive and building a groundbreaking era in the dynamically shifting
    domain of esports.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage; Game provider

  27. Admiral X новый клиент
    | Reply

    AdmiralX Casino открывает двери для всех любителей азартных игр! Здесь вас ждет невероятный выбор казино-игр, увлекательные турниры и моментальные выплаты. Воспользуйтесь бонусами и заберите свой приз! https://admiral-777-kazino.co/.

    Почему стоит выбрать AdmiralX?

    Эксклюзивные предложения на регулярной основе.
    Высокие лимиты на вывод, обеспечивающая комфортное использование средств.
    Удобный сайт, созданный для максимального комфорта.

    Насладитесь азартом вместе с AdmiralX Casino!

  32. Bokep sub indo Ngentod mama muda di rumahnya
    | Reply

    Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this
    blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you
    recommend a good hosting provider at a honest
    price? Kudos, I appreciate it!

  43. Skype 網頁版
    | Reply

    现在Skype 網頁版提供免費通話、視訊、即時訊息和文件分享功能，讓您輕鬆保持聯繫，隨時隨地共享精彩世界。https://www.telegramppo.com，https://www.whathkapp.com，https://www.linawin.com

  44. Porn
    | Reply

    Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform
    you’re using? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard
    time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking
    for something unique. P.S Apologies
    for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  47. Skype 網頁版
    | Reply

    现在Skype 網頁版提供免費通話、視訊、即時訊息和文件分享功能，讓您輕鬆保持聯繫，隨時隨地共享精彩世界。https://www.telegramppo.com，https://www.whathkapp.com，https://www.linawin.com

  49. boostaro reviews
    | Reply

    Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.I will
    always bookmark your blog and definitely will come back down the road.
    I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice day!

Leave a Reply

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