3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 23,969

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.

23969 Responses

  1. akun pro thailand
    | Reply

    I do not even understand how I finished up right here, however I thought this put up was once great. I do not realize who you are but definitely you are going to a well-known blogger in case you aren’t already. Cheers!

  2. maxicab
    | Reply

    Hi there, I check your blog on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is awesome,
    keep doing what you’re doing!

    Here is my website … maxicab

  5. maxicab
    | Reply

    Hi there, I would like to subscribe for this web site to obtain newest updates, thus where
    can i do it please help out.

    Review my blog; maxicab

  7. brazilian wood pills
    | Reply

    I’m very happy to find this web site. I need to to
    thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also
    have you bookmarked to see new information on your site.

  8. Sex-Podcast
    | Reply

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.

    I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;
    ) Cheers!

    My website Sex-Podcast

  10. Sonofit
    | Reply

    you are in reality a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents
    are masterwork. you’ve performed a excellent task on this topic!

  11. Name necklace
    | Reply

    Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let
    you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.

    I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

    Here is my blog post … Name necklace

  17. maxi cab
    | Reply

    Excellent blog here! Also your site loads
    up fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours
    lol

    Feel free to surf to my page – maxi cab

  18. additional reading
    | Reply

    I know this web page presents quality depending content and extra information, is there any other web site which provides these kinds of information in quality?

  20. QH88
    | Reply

    You could definitely see your skills within the work you write.
    The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you
    who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  23. Ultimate Access Passbook
    | Reply

    Hello there, I discovered your site via Google
    even as looking for a comparable topic, your web site got here up, it seems great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, just became aware of your blog thru Google, and found that it is really informative.

    I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate for
    those who continue this in future. A lot
    of people will be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  26. see here now
    | Reply

    Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The clearness on your post is simply nice and i could
    assume you’re an expert in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grasp your RSS feed to keep up
    to date with impending post. Thanks a million and
    please carry on the rewarding work.

  27. Shots
    | Reply

    My family all the time say that I am killing my time here at
    net, except I know I am getting experience everyday by reading thes nice content.

    Also visit my web site Shots

  30. look at here now
    | Reply

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video
    to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why
    throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your
    site when you could be giving us something informative
    to read?

  32. Zen Cortex
    | Reply

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?

  35. trading platform
    | Reply

    Claude Hayman is what folks call him but it’s not the most masucline name out presently.
    Lacemaking is primary hobby my sister doesn’t approve of.
    Some time ago I decided to live in New Hampshire and my loved ones loves it.

    In my professional life I am a messenger and it is something I really enjoy.

  37. anal sex
    | Reply

    Thanks for every other fantastic article. Where else may just
    anyone get that type of info in such an ideal approach of writing?
    I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search
    for such information.

  38. maxicab
    | Reply

    Ahaa, its nice discussion regarding this piece of writing here at
    this weblog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting
    here.

    Also visit my web page; maxicab

  39. maxicab
    | Reply

    It’s difficult to find educated people in this particular subject, but
    you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

    Here is my homepage – maxicab

  40. slot gacor
    | Reply

    Hello there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted
    to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading through your articles.

    Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics?
    Thanks a lot!

  41. Animale CBD Gummies
    | Reply

    Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo
    News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Many thanks

  43. additional info
    | Reply

    fantastic points altogether, you simply received a
    new reader. What may you recommend about your submit that you simply
    made a few days ago? Any positive?

  46. Sex-Podcast
    | Reply

    Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.

    Feel free to surf to my blog; Sex-Podcast

  47. 레플
    | Reply

    What’s up Dear, are you actually visiting thjs website on a regular basis, if so then you will definitely obtain pleasant
    knowledge.
    레플

  49. imp source
    | Reply

    Hi everyone, it’s my first go to see at this website, and article is truly fruitful
    for me, keep up posting these content.

Leave a Reply

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