3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 202,062

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.

202062 Responses

  5. slot gacor hari ini
    | Reply

    Permainkan slots online gacor terpilih di Indonesia
    dengan RTP tinggi dan kesempatan jekpot besar! Cicipi beberapa ribu permainan dari provider termasyhur seperti
    Pragmatic Play, Habanero, serta PG Soft yang siap memberinya kemenangan optimal.
    Dengan spesifikasi bonus berlimpah, free spin, dan skema fairplay,
    pengalaman bermain menjadi lebih hebat serta memberi keuntungan. Daftar saat ini, claim bonus new peserta, dan gapai jekpot tiap hari!
    #SlotGacor #SlotOnlineTerpercaya

  6. pullix crypto
    | Reply

    Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity on your post
    is just great and that i can assume you’re an expert in this subject.
    Fine with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to keep
    up to date with coming near near post. Thanks a million and please continue
    the rewarding work.

  16. Acak77
    | Reply

    If you desire to improve your experience only keep visiting this
    site and be updated with the latest gossip posted here.

  17. official site
    | Reply

    GooԀ web site yⲟu’ve got here.. It’ѕ hɑrd to finbd excerllent writing like yours these days.
    I truuly ɑppreciate individuals like yоu! Takе care!!

  26. Tollywood Collections
    | Reply

    Hey there I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Aol for something
    else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a
    all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t
    have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also
    included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more,
    Please do keep up the awesome work.

  28. toto slot
    | Reply

    Hello to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views are good designed for new viewers.

  32. FGLLTGGT
    | Reply

    Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web page on a regular basis,
    this web site is in fact good and the users are actually sharing nice thoughts.

  33. Construction Engineer London
    | Reply

    Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just
    wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do
    you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I
    get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

  40. bbarlock.com
    | Reply

    Hi would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time selecting
    between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems
    different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  41. Tollywood Collections
    | Reply

    What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled
    upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it
    has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other users
    like its aided me. Good job.

  42. aitradingbot.org
    | Reply

    Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found
    that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
    I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

  44. Аврора казино онлайн
    | Reply

    Aurora Casino приглашает вас в мир высококлассных азартных игр и
    ярких эмоций. Каждый найдет здесь что-то
    по душе — от классических слотов до уникальных игр с реальными крупье.
    Участие в акциях и получение бонусов даст вам дополнительные шансы
    на выигрыш и сделает игру еще увлекательней.

    Почему стоит играть в Аврора играйте бесплатно?
    Мы обеспечиваем полную безопасность
    ваших средств и конфиденциальность личных данных.
    С нами вы можете рассчитывать на честные условия и быстрые выплаты.

    Когда вам лучше начать играть в Aurora Casino?
    Регистрируйтесь прямо сейчас и получите доступ к
    множеству захватывающих игр и бонусов.
    Вот что вас ждет:

    Большие бонусы и постоянные акции.

    Мы гарантируем вашу безопасность и спокойствие, играя на нашей платформе.

    Каждый месяц мы добавляем новые игры, чтобы вам не было скучно.

    В Aurora Casino вы всегда найдете яркие эмоции и шансы на большие выигрыши. https://aurora-casinopulse.click/

  45. penis enlargement
    | Reply

    Hello to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is
    getting more from this web site, and your views are nice in favor of
    new people.

  46. Tollywood Collections
    | Reply

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you happen to be working
    with? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something
    more safe. Do you have any solutions?

  48. bintoropest.co.id
    | Reply

    Wonderfᥙl web site. A lot of helpful info here.

    I am sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious.
    And naturally, thank you to your sweat!

  49. Lauren
    | Reply

    Helⅼo just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of
    the pictures aren’t lоading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried іt in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

    My webpage: remote control lawn moweг (Lauren)

Leave a Reply

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