Short term missions are not the race

posted in: Missions | 231,485

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.

231485 Responses

  1. olxtoto.

    This paragraph will assist the internet people for building up
    new web site or even a blog from start to end.

  2. Live Draw HK

    You’re so awesome! I do not think I’ve read a single thing like this before.
    So wonderful to discover someone with a few genuine thoughts on this topic.
    Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is
    needed on the web, someone with a little originality!

  3. primebiome reviews and complaints

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts
    as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site?
    My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my
    users would genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!

  4. mau 777

    Thanks in support of sharing such a pleasant thought, piece of
    writing is good, thats why i have read it completely

  5. Madgicx

    Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to revisit yet again since i have bookmarked it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change,
    may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  6. 88NN

    I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site.

    I am hoping to see the same high-grade content by
    you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my
    very own site now 😉

  7. Avrora

    Aurora Casino — это ваш идеальный выбор для захватывающих и выгодных игр.
    Здесь вы найдете самые популярные игры, включая слоты, настольные игры и живое казино с реальными крупье.
    Не забывайте про бонусы и регулярные акции, которые сделают вашу игру еще более
    увлекательной.

    Почему казино Aurora стоит выбрать?
    В Aurora Casino вам предложат широкий выбор
    игр, надежную защиту и мгновенные выплаты.
    С нами вы получите честную
    игру и полную прозрачность всех процессов.

    Когда начать играть в Aurora Casino?
    Присоединяйтесь прямо сейчас и начните выигрывать большие суммы.
    Вот, что вас ждет:

    Вам будут предложены большие бонусы, как
    только вы зарегистрируетесь.

    Участвуйте в регулярных акциях и турнирах, чтобы повысить свои шансы на победу.

    Большой выбор слотов и настольных игр.

    Aurora Casino — это не только шанс на выигрыш, но и
    море незабываемых эмоций. https://aurora-diamondcasino.quest/

  8. vet near me

    I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.

    can you offer guest writers to write content in your
    case? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write concerning
    here. Again, awesome site!

  9. JimmieSaift

    Доска объявлений https://estul.ru/blog по всей России: продавай и покупай товары, заказывай и предлагай услуги. Быстрое размещение, удобный поиск, реальные предложения. Каждый после регистрации получает на баланс аккаунта 100? для возможности бесплатного размещения ваших объявлений

  10. JimmieSaift

    Доска объявлений https://estul.ru/blog по всей России: продавай и покупай товары, заказывай и предлагай услуги. Быстрое размещение, удобный поиск, реальные предложения. Каждый после регистрации получает на баланс аккаунта 100? для возможности бесплатного размещения ваших объявлений

  11. JimmieSaift

    Доска объявлений https://estul.ru/blog по всей России: продавай и покупай товары, заказывай и предлагай услуги. Быстрое размещение, удобный поиск, реальные предложения. Каждый после регистрации получает на баланс аккаунта 100? для возможности бесплатного размещения ваших объявлений

  12. exterior door installation

    I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also
    with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?

    Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare
    to see a great blog like this one nowadays.

  13. olxtoto resmi

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this
    matter to be actually something which I think I would
    never understand. It seems too complex and extremely broad for me.

    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  14. Madgicx

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide
    credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the very same area of
    interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide
    here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!

  15. JimmieSaift

    Доска объявлений https://estul.ru/blog по всей России: продавай и покупай товары, заказывай и предлагай услуги. Быстрое размещение, удобный поиск, реальные предложения. Каждый после регистрации получает на баланс аккаунта 100? для возможности бесплатного размещения ваших объявлений

  16. Риобет казино официальный

    В Riobet Casino предлагаются премиальные услуги мирового уровня. На платформе Riobet представлены самые популярные игры и слоты, такие как карточные игры, рулетку и современные слоты. Также вы можете принять участие в захватывающих мероприятиях, которые повышают шансы на успех и удовольствие от игры. Предложения Riobet Casino – это возможность объединить развлечение и выгоду. Каждая игра в Riobet Casino – это возможность испытать азарт и удачу – https://riobet-gamewiggle.monster/. Когда стоит присоединиться к нашим играм и мероприятиям? Правильный ответ: в любое время, когда вам удобно! Вот несколько ситуаций, когда стоит воспользоваться нашими предложениями: Рекомендуем изучить правилами и условиями платформы. Опытные игроки могут воспользоваться специальными условиями, чтобы повысить удовольствие от игры и увеличить шансы на выигрыш. Для восстановления навыков начните с бесплатных версий игр, чтобы вспомнить правила и вновь ощутить азарт.

  17. رشته‌های قابل انتخاب در کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی

    رشته‌های قابل انتخاب در کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی، کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی، فرصتی مهم برای فارغ‌التحصیلان و دانشجویان ترم آخر مقطع کاردانی است تا با شرکت در آن، سطح تحصیلات خود را به کارشناسی ناپیوسته ارتقا دهند.

  18. رشته‌های قابل انتخاب در کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی

    رشته‌های قابل انتخاب در کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی، کنکور کاردانی به کارشناسی، فرصتی مهم برای فارغ‌التحصیلان و دانشجویان ترم آخر مقطع کاردانی است تا با شرکت در آن، سطح تحصیلات خود را به کارشناسی ناپیوسته ارتقا دهند.

  19. kumpulan bokep indonesia terbaru

    Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re using?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
    Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a reasonable price?

    Thank you, I appreciate it!

  20. c3479121162202047148

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

  21. go here

    Thanks for finally writing about > Short term missions
    are not the race – The Hus Report < Loved it!

  22. Ап Икс официальный сайт игра

    В Up X Casino вам предлагают высококлассный игровой сервис. Мы предлагаем популярные слоты и развлечения, включая классические и современные игровые автоматы. И это еще не все! Для наших игроков доступны регулярные турниры и акции, которые делают игру еще интереснее и выгоднее. По данным статистики, регулярные участники акций чаще добиваются успеха. Когда лучше всего начать играть? Ответ прост: начните прямо сейчас! https://upx-casino.xyz/. Как подготовиться к игре? Рекомендуем ознакомиться с условиями игры для комфортного старта. Опытным пользователям доступны эксклюзивные предложения для VIP-клиентов, чтобы достичь новых игровых высот. Новичкам или возвращающимся игрокам рекомендуем попробовать бесплатные версии игр, чтобы вспомнить правила и почувствовать азарт.

  23. toto togel

    great post, very informative. I ponder why the
    other experts of this sector don’t notice this. You should continue your writing.
    I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  24. openhotporn

    Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people think about
    worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  25. dumanbet giriş

    I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like
    yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did,
    the net will be much more useful than ever before.

Leave a Reply

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