3 Jul 2017

Short term missions are not the race

by | posted in: Missions | 251,459

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.

251459 Responses

  1. link bokep anak kecil
    | Reply

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the
    book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to
    drive the message home a bit, but other than that,
    this is magnificent blog. An excellent read.
    I’ll certainly be back.

  2. participation
    | Reply

    Hey fantastic website! Does running a blog such as this take a massive amount work?
    I’ve very little expertise in coding however I was hoping to start my
    own blog in the near future. Anyway, should you have any ideas or tips for new
    blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject but I simply had to ask.
    Thanks!

  3. Перейти по ссылке
    | Reply

    На рынке существует огромное количество игровых
    автоматов, и каждый разработчик
    предлагает разнообразные игры.

  6. link bokep anak kecil
    | Reply

    Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different topic but it has pretty much the same page
    layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!

  10. Nitric Boost Ultra reviews
    | Reply

    I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here! Best
    of luck for the next!

  15. link bokep anak kecil
    | Reply

    excellent points altogether, you simply gained a new reader.
    What might you suggest about your put up that you simply made a few days ago?

    Any certain?

  16. jepang bet
    | Reply

    Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about
    this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but
    instead of that, this is fantastic blog. A fantastic read.
    I will certainly be back.

  22. nissan kicks wiper blade size
    | Reply

    Undeniably believe that that you said. Your favourite justification seemed to be at the net the simplest
    factor to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as folks think about concerns that they just do
    not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects ,
    other people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.

    Thank you

  23. Betonred casino
    | Reply

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter
    to be really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the
    hang of it!

  24. higo.vn
    | Reply

    I am truly pleased to glance at this website posts which includes tons of valuable information, thanks for providing these data.

  28. m88
    | Reply

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?

    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  29. Lunetterie
    | Reply

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert
    that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I
    achievement you access consistently quickly.

  31. quickloan
    | Reply

    quickloan
    Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
    Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.

  34. KIJANGTOTO
    | Reply

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to
    my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time
    and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
    like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to
    your new updates.

  40. sell gold Malaysia
    | Reply

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so
    i got here to return the prefer?.I am trying to find things
    to enhance my site!I guess its adequate to use some of your
    ideas!!

  42. розацеа
    | Reply

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning
    this website. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well.
    In truth, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to
    get my very own blog now 😉

  43. hi88com
    | Reply

    I just like the valuable information you supply in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and test again right here frequently.
    I am slightly sure I will be informed many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  44. luxury car rental Malaysia
    | Reply

    I’m not positive the place you’re getting your information,
    however good topic. I needs to spend some time finding out much more or understanding more.
    Thank you for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

  48. 10k takipçi hilesi
    | Reply

    I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your blog?

    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
    one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

Leave a Reply to jiwabolatop.icu Cancel reply

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