The Great Commission is the backbone for the existence of the Church. It is our “true north” navigation point. It sets our focus and determines our success. It provides the ongoing importance of disciple making through the ages. It could send us next door or across the ocean. However, Ed Stetzer reminds us that, “Jesus’ earliest followers understood that the Great Commission meant more than simply telling their neighbor about Christ because they went far beyond next door.”

We must come to grips with that mandate and ask our Lord how and where does He want us to participate.

All it takes is for us to lift up our eyes and see the harvest around us. In John 4:35-36 Jesus issued this challenge to his faithful followers during an excursion to the Samaritan town of Sychar: “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” One of the best ways to take a look is on a short-term mission trip.

A short-term mission trip connects you to a part of the world that normally you would never have a chance to see. You will get the opportunity to experience the “go” command of the Great Commission. You will begin to live life by lifting up your eyes and seeing the world as a harvest field and you will get a glimpse of what heaven will look like: “And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10

Why don’t you begin to plan on joining a short-team today?

~ Tony Foster