If you ever read my blog, you should read this one. No joke.

Common reactions to signing up for the world race:
*Wait, you live out of…a back pack?  That’s it?  Is that…is that really possible?
*Oh I’m so jealous.  I wish I could go, but who would take care of my plants?
*But won’t you miss your dog?  Your bed?  Real coffee?  AC?  Clean feet?  Hot showers?  (The answer to all of these is yes.)
*Oh yea, my brother’s wife’s cousin’s nephew’s girlfriend did a trip like that. 
*Make sure you don’t walk alone in dark alleys at night.  They’ll take your purse and passport, and then you’ll never get home.
*Wow, I could never do that.  No way.  Absolutely not.  That’s way too intense.

So most of these are legitimate concerns.  You can’t pack your whole
closet, you need to be smart about where you go, and I guess plants are
living things, so maybe someone should take care of them. 

However, the last one is bull pucky,
I’ve decided.  I’ve seen God use ANYONE from ANY type of background and
life on this trip.  Ok, true, maybe you’re not called to the race, but
I guarantee you’re called to do the type of work we’re doing – reaching
the lost in a passionate and sacrificial way. 

I want to share a few testimonies from my team members.  Most of you
know me and my walk with God.  I’ll let you draw your own conclusions… 
However, my teammates have awesome awesome stories that are too good
not to share.   

Annie
grew up going to church, but didn’t know God.  When she was 20 her
father left her family, and she fell into depression.  Not long after
she moved to Chicago to attend school and later to New York for a job. 
During this time her depression worsened to the point that  she looked
in the mirror one day and had no idea who she was.  In New York she met
a group of women who showed her true love, and after much time and
prayer, she decided to forgive her father.  She then happily went about
her life as a wedding cake designer living in Manhattan…until God
called her on this trip.  She said no, but God continued to pursue
her.  Now she’s our fearless leader who is full of love, hope, and
joy.  Her presence draws people in and she’s someone who can relate to
anyone.  God is using her in such unique ways. 

Allison grew up believe that
there was no God and wondering if there was any purpose for her life. 
In high school she hung out with a group that introduced her to drugs
and alcohol.  She’s shared with us that there were many nights she
should have ended up dead or in prison, but God protected her and
continually drew her near to him.  4 years ago she met the Lord and God
has radically changed her life.  His love has filled her with peace,
hope, and joy like she’s never felt before.  She’s a firecracker with a
powerful voice.  When she speaks, BIG things happen!  God has given her
such power to change lives with her words and writing.

So I’ll end with something I tell the students almost every time I speak in Ghana.

I’m here today to tell YOU that YOU have a great destiny.  God has huge plans to prosper YOU and his Kingdom.  He has huge ways he wants to use YOU
for the kingdom.  In John 15:14, Jesus says that he calls us friends,
not servants.  He doesn’t order us around w/o telling us what he’s
doing.  He loves us and desires relationship with us.  He’s also our
Father.  He wants the absolute best for us.  He wants to love on us as
best he can.  Therefore, he will only tell you good things.  He will
only take you through things that are for your good.  I truly truly believe that.  Sometimes life is hard and it sucks, but he lets it suck because he loves you enough to shape you and refine you.  If you know Christ and walk with God, YOU have been given full power and authority under Heaven.  You’re ALREADY seated in Heavenly places.  THAT means you are fully equipped to destroy any work of the enemy.  So, YES, you can do what I’m doing and even more.  Don’t let complacency and physical comfort hold you back.  Ever.  EVER.