A story. It started with a story.
Reading through a Christian magazine one day several years back, I came upon Jennifer’s story of her adventure on the World Race. I was intrigued and fascinated by it. Was there really a Christian mission organization that would take you around the world in eleven months, sharing Jesus’ love?! I read about her time in Asia and hanging out with the prostitutes in bars. About traveling from place to place and praying and asking God where to go next and who to minister to next. I wanted that. I wanted to depend on God like that and fulfill my craving of traveling the world.
But then I read that she backpacked it all. Just one backpack, really?! That was beyond me. That was going too far. I would need more than just a backpack. It was pushing me too far out of my comfort zone. I wasn’t going to do that. There was no possible way that I could travel the world in eleven months out of one backpack, I would need more than that. So despite how excited and attracted I was to do this World Race trip, the enthusiasm dwindled away and I didn’t have second thoughts about applying or going on the trip.
A couple years later, having done a five month volunteer trip to Africa and finishing my second year with YWAM taking the IPHC course, I came across a World Race team on my outreach to India. I realized, “Hey, they’re people just like me, not much different, with the same desires and passions I have to travel and love on people and be a light for Jesus. If they can do it, I can too.”
On one of the mornings I hung out with one of the girls and we had fun taking pictures. I never really asked much about the World Race or what they were doing, only a few basic questions. Upon returning home, I started thinking more about the World Race, and praying. I would’ve loved to ask that girl more questions and follow up on her adventures, but I didn’t have her contact. So I prayed. Soon after, I receive a friend request! “Hey God, is this You telling me to step forward and go for it?” I applied. I had a lot of excitement and fear, anticipation and doubt. It came to a point where my heart became so heavy with all the mixed emotions. I was weighing all the pros and cons about going or staying home and arguing within myself. Was this really God’s will for me to go? Exhausted, I was done and gave up the battle. I completely surrendered it to God and a calming peace washed over me. My life was in His hands. He would lead me and take the reigns of my life.
On May 31st I received the call that I was accepted. I was beyond excited! My heart was free and overjoyed. “Thank-you God!”
During all this, a song that I connected with and fell in love with: Planetshakers – Leave Me Astounded
All my hands have made I’m laying down. All that I hold dear my many crowns.
I have tasted and seen of Your great love. You satisfy me. You satisfy me.
Spirit fall, open up heaven’s doors. We’re waiting with worship for more. You’re the only love that satisfies me.
My constant request above all things, every hour I wake be near me. Though I’ve tasted and seen of Your great love, show me Your glory, show me Your glory.
Spirit fall, open up heaven’s doors. We’re waiting with worship for more. You’re the only love that satisfies me.
Lord we run into Your loving arms. We’re safe and secure in Your love. You’re the only one that satisfies me.
Leave me astounded leave me amazed show off Your glory let heaven invade. We’re waiting with worship we’re waiting with praise for the almighty presence of God to invade.
