In honor of World Race day I thought I would share the story of how I became a World Racer.
Written September 21, 2013
God is faithful! He is faithful in so many ways. Today as I was listening to three of our missionaries I was reminded of one of those ways, His calling. (Even as I write I remember that I read Jonah this morning; how fitting.) No matter where we go or what we do if we belong to God He has placed a call on our life and He will remain faithful to it. For that I am thankful. Looking back I can see that truth in my own life.
I surrendered to God’s call to missions in 2007 a few months after my first mission trip, to Romania, but after five years that call was buried, almost silenced. Oh, it was voiced when people asked about my plans or dreams but not with the same desire and drive. Then not too long ago I came face to face with a possible future without missions, and something began stirring in my heart. That quiet call was whispering once more. Fall of 2011 found me very emotional to the point of tears every time a missionary spoke at church. The all was resounding within my heart. March 2012 I surrendered to go to the Ukraine (a two month time period in which God showed faithful in funding). That trip was a life changer and opened the door for a second one there in October, and one this past July to Belize. Seven years, four trips, and three countries after God’s first call to missions I find myself here, on the brink of something big and unsure of what is coming next, yet amazed that God would be so faithful to His call even in my wandering.
So, that is the story of how I came back to missions, but “How the World Race?” Well…
I first became aware of The World Race through a friend but didn’t think much of it. About a year later (2012) I came across a newspaper article about a young lady leaving for the Race. At that point I began researching and reading all I could, but it was not God’s timing. Another year later, this year while taking care of my cousins the World Race was again brought to my attention (third time’s the charm, right?). This time I began seriously praying and felt it was time for me to step out and take the leap of faith. My brother and I even took an impromptu trip to headquarters (you know, since we in the area and had no idea what we were doing).
So here I am trying to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, still not really sure what I’m doing, but fully trusting God. I can’t wait to see what He is up to!
