Writer’s Block is over. It only took 24 hours. 🙂
So something that has weighed on my heart is a more in depth look at “why the World Race?” As my squad-mates and I tackle the issue of fundraising, we run into many questions surrounding this particular topic. Some including, “it sounds like a vacation,” or “anyone can love on people in different countries, how is this evangelism?”
As a missionary, I expect some to be skeptical. Not everyone will agree with what I am doing. After all, Paul himself was imprisoned mocked multiple times for his missionary work. And as hard as that is to digest sometimes, that’s okay. If everyone was for evangelical missions, than there would probably be no need for it. Let me explain my response to some of these questions. And even if you still don’t agree, I won’t love you any less.
First of all, a lot of people who say they “don’t feel led to support this mission”, are typically speaking of financial support. Honestly, that is perfectly fine. But I do ask that you partner with me in prayer. Prayer is so much more powerful in numbers.
“Where two or more gather together in My name, I am there”.
Matthew 18:20
Satan loves to attack before, during, and after trips such as this. So we need prayer for: protection, health, safe travels, visas, etc. We need the armor of God.
“And he said to them, ‘This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer’.” Mark 9:29 (ESV)
Another question people ask is, “This sounds like a vacation. Anyone could do it. How is loving on people of different cultures a form of evangelism?” I totally can understand this question, as I myself have struggled with this very issue. My biggest fear is that people will misunderstand the purpose of this trip.
It most certainly is not a vacation. If I wanted to travel for pleasure, I would do it in a much more comfortable way. I understand I will see many parts of the world. But this will not come without uncomfortable situations. The bugs, the ridiculous itching and scars from scratching which accompany the bites of said bugs, the heat, lack of running water, lack of electricity, no air conditioning. Living out of a hiking pack and smaller pack for 11 months. Drinking water with those lovely chlorine tablets because bottled water becomes way too expensive to buy. Does this really sound like a vacation to you? We leave knowing we are giving up, and surrendering, the comforts of home, because the call to sharing the Gospel to the unreached, is much more important. We will live out of tents and sleep on thin mats for 11 months. I’ve had people tell me, they admire me for what I’m doing, but it’s definitely not for them. I’m not going to have a paycheck for a year. So tell me again, can anyone do this? I know I definitely would not sign up for this, if it were not for the Holy Spirit.
Love is part of discipleship.
“All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”. John 13:35 (NIV)
We are called to love, because God is love. (1 John 4:8)
I love the quote from James Hudson Taylor (I’m even including it on my t-shirt for fundraising:
“The Great Commission is not an option to consider, it is a command to be obeyed.”
When it comes down to it. I am not doing this for my glory, it’s for Christ’s glory. And it’s okay if you do not feel led to give. But please consider praying with me.
