11 months. That’s what I signed up for. Parts of me never imagined I would survive to see the end of 11 months. I never imagined witnessing my squad go through multiple life-changing moments within a short amount of time. But I did.
And now, I am here. I am at the end of this unforgettable, crazy experience called the World Race.
So here’s a recap of my year.
Month 1: Quito, Ecuador. I learned how to love on young children and their young mothers by caring for them all. I shared with them that they have worth to their lives.
Month 2: Trujillo, Peru. While working with more children at Savage Ministries, I became aware of the boldness and authority the Lord has given me. But I hadn’t quite truly believed it. I had knowledge, but didn’t believe in myself with the power of boldness and authority.
Month 3: Mapiri, Bolivia. The Lord taught me what it meant to trust him this month, through sickness and spiritual warfare. I finally found myself believing in my boldness and authority through the Lord. Now He started to tell me, “You need to start walking in it”. Cue the increased spiritual warfare.
Month 4: Bangalore, India. The Lord broke my heart for children this month, as we worked with Jireh Children’s Home. The kids taught me how to love well, because they loved us well. Also, I asked the Lord what it means to truly “intercede” for others. I wasn’t sure how to do it. Through a dramatic turn of events, as our squad suffered a near-fatal accident, the Lord quickly showed me. And He continued to teach me and grow me in intercession.
Month 5: Kathmandu, Nepal and the Sindhupalchok region. Somewhere between India and Nepal, the Lord is like, “Okay Chelsea. You are starting to know what it means to walk in boldness and authority. Let’s keep going”. The Lord rocked my world this month. Quite literally. After experiencing a 7.3 earthquake, I learned what it meant to really rely on Him alone, as I couldn’t even trust the earth beneath my feet.
Month 6: Penang, Malaysia. So this particular month the journey with boldness and authority has continued. As I walked the streets on Wednesday doing street evangelism, I encountered a person who I never imagined I’d ever have the privilege of meeting, not once, but 3 times! Here’s where the Lord decided to take it to the next level. After meeting my friend on the street, the Lord says it’s time you start walking in boldness and authority, but with confidence. Wow God. Are you sure? (see blog for details: My Hour With A Prostitute) The Lord had me spend money on one of the most precious things the whole Race, just to have 1 hour to share the Gospel.
Month 7: Mae Sot, Thailand. What seemed like any ordinary month, quickly turned different the final week. After serving Outpour Ministries, we had to make a visa run. So we crossed the border into Myanmar (formerly Burma). We knew we’d prayer walk for a few hours, before coming back over to Thailand. This is where some more confidence came in. As I prayed in the Buddhist temple, the emotions of the Holy Spirit overcame me. I sobbed, but not out of fear. It was more out of despair for the people. Heartbroken for the lost.
Month 8: Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Lord really taught me patience and also what it means to pursue after someone with boldness. It gave me a taste of what it’s like for Him. When He’s constantly telling His sheep, “Hey! The truth is right here! Just take it!” I almost didn’t recognize my own voice some days. But it was Jesus.
Month 9: DaNang, Vietnam. Through a teammate, the Lord began introducing the idea that the boldness and authority that He’s been teaching isn’t a temporary thing. That He wants to continue growing me in it, even when I return home. That it’s not just for overseas missions work. It’s for the mission in the U.S. That I will not return to the quiet, timid person I used to be. That I can speak truth with boldness at home as well.
Month 10: Lilongwe, Malawi. So we had a team change. After months of being team treasury, I prayed that God would allow me to not be responsible for finances any longer. Well, the Lord answered my prayer. However He also had much bigger plans. When our squad leader, Teresa, asked if I’d step into the hallway with her in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam…I knew she had an agenda. “Would you consider being a team leader?” I laughed and told her, “I literally was just saying how I would give anything not to do finances anymore “. She replied, “Well, you definitely won’t have to do finances”. So I prayed about it, and sure enough the Lord said, “Your boldness and authority is taking a new step”. Now it’s time to step into leadership. That was a weird step, but not a complete surprise.
Month 11: Mongu, Zambia. He’s been reminding me that “It’s okay, not to be okay”. He alsotells me, “It’s time to continue this knew found knowledge/belief at “home”. You can be just as bold as you are overseas, as you can be bold in the United States”. Alright God. I have no idea what is in store after this month with Kids Alive Zambia is through. But I trust you. And everything will be okay. (Picture below: Team FIRE…I love these people, near the slums of Mongu, Zambia).
