Over the past several weeks I have been making the rounds to close friends and family members to see them one last time before I leave for the next eleven months. My parents and I arrived at Launch in Atlanta very late Saturday night after a long day in the car, and earlier today, I said my last goodbye to them. This whole process started months ago when my brother left for law school, and today it’s finally over.
Those close relationships in my life are very important to me, as I’m sure they are for most people. At times I’ve felt like I was abandoning the people closest to me as I get ready to leave for a year, and that’s a hard emotion to process. Even in those moments, however, I knew this is something important that I need to do.
So instead of focusing on all those hard goodbyes, I want to focus on what these next eleven months are going to be about and how God is going to use this journey He is taking me on to bless people abroad and back home. I also want to cast some vision for those of you who have encouraged me along the way for how you can continue praying for me and supporting me while I’m gone.
This is going to be a year of challenges. I have no illusions about it being easy or comfortable. Training camp cured me of that. I also know that some of the most profound seasons of growth that I’ve ever experienced have come out of some of the most painful moments, but only when I’ve allowed God to work through those situations in my life. He will have plenty of opportunities this year. So if you want to pray for me, pray that instead of running from those difficult times I would allow myself to fully experience them so that God can show me His goodness and faithfulness, even when it’s not obvious.
More than any of that, however, I pray that I would be able to share with others whatever growth I experience or insight into the character and love of God that I gain. Something I learned long ago is that God never gives us anything just to hoard it for ourselves. He blesses us to make us a blessing. Anything He gives me is not just for me. He means for me to share it. And that’s what this year is about. My team and I are going to share His love with those who desperately need the hope found in Christ, not just complete a personal growth plan. So please pray that we would be effective in our ministry and that we would be open to the opportunities God has for us, even if they aren’t laid out on a schedule or don’t look quite as romantic as the ideal we created for ourselves.
I can’t wait to share with all of you just how God is working in each of the places we visit. Remember, my first stop is India, and I will actually be flying out of Atlanta on Wednesday night. From that point on, contact will become more limited, but I will be posting here regularly and on social media when possible. If you haven’t already, please hit the subscribe button under my picture at the top of this page and check out my World Race Facebook page to make sure you receive the most recent updates about what we’re doing in the field and where I am with my continued fundraising efforts. If you would like to reach out to me personally, the best way would be to email me at [email protected]. I’m so grateful that technology affords us these incredible opportunities to stay connected from around the world.
In conclusion, my sincere hope is that rather than feeling abandoned or left behind, the people back home are encouraged and excited and refreshed by the stories I share here while I’m gone and in person when I come home. I can’t wait to tell you all about the incredible things God is doing and that I get to be apart of. Until then, I leave you with Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV).
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
