ANSWERING TO THE CALL
Trust in the Lord with all your hear and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him and He will build your path- Proverbs 3:5-6
Ten years ago, I went on my first of three short term mission trip to Africa. The experience was raw and overwhelming to see how infinitely small I was compared to the heartache our World faces. “How could one person make a difference, in such a broken world?” Over time, that overwhelming feeling actually turned into a desire to do more, be more, stand-up for more. That one question turned into the calling and desire that God has placed on my heart.
I have been very blessed and fortunate to have the opportunities and success since I moved to Colorado over six years ago. I’ve made amazing friendships, purchased my first home, learned an extraordinary amount in the housing industry, adopted my first dog,Jack…but I’ve known that something has been missing. Last July 4th weekend, I met two World Racers who told me of their extraordinary experience going to 11 countries in 11 months to help orphans, widows, the less fortunate, and spread the Gospel. I knew after hearing their story that I had to go! But how could I leave a job I has just started, a house I just bought, a dog I just adopted? The fear and doubt kicked in and I stopped the application process to the World Race. Fortunately for me, God didn’t give up on my heart.
This past year has been truly remarkable. It has been very challenging, but I have learned more about who I am and who God wants me to be. I took a promotion because I wanted to be the light in the darkness and made positive changes. Unfortunately, the harder I tried to do the right thing in my career, the harder my life became. Seeing that I was in a stressful situation, my mom asked me, “If you could do anything, what would you do?” Without hesitation, I told her I would go on the World Race. After that moment, peace surrounded me. I realized that I was holding myself captive of the freedom and happiness that God has promised us all because I was striving for power in my career and was being controlled by fear and guilt in my life from past decisions. I resigned from my job, have been accepted to go on the World Race, I sold my home in Denver and most of my possessions, and my grandmother is watching Jack while I’m away. I’m just trusting God to lead me and take care of the rest.
I will be going to 11 countries including: Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Uganda, Rwanda, Albania, Bosnia/Croatia, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia and China. While there I will be helping orphanages, fight against sex trafficking and prostitution, HIV education, spreading the Gospel and much more. I am looking for financial and prayer partners to help support me on the trip as I will need to raise $16,960. All proceeds to the Adventures in Missions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible. Being a partner, I will also keep you updated on my journey through my blog, so you can see how your support at work. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your prayers and support. If you decide to give, you can do so on my blog at: http://courtneyvlaun.theworldrace.org or send in with a check made out to Adventures in Missions P.O Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374 with my name in the memo line.
