My departure date is less than three months away. As I gather my gear and prepare to leave the country for eleven months, I am challenged by the notion of why I am going to so many places for one month each across the globe. Is not there a more efficient type of ministry? Are not there enough problems in our own country to satisfy an equally long and beneficial mission trip? Should not we focus our efforts on those individuals who we are more familiar with culturally? Am I even qualified to make a significant impact on anyone or anything? Doubts are inevitable…but losing heart would be failing to see the guidance God has given me of the answers to those questions and reasons for seeking out this opportunity.
This will be my first mission trip that is longer than a seven day meet and greet. Short term missions of that variety have changed countless lives, and I do not mean to belittle their purpose and those who participate in them. They are an integral component of the Lord’s work and have lasting impacts by serving those who are in desperate need of the Word. With that in mind, I wanted to step deeper into the mission field with a longer trip that I could experience to a greater degree. I wanted to get to know the people better, focus on more arduous tasks, etc. I love to learn by seeing and experiencing from unknown angles, but I did not know where would be the best place to accomplish my goals. I stumbled upon the World Race, and came to the conclusion that I could experience eleven varying perspectives that would give me the chance to spread the Gospel to far-reaching areas and provide learning opportunities every step of the way. I may even find a place I connect with that leads me to come back for a longer duration.
I do not know if I will be called to extensive mission work after the World Race, but I do know that this will prepare me for whatever plan God has for me afterward.
For everywhere we are going, the World Race is a bargain from a monetary standpoint. Most mission trips located in one country for the same length would be about 1.5 – 2 times more expensive per month.
While our country has its own set of unique issues that need to be addressed, our Father indicates a love and calling for all that dwell on this planet. All are in need of the Gospel and a hope and reason for existing. I have spent much more time in the United States than out, and as I broaden my horizons, I will ascertain where my gifts are best put to use. (After all, I can always come back to the mission field in the United States.)
Ultimately, no foreign life is worth less than an American life, plain and simple. I feel that many Americans do not feel that way, or believe they are entitled to a better life simply due to the geography of their birth. They do not get enough credit due them, yet we can learn so much from befriending them. Traveling to the land of the hopeless to spread the love that the Father has for them fails to seem frightening or intimidating as I have the power of the Lord on my side.
I recently watched a video of someone who had completed the World Race, and something he said resonated with me quite splendidly. “God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.” I do not have extensive practice in evangelism, but I am confident in the portrayal of my faith to all who are willing to listen.
Stay Classy,
Daniel
