I’m walking through the dirt roads of Western Mongolia. I look over at Shan walking next to me, notice the dust is getting in her eyes, too. I can sense a storm coming. A huge gust of wind hits us – but something else hits me harder..
Two days ago my team had just arrived to this little town after a 47 hour bus ride from Kazakhstan. Yes, 47 hours straight on a bus, occasionally stopping at nasty squatty pottys, “rest stops”, and border crossings. We were all smelly, cranky, and longing for a comfy bed. We arrived to what would be our home for the next 3 nights – a property consisting of 9 beautiful, handmade Gers. Our plan as a squad was to use the three days here to pray for direction on where to go next. Western Mongolia is new territory for The World Race, meaning that it’s our job to search for contacts, create opportunities, and pave the way for future World Race squads. Our three small teams had full intentions on going in three separate directions and places in the Western region of Mongolia – not even realizing the doors God was about to open for us right where we were.
I was asked to lead a team this month – it’s something I am very excited for and honestly a little nervous about. I have pressed in with daily prayer for God to reveal to me a game plan or ideas for the month to come. I’ve prayed for clarity, direction, vision, and for our team to be open-minded to what He has in store for us. Clarity was a huge one though. I asked God to make this month’s mission for my team very clear to me – and that is exactly what He did.
Our first day here we met an advanced English speaking local, we were invited to stay at a local horse trainers village, we met an English teacher from the states, and we were given contact info for Brad*, a potential host who’s family has devoted their lives to growing the underground churches here.
My team continued to see opportunity after opportunity.
The Father was providing me with everything that I had prayed so hard for.
And I kept thinking there is no way we could leave so soon.
Today, the weather was a little chilly and gloomy and the wind was crazy. Four of us headed to a cafe down the road to meet with Brad*. Due to a sandstorm, he was a little late – which gave me time to approach the American guy I noticed when I first walked in. After we introduced each other, I started telling him about all of the people we have met so far – he knew all of them. Every single person that I had met in this town – the local English speaker, the horse trainer, the English teacher, Brad, and even this guy I just randomly walked up to, were all connected. My mind was blown.
When Brad showed up, the four of us were all ears. God really had our full attention. Brad is so passionate about this people group. He opened our eyes to some of what the Christian locals have been enduring over the last few years. He caught us up with some history of this little Mongolian town. And again, revealed opportunity after opportunity for my team. Shannon & I had to leave early to make it to our next meeting, but as we hurried down the steps of the cafe we just looked at each other – words wouldn’t come – but our smiles communicated enough. Our minds were blown.
After we finished our meetings, we explored the town – the bazaar, the local craft shops, and the souvenir shops. As I was walking, I couldn’t seem to wrap my mind around all of the answered prayers over the last few days.
Direction.
Vision.
CLARITY.
God has opened so many doors already here in Western Mongolia. (Revelation 3:8) He has continued to prove to me that He loves me, that He’s for me, and that He hears me. And I am blown away by His constant pursuit of me.
As we continued to walk, I found myself having one of those “WHERE IN THE WORLD AM I?” moments…
I’m walking through the dirt roads of Western Mongolia.
I look over at Shan walking next to me, notice the dust is getting in her eyes, too. I can sense a storm coming. A huge gust of wind hits us – but something else hits me harder – I can feel Him here – in the people, in the places, in the wind.
I am blown away by His presence.
Are you faithful in prayer?
Have you given God the reigns?
Have you prayed for direction, vision, and clarity when it comes to stepping into new territories – new jobs, new classes, new life choices?
God’s plans are better than anything we can create ourselves.
He loves you. He’s for you. He hears you.
Just make yourself vulnerable and available to Him through daily prayers & trust.
Confide in Him and I promise you that He will OPEN DOORS that will blow you away.
I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door which no one is able to shut.
Rev 3:8
*Names changed for the security of the workers
