My grandpa asked me the other day why I wanted to go to all these different places to help people when we have so many problems of our own right here in Minneapolis.
The answer is pretty simple: the church. Christ’s bride. How often do we take her for granted?
As I was on one of my longer runs last week (training for a half-marathon in Duluth, MN next weekend – eek!), I am not kidding you, I did not run longer than one minute before passing by yet another church. This is a wonderful yet completely under-appreciated reality.
Here in America, I believe we are far from a “Christian” country, however it is hard to deny that the physical presence of the church is almost everywhere. If there is a church on every block up here in the Yankee north of Minnesota, you can only imagine how prevalent she is down in the Bible-belt south (don’t get me started on those Jesus billboards on I-85). All to say, Americans: you have EVERY opportunity to hear the Good News. Not that we should neglect the health of the church here – oh, how the church has unfortunately wounded so many – but you can hardly make the argument that you have never heard of Jesus living in America.
I can speak with some experience from my time abroad in Dakar, Senegal, a country that is 94% Muslim (CIA World Factbook), where I didn’t have the opportunity to “church hop” and find a good church that was the right “fit” for me. When I stumbled into an evangelical church one Sunday morning, it didn’t matter that the service lasted 4 hours, or that it was 120 degrees inside, or that I could barely understand a word the preacher was shouting; they were praising Jesus and proclaiming the Gospel – hallelujah! It was a privilege and joy to worship with them. I try not to take the gift of the church for granted after that experience.
Just like Senegal, not every country in this beautiful world has the opportunity to hear the Gospel proclaimed on every street corner like we do in America. THAT is why I want to go on the World Race. I want to see dead people come to life in Jesus! I want to see people quench their thirst on the Living Water that will never leave them dry again! I want to see people living in darkness step into the marvelous light that Christ offers. I want to see people transformed from the inside out by the redeeming work of Christ on the cross! The message is simple. The message is powerful. Jesus loves you, wants you, died for you, came back to life for you.
I am so utterly confident that the Lord is calling me on this incredible journey and I ask that you would prayerfully consider joining in collaboration with me in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ all over the world. If you are able to give financially, check out my “Support Me!” tab on the left sidebar on my blog. Thanks to all who have already contributed to this cause and for continually praying!
Forever His,
Grace
