Almost a year has gone by since I was on the World Race (WR Jan 2010 M Squad). So many times I think…Wow, last year at this time I was in Romania ministering to gypsies and mentally handicapped women or in Thailand befriending girls in prostitution in sketchy bars or in Australia surfing the coast with a homeless man…But just because I’m not traveling the world doesn’t mean God isn’t working in my life.
My experiences on the World Race changed who I am. I’m still Hope, but I’m not the same young girl who set out for a year of adventure with a pack half her body weight. Who is that girl? I don’t know her anymore. She is gone and the Hope that God has destined her to be is here. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been obedient and taken that first step of faith…
“I’ve seen I AM and now I know who I am.” (I’ve seen I AM by Jonathan David Helser) I went on the World Race to preach to the nations, find my calling, do crazy adventures, but I wasn’t expecting to find myself…who is Hope? Now I am confident that I know who she is…Hope is a daughter of the Almight God, she is a vessel used to bring kingdom to Earth, a woman that will change the world, a beloved child pursued by Christ himself, a freedom bringer, a fearless leader, and co-heir of heaven that is forgiven by the precious blood of Jesus.
God used the World Race to break me (and He did) and build me up again stronger than before. One of my biggest fears was talking in public…in small groups, in front of class, and to random strangers. People who know me now would never guess I felt high anxiety to the point of tears when I spoke. While on the Race I asked for specific things: wisdom, boldness, knowledge, confidence, leadership qualities, and discernment. I truly believe God answered my prayers.
A quick recap of the last 7 months post World Race…
Moved to Houston. Didn’t get accepted to Teach For America. Temp jobs. Prayed for community and a church. Same morning met Sam and Kristin (who is on the Race now) at an anti-trafficking conference. Went to Second Baptist with Kristin and love it. Became the Prayer Leader for our singles class (Grey Street). Became a women’s small group leader (not anxious anymore). Met G and John (who work at Second) at a job fair. Didn’t get the Women’s Ministry Assistant job. Became the Women’s Ministry Leader for Grey St. Asked to be on the city wide singles conference steering committee for a 55,000 member church. Jessica (who goes to Grey St and is a WR alum) told me about a mission job with family friends (the Adair’s). Kyla (WR staff) and John referred me (John was mentored by the Adair’s father and grew up at the church where the mission org is. Can I say God moment) Got the job!
***I start next week as the Administrative and Communications Coordinator at The Antioch Partners a long-term mission org that focuses on unreached and least reached people in Asia, Africa, and South America. (Full-time salary with benefits.No support raising woo hoo)
God used the open and shut doors to show me He cares and is pursuing me. Even though it was hard waiting God’s timing was perfect! I’m glad I didn’t give up and settle. God blessed me with a season of serving my community. I was able to volunteer and still having just enough money to pay my bills. But I’m excited for the next season of life…
