Training camp a.k.a “spiritual boot camp” was a whirlwind of activity and so much that I learned and was set free from that it took a little while to process and then debrief from. Especially after living in such close community, where your next door neighbor was literally not even a few feet away at nearly all times, and their tent was right next to you as well. This meant we always had someone there with us. To help us and talk us through it. To learn to work together on a team despite our differences and to lift each other up and fight for each other! (Here’s some more on what I learned and experienced since I just gave a more general overview in my first post.)
I was set free from some old ways of doing things and old thought patterns or ways of living. God set me free from fear. God set me free and showed me His love and that He has a purpose for me. Even though I don’t understand it all yet, I am ready! I am trusting Him. Even when it doesn’t make sense or doesn’t feel happy or smooth.
I can be free from living by emotions, in the sense of not letting them rule me. This is something I am still walking out and learning about more fully. My desire is to walk in freedom.
I feel not quite ready in some ways, though it has been about 18 months or so since I first learned about the World Race and decided to apply and go!
It has definitely been a journey in the making, but one that has been good and freeing. Even in the moments of fear, I learned so much and my heart was so encouraged when people reached out in love and support and encouragement.
My heart was breathed into with new life when God confirmed in me the calling for this journey and that the time is now.
Even though I had moments of doubt and fear and anxiety and when I didn’t know how the funds would come in.
Even when people asked me to think twice about this journey.
I went back to God. And He comforted me and encouraged my heart again in His perfect way. He spoke truth to me and showed me my identity is in Him.
I did not always live the right away and did not always put God first. I made mistakes.
But good thing God is in the business of redemption!
He has set me free and made me new. He has forgiven me and He can do the same for you! He can make you new and show you your purpose in Him.
Ever since God spoke this promise to my heart in Taiwan in a beautiful green field, right next to a rice field, I have been so encouraged when I come across it again and it speaks new life and hope into me:
Psalm 18: 19- He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
This reminded my heart that God loves me and takes care of me. He will bring me to beautiful places as He does a beautiful work in me!
I have been learning so much about really taking time to spend with God. In our busy, task oriented world, I would feel much of my identity from doing the next task or trying to do it perfectly to please others and feel fulfilled.
This did not work!
God has reminded me to take time to rest in Him.
To be still and wait on Him.
And in the waiting, He is working.
There is blessing in stopping and fixing our eyes on Him. Even amidst the storm, when we fix our eyes on Him, He is there to rescue you.
Isaiah 30:15- This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.
For a long time and even now, I struggle sometimes with that last part. It rings out loud and clear, would I have none of God’s rest and strength?
I didn’t want to be running so fast in my own strength that I missed what God had for me. I tried to do fundraising in my own strength and failed. I saw where I could do more. I didn’t know how to do some things. I felt guilty for where I fell short. I tried to do more in my own strength.
Until God stopped me. And reminded me to wait on Him.
He held me in His arms and reminded me of His love for me.
We cannot do it all on our own. We need God’s strength to work in us. And that includes sometimes waiting quietly and not running ahead of what He is doing in your life.
The reminder that God works all things out is crucial to keep before you.
Romans 8:28- And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
11 days away to launch- to start the Race!- as of as today’s post, December 27th, I am $2700 away from going on the Race!
Please give $27 (double that- $54 or triple at $81) or $200 or an amount of your choice that you feel led to give.
I challenge you to give from your heart. To give what you are able, as you feel led. If God is calling you to give, please give now. I challenge you to not click away from this blog without prayerfully considering if you would like to join me in this journey to allow me to help others around the world.
If you would like to send me out to the world to help thousand of people: orphans, refugees, human trafficking victims.
Other people who just need to know they are loved. People just like you, who are in need around the world. Though this may be a hard time or a scary time to give or join me, please do what you are able to help send me on the Race to help others!
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement and support! I could not do this without you!
Please pray:
- That God moves in a big way these 11 days leading up to launch so all my needs are provided for and my goal is met so I can go!
- That my Compassion sponsored children are provided for while I am on the Race, that they are safe and loved and cared for and grow closer to God
- For my family to be safe and know and experience more of God’s love and come to know Him more
- For continued healing, freedom, and renewal in my life and my family’s lives
- For an amazing time at launch!
- For God to give me courage and make me brave, bold and radiant in Him!
- For God to work in a big way in my squad of 31+ people and in my team as we serve Him, walk in love, freedom, truth and grace!
