Dear friends & family & fellow travelers on this journey,
The story of how I got to go on the World Race is a miracle. From the beginning, I knew it was something God had for me and something that was my dream to do!
It seemed impossible and I didn’t know how it would happen, and despite times of doubt and fear and roller-coasters, God did it! He came through, as He said He would.
The following verse became God’s promise to me and helped me through times of doubt, reminding me that He called me and He will bring this to reality and make it happen!
1 Thessalonians 5:24- He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
The first Sunday we got to attend church in Costa Rica was a sweet time of confirmation, when our ministry host, Mark, from Chicagoland, preached for the church in Spanish for the congregation and a visiting missionary team from Texas had someone there to translate.
Mark’s message was on trusting God where ever He called you to go, no matter what it looked like.
Mark 6:15 says, “Go into all the world.”
Revelation 5:9 talks about there being in heaven people from every tribe, language, race, and nation.
How will this happen if we don’t go to these places and share the gospel, and speak love through our actions and words?
If no one goes, how will it happen?
Mark shared how their small church had sent missionary teams to Nicaragua for 3 years and they will send another team to Honduras in July.
How do they send these people?
They don’t know how.
But God provides.
Then Mark shared another verse.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”*
*emphasis mine*
This verse had been part of the many ways I had received confirmation this year while praying about the Race.
I was amazed.
I knew instantly it was God speaking to my heart, reminding me how He called me. How He was so faithful and knew how He would make this happen, even if I had no idea.
This happened during my first church service on a Sunday in Costa Rica, the first country of the Race!
This was God whispering and shouting at the same time that He did it! He brought me here!
Thank you to everyone who is a part of this, by partnering with me on this journey, you are showing God’s faithfulness.
Your love speaks volumes and now you are making a difference in Costa Rica!
Mark talked about different reasons NOT to go.
I don’t know how.
I don’t have the resources.
I have family to watch over.
I don’t know the language.
I don’t know a whole lot of the Bible.
But if He’s sending me, I’m gonna GO!
The only reason I need is because I want to obey God and that’s it!
Mark talked more about being strong spiritually and being prepared to go.
To go with purpose.
How it can be fun.
It can be hard too.
Really hard.
But we always have a purpose!
When we obey God, we have purpose and we are going with God’s purpose, who is a better planner and guide than anyone could ever be!
I want to hear from you!
What is God calling you to do?
What is keeping you back from it?
What one step towards it can you take today?
Please pray:
- God provides for my next deadline- currently over $2300 away, needed by Leap Year- Feb. 29th, 2016!
- That God reminds me of my identity in Him and that I am secure in Him, that I choose His love and peace over fear
- That my team and I continue to learn more about each other and walk in grace and love as we are all different and living in such close quarters for 11 months, you need to have love and grace for each other!
- That I continue to walk in freedom and God’s truth
- That He strengthens me and makes me radiant for Him!
Or, if you’d prefer a fun way to give the gift of a memorable experience, consider giving to help me take part in Adventure Day, this coming up month for my birthday– when we get to explore the country around us on our days off. This is an additional cost not covered if we want to explore and make the most of our time here.
It will also go towards other uncovered expenses, such as costs to get back home after the Race and other out of pocket living expenses. You can give through PayPal at: [email protected] Thank you for your support!!!!
Love,
Jen
