Friday morning I woke up and put on my kurta (an Indian summer dress), walked into my classroom and saw students dressed in many different types of clothing. In my class, I had a student who was a bull fighter from Spain, two dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and one who matched her doll in French clothing. It was not a typical day at Eakin but it was “International Day.” Eakin has 40 countries represented and it was most definitely a day of celebrating diversity.
During the International Day at school, I had the opportunity to listen to one man share about his country Cote d’Ivoire which is one of the countries I will be visiting! He told me about the geography, the cities, and shared a few new French words with me! As we talked, I couldn’t help but get giddy about going. Not only have I been connected to this man in one night, I was also connected to people through email who are currently living in India, Nepal, and El Salvador.
The World Race is already opening so many doors and I have not even started. I have gotten Facebook messages, phone calls, and now emails from people that I have either never met or people I haven’t talked to in a while. They are all excited about my mission but I am excited to share with them how we can and should ALL be on mission. My personal story is leading me to 11 countries. Yours may be leading you neighborhoods, schools, universities in your cities.
Jesus discipled 11 men. These men were normal; some were fishermen, carpenters, tax collectors. He left them with the task to go and tell the world about Him. In Acts 1, a few weeks after Jesus had died, those 11 men went out to the world. The 11 turned into 120 within the 1st century. By the 4th century, there were 3 million followers. 2000 years later, people are still living on mission in the world.
Maybe you’re a nurse, teacher, businessman/woman. We all have connections and opportunities to meet others from different nations or neighborhoods in our everyday life. Nashville is full of people from different backgrounds and love to share their stories with you. Today at church, they left us with a goal for the new year: the world. Our New Years Resolutions “should not be for self-improvement but so the world can see Jesus when they look at us.” If Eakin Elementary has 40 countries represented, how many do you think are in your city? Go and get to know your neighbors.
