Why does someone want to leave what is comfortable to them, live out of a backpack, and live off a missionary’s budget? There are many answers to these questions. To go along with the theme of 11n11 (11 countries in 11 months), I’ll give you 11 reasons why…
- God commands us to.
Mark 16:15 – And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Romans 10:13-15 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
- God has been preparing me for the World Race for years.
If you would have asked me 4 years ago if ministry work was in my future, I might have laughed and said “I don’t think so.” Over the past 4 years, God has given me the opportunity to work for 3 amazing ministry organizations. I have worked with YWAM in Kona, WinShapes (Chick-fil-a) Camps in 7 different states, and also YouthWorks in Philadelphia. I believe that God lead me through each of these internships and was preparing be for the World Race through these past experiences. I learned how to participate in ministry on a team, in different states, and how to trust in His plan for my life.
- To be stretched and out of my comfort zone.
This might sound weird, but I thrive when I’m out of my comfort zone. There have been many times in my life where I have experience exponential growth, both professionally and spiritually. These times of growth have come because I was out of my comfort zone and being stretched. For the past six years of my life I have not spend one year consecutively in one location. I believe that being stretched and “uncomfortable” are two key aspects of the World Race.
- To society, it doesn’t make since.
When I tell people about the World Race they are initially excited for me, but when I start going into more detail about the financial side of things, that excitement starts to fade. “You’re leaving your job, volunteering your time, and you have to raise how much?” They don’t understand because it is somewhat foreign to them and they can’t relate. Sometimes I feel like money is the most important thing to society. Don’t get me wrong its important, Jesus talks more about money than he does about heaven and hell combine. It’s just that money is not going to stop me from going on this race. The only thing that would stop me is if God changes my heart.
- To live with little
From the time I leave the states until the time I get back I will be living out of a backpack. A roof over my head is not guaranteed. A daily shower is not common. These things don’t excite me, though they don’t freak me out. People around the world live this way on a regular basis and they are just fine, and I will be as well.
- BAM (Business as a Mission)
After graduating with my undergraduate degree in Business Administration, I decided to go back to school this past fall. I’m currently taking classes at Hope International University to obtain a Master’s degree in Business as a Mission. This program is like nothing I have ever experience. I’m learning how to implement my business skills out in the mission field. I never thought I would go back to school after graduating, but God put this on my heart and never stopped pressing me about it. He did a similar thing when I first learned about the World Race. I’m extremely excited to see how God will use what I have been learning in school during this 11 month adventure!
- To build relationships
I’m a firm believer in building relationships before you are able to transform anything. If you want to lead someone to Christ you have to understand that Jesus is the one changing their heart. Also, for someone to truly hear you out you must gain their trust. Building a relationship and gaining someone’s trust go hand in hand. I am excited to build relationships with the locals, as well as the people that are working for the organizations we will be partnering with.
- See God’s Beauty.
I think most can relate to this, it’s hard not to look at nature and see the beauty of God. I lived near the beach for 3 years. Every time I would see the ocean I would be awestruck at Gods beauty. I experience this same feeling when I look at mountains, trees, and other things in nature. It is going to be hard not to be captivated by God’s beautiful creation while on the race. I can’t wait to be mesmerized by everything I see and experience.
- Learn life lessons.
It seems like in every season in life I have one or two life lessons I learn. These are foundational elements to my life and ministry. The World Race might be one long season or it might be multiple seasons. Whatever it might be, I know there will be many life lessons I will take away from my 11 month journey.
10. Experience new cultures.
I have only traveled outside of the United States one time in my life. While on the race I’ll be fully immersed in 11 completely different cultures. My eyes will be opened to the beauty of God’s people. I will also get to see how people worship God in different ways. God will open my eyes to different languages, cuisines, and traditions!
11. To make disciples.
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,
I have been trying to wrap my mind around this scripture, The Great Commission. When you first look at this scripture, there are two commands/verbs. These verbs are “go” and “make”. I think it is important to understand that the New Testament was not originally written in English, it was written in Koine Greek. The word “go” in English is translated from the Greek word that means “as you travel.” This got me thinking that the main verb to focus on is “make”. God is not calling me to “go”, he is calling me to “make” disciples as I travel throughout this journey we call life.
