The World Race participants are asked to write a story of how we were called to go into the Mission Field… Here is my story… From the time I was a little kid, I would tell my mom that when I grow up I am going to be one of those guys that wear the nice suits, drive the nice cars, walk around with the briefcase’s and tell people what they should do with their money… Well, I received my degree in Finance and I have just about every license I can have. Everything “I” have wanted in life, I was on the path to obtain it. I wore the nice suits (being in Florida, didn’t wear the jacket much), drove a nice truck, had the professional shoulder bag which is the briefcase and I was an apprentice being trained to eventually run the office of an Independent Wealth Management Company. I worked for an incredible boss who truly under every circumstance put God and his faith first. He was a great example to not only learn the business, but a great example in my spiritual walk as well. I was set. I had the greatest opportunity for the career I dreamed of!…
I even remember at a singles ministry I attend, the Pastor was talking about seasons of life and our season of being “single.” He asked what it would be like for each of us to fully put our faith and trust in God and serve him: would we get involved in ministry, would we help the homeless, the orphans, the church, etc… I was thinking totally! I want to do all that; I want to help wherever I can! Then he proceeded with “and some of you, would it be quitting your job and going into missions.” Then, I thought, this guy is crazy! That is definitely not me, maybe someone else, but not me! Hahaha Little did I know!!
So, our magnificent and wonderful Lord Jesus Christ began working on my heart! He put people in my life who had the desire to serve, to be missionaries and who were missionaries. The more I spent time with them the more I could see something in them that I wanted… Was it the joy, peace and happiness? I’m not sure. Was it from abandoning everything and serving the Lord? Not sure about that either, but I wanted it. Not to mention, the Lord started to reveal past desires that I had tucked away and forgot about. He started to bring out, how much I loved traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. Three years ago, I bought my passport. I remember I was so excited; I was going to see the world! Well, I never was able to go anywhere and basically forgot all about it. Actually, my passport was in the original envelope that it was sent to me in a box filed away in my closet…
Then one day I began to search online for mission trips and came across the World Race. It was the coolest thing I have ever heard of. But, do I leave everything I have worked towards, the opportunity that I have and everything “I” have ever wanted?… So, I began to talk with the Lord and with my Pastor’s from church, my mom, my family, my friends and Pray and Pray and Pray!!! One thing after another, things kept lining up for the World Race. I could go on for days about random conversations about missions with people, random books that people suggested to me and the longing desire that never went away and grew daily. Not to mention, just a couple months after finding out about the World Race I went on my first mission trip to Costa Rica and it was the greatest trip I have been on. On the way back to the airport all my buddy and I could talk about was turning around and just staying there. Confirmation at its best!
I know this is where I am supposed to be and I thank God for allowing me the amazing opportunity to be a part of this! Thank you Lord for your perfect timing and perfect will!
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4
