“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit… and be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28
179 days until I leave for 11 months. 179 days until I leave everything and everyone that is comfortable to live out of a backpack on an inflatable sleeping pad for 11 months. Most people probably think that this is easy for me. That because I’m a natural at traveling and spending time outdoors I am ready to pack everything I will be living off of for 11 months and travel to 11 different countries with complete strangers. Exciting? Yes. Easy? Not so much. I have already been asked by multiple people, “why go to another country when there is plenty to do here?” The only answer I can give is because the Lord is telling me to go. Believe me when I say I have seen the need firsthand over the last year that is in my own county and own backyard. There are PLENTY of families that need Jesus here. There are places that my job has taken me that make me feel as though I am already in a third world country. So, all that to say yes, I see that there is need here. I see that there is plenty to do here. I see it all. Everywhere that you and I step is a mission field. The mission field isn’t just “out there” in other countries. The mission field is right here at our jobs, at our grocery stores, at our basketball games and other events. But the mission field is also in 11 countries for 11 months when the Lord calls you there. So, I am taking on a new mission field coming in July but until then I look forward to all that the Lord has for me in the coming months!
I’ve also been asked in many different ways the same question of “why would you want to travel over there when the world is as bad as it is? Isn’t it dangerous?” Yes, yes it is. It is a crazy world that we live in and the news only tells the bad. But just like the world is dangerous “over there” it is also dangerous in my county and in my backyard. I could just as easily get into a dangerous situation walking to my car at night after a shopping trip, workout or movie. I could just as easily get into a dangerous situation when I am driving into a neighborhood that is known for its crime and drugs. God never promised me safety when I decided to give my life to Him. He never promised me comfort. He did promise me that there is a greater glory awaiting me and that He would be by my side every step of the way until that glory comes. So, I trust him with my life just as I have over the past year with my social work job. Just as I did when living in Auburn. Just as I have since the day I gave my heart to him. Oh, what a ride this Christian life has already been. I cannot wait to see where He takes me and all that He does not just in the next year and on the race but in this life.
I want to thank everyone that has supported, prayed and encouraged me since letting everybody know about the race! I couldn’t do this without you guys. I want to give a quick update on the money situation. I have raised about $400 towards my trip just by posting my blog website. I have also been given separate money specifically for gear from very faithful family and friends and even one person that I don’t know! I am humbled by the outpouring of finances and necessities for the trip already! I will be sending out support letters in the coming days and will be planning fundraisers after that. If you would like to receive a support letter and/or newsletters then comment, text, call, email or send a carrier pigeon to me with your address. I am looking forward to all that the Lord is going to provide to take this gospel to the ends of the earth and am blown away by you people that have already given. You guys rock my life and I can’t thank you enough!!
