Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said,
“Here am I. Send me!”
-Isaiah 6:8
WHO AM I?
I am a young, 21 year old girl from Oklahoma. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, and a hard worker. ALSO, Ephesians 1:3-14 explains that I am so much more.. I am- blessed, chosen, adopted (by Christ), redeemed, loved, and forgiven.
My mindset is a little bit different than most 21 year old girls. I just completed my junior year of college, and instead of getting ready to order my cap and gown for graduation.. I’m looking at ordering a huge backpack to be my closet, a small tent to be my home, and a nice comfy sleeping bag to be my bed for the next year of my life.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have been been accepted to The World Race!
The Lord called me to missions almost nine years ago now, and I had no idea at the time what that meant for my future.. BUT It’s all slowly but surely being revealed to me, one day at a time.
WHAT?
Not everyone has heard of The World Race, so let me explain. The World Race is an 11-month, 11-country mission trip to love the people of this world. Specifically, my team is a part of the January 2015, Route 1 trip. This is a Spanish-emphasis route, going to Central and South America. This trip will be a combination of all type of evangelism efforts. My team and I will visit with communities, and work with partnering organizations. We will be loving on the orphaned and widowed, host Vacation Bible School’s, street evangelism, construction work, helping churches in need, and so much more.
PREVIOUSLY-
Looking back on the last few years of my life, I can’t help but stand in AWE of all the places my missions calling has taken me. My first three mission trips, (10th, 11th, and 12th grade) were to Elsa, Texas just North of the Mexico boarder. My fourth was to Managua, Nicaragua, fifth was to Rwanda and Ethiopia in Africa, and my sixth was to David, Panama. I did not realize until I began this blog that 5 of my 6 mission trips have been to Spanish speaking areas..
I would be selling it short to say that it was by coincidence, that the majority of trips have been to Latin America. I have such a love and passion for the people, the culture and the language of these countries; when I saw this trip specifically to this part of the world, I instantly knew it was for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
IN CONCLUSION-
In addition to the previous application and interview process for this life changing event, the preparations are just now starting to begin. Obviously, I can’t do this by myself. I need your support!! First and foremost, prayers.
*Pray my heart stays focused.
*Pray for the peace of mind for my family and friends.
*Pray in advance that GOD will do big things.
Secondly, words of encouragement. This is a huge decision, and it doesn’t exactly line up with the “American Dream”, and I realize that. I also understand that this might not be a calling you have, and you might not understand my decision to take a year off from school, leave my family, friends, car, and my comfortable life. However, The Lord has given me an overwhelming peace about this decision. Your support means more to me than words could ever describe.
Finally, I need support financially. I’m sure it’s not difficult to calculate the cost of living for 11 months, plus plane tickets, ground transportation, required equipment and necessities etc. etc… but it’s definitely not cheap. BUT, I serve a God that is bigger than any amount of money that is needed to be raised. He has provided through and through, and any doubt that he CAN’T, or WON’T provide for this trip will not be allowed to cross my mind.
I want to thank everyone in advance, for taking the time to read my blog and supporting me. I hope to keep everyone updated on what’s going on in my life, what God is teaching me, as well as Up’s and Down’s of this whole process through this blog.
God Bless,
In Christ,
Kaitlyn Rider
