In December of 2011 I was in India. My team was partnered with a ministry that took us to different villages every night for ministry. My team and I would pray for people in the village, preach at the local church and see the Lord move in big ways. I was able to celebrate Christmas and New years in a nation that I fell in love with. It was only month 4 of my world race, but at that time I knew that the Lord placed this country on my heart.
I finished up the race and definitely enjoyed the other counties and people I met but nothing grabbed my heart like India did.
After the race I moved down to Gainesville GA to work in the adventures office. I was excited to have the opportunity to talk with other participants who were eager to get on the field. Their lives were about to change and the thought that I was able to help in that process made it worth it.
I have helped several teens and college age students get on the mission field and have their lives changed forever by the Lord. I know these participants changed nations as much as their own lives were changed. Even during this time I knew the lord would call me back to India someday.
Gap A squad
Gap B Squad
In October of 2013 an alumni racer came to work in Gainesville, but she was working for a ministry called Sarah’s Covenant home that is based in India (SCH). I was able to visit this ministry while on my race. There were 2 teams that spent their time at SCH and my team had the privilege of attending their Christmas program. Watching these children sing and dance made me so proud of them in that moment.
I sat with Lindsey the alumni racer one day at work. We were able to just share our hearts for the country and the people there, I remember telling her that I felt in September of 2014 I would be heading back to India. That’s where the conversation ended, just a nice thought of I think the Lord is saying He is taking me back in September.
Months passed and I forgot about wanting to go to India, I forgot what the lord had spoken so clearly that day in October. But in July the Lord spoke again saying now is the time to apply and go to India in September. He spoke very loudly with different people confirming it, and allowing me to help a college age team of girls prepare for their trip to India while praying about my own. It was like I was going through the process with this team.
I applied in July and was accepted to head back to India for a month volunteering at SCH.
As I continued to help prepare the college team for India, I was preparing on my own. We went through the visa process together, and support raising. I’m excited for this team and that they will be able to fall in love with a country that has my heart. The good news is while I’m there in September this team I have been helping along the way will be at SCH too! This means I will be able to do some ministry alongside a team I have helped to get on the field. This is just an added bonus the Lord has blessed me with.
Going back to India is something I wanted to do since I left, but didn’t see it happening. Knowing that the Lord puts the desires on our heart for a reason and a time such as this, brings me so much joy. Why wouldn’t I serve a God who wanted to bless me with the little and the big things that are also going to advance His kingdom?
In September I will get the chance to go back to the country that stole my heart, to love on children who just need someone to take the time and show them they are worth it! It’s a chance to see what is next in my life and to be able to spend that time with my father.
I know without a doubt this is where the lord wants me for September. In order to volunteer with SCH I need $2800 by this Friday the 15th. If you would like to donate you can do so by going to this paypal link. If you have more questions about the trip to India or how to support me, please let me know.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E3C63WF2KABCG
