The World Race is NOT a mission trip, its a commitment to love like Jesus.
Now you may be thinking “a commitment to love like Jesus, piece of cake” or even “You don’t have to go around the world to love like Jesus, you can do that right out your front door” I have thought these things many times over the past 9 months. Loving like Jesus is easy when its comfortable. When we move outside our comfort zone, thats when it becomes a challenge. Month 9 just so happens to be the most uncomfortable season of my life. We are in an African country that is unlike any other I have been to. We are in a place that barely has Coca-Cola for sell (which is an indication of how far out of civilization we are). I am on a new team that has been together since month 4, and I was added on month 9. The wind blows ferociously and invites sand into all of the food we eat. I strangely miss the simple luxury of a bed sheet. We are spending 4 hours in a single church service that is completely Swahili…I could go on about how uncomfortable I am.
I woke up today in a sour mood, so I grabbed my bible and ipod and went to Jesus. I listened to a brilliant podcast about Paul and the thorn in his side. When I was worshipping after the sermon I got a beautiful revelation. If I seek my comforts in the things of this world, I will never be truly satisfied. Even if I was at home surrounded by pine trees and my loved ones, I would discover some other area in my life that I am unhappy about. Discontent is the root of all sorrows. Until I find true contentment in Christ Jesus, I will never be satisfied.
I realized many weeks ago that the World Race is NOT a mission trip. At first I was frustrated and disappointed. I watched promo videos and read endless blogs about the acts of service racers were filling their time with. I thought I signed up to build orphanages and feed the homeless, not learn about my identity and what it truly means to love like Jesus. I have spent too much time thinking of all the things I could have accomplished staying in one place for 11 months, rather than moving every 4 weeks. It was this discontent that planted a tiny seed of bitterness in my heart. Then my sweet Jesus gently spoke to me and reminded me of him audibly telling me to do this. I may not enjoy house to house visits in a place where I am seen as a rich “Mzungu” (sometimes I feel like a Jehovah’s Witness), or understand why certain decisions are made by leadership, but Jesus is the reason & the reward!
Living in constant community is a daily struggle, but if I can’t love my brothers and sisters who share the same language, culture, society, as I do I will never be able to reach those who are like aliens to me. I may not have faith in the effectiveness of a short-term mission trip, but my faith should lie in the power of Jesus Christ alone. He is all that matters, and He is all I need.
There have been times when this journey has felt like a thorn in my flesh. Its been really easy at times, but for the most part it just keeps getting harder. Paul boasted in his weakness, because in our weakness God is made stronger.There have been plenty of instances that I thought about the closest international airport and how simple it would be to catch a plane to America. “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said “my Grace is all you need. My Power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9) I am in dire need of God’s grace. I am learning everyday how to operate only by his unfailing love and grace. But this journey is not about a mission trip, its about gaining a deeper understanding of God’s love (because when I try to love by my own strength, I crash & burn) for myself and the people he has placed around me. Whether that person is an American teammate or a Tanzanian orphan, His love does not discriminate.
If you are reading this as a future racer, do not be discouraged. The ministries you will get to volunteer with are exciting and fulfilling; but the most crucial ministry of all will be placing your identity in Christ. Seek to find contentment wherever you are, because if you are thinking you will find it on the World Race, you will be sorely disappointed. If you are reading this as fellow believer, I would encourage you to examine the areas of your life that you and unsatisfied with and give those things to the creator of the universe, trust in his Unfailing love. “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8)
Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement. Its amazing how a simple comment or short facebook message can lift my spirit! I am so grateful for you coming alongside me throughout this crazy journey.
“May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”
– 2 Corinthians 1:2
