If you had told me a year ago…even 3 months ago that I’d be leaving the country for 11 months in September I would have thought you were crazy!! That wasn’t the kind of person I was…the kind of person to drop everything, leave my family, my comfort, and my church to go tell people about Jesus and show them his love. I thought it was amazing when other people felt called to do that…but I wasn’t one. So when I felt God gently nudge me and tell me I needed to apply about 2 months ago, I fought back.
As I look back now, I can see that God had me on this path all along. The web of events the past 2 years could have only been God. My decision to move to Charlotte only because I thought it would be cool and if I didn’t move away then I never would. Attending Elevation Church with the one person I knew in Charlotte my first weekend in North Carolina and never going to another church. Accepting a job in Concord but deciding to volunteer at the Matthew Campus of Elevation a half hour away instead of finding a church closer or even going to the campus Uptown. Joining the launch team for the new campus just 5 minutes from my apartment. Finding an eGroup that we all look at each other and know…only God could have brought us together. Leading an amazing group of individuals on an eTeam and becoming a part of a family away from home. All of this was God and he was leading me to this moment to September 2012.
As I said before, I am a part of an amazing eGroup. We are all knew each other before starting this group in one-way or another. I heard about the World Race when Whitney, our leader, told us she was applying for the World Race. I loved listening to her talk about all the World race was doing and found myself constantly thinking about the race and looking at blogs. I was at a point that I felt like I needed to do something big but I wasn’t sure if I could ever do something like the World Race. I started praying about it and asked God to show me what he wanted for me. Did he want me to do this crazy thing? I asked for any sign possible. And then when I felt like he sent signs, I asked for more! In the middle of the David Crowder Band Concert, it hit me that God wanted me to apply. I spent the next several weeks talking to people I cared about, who saw my potential and believed in me. I thought they would think I was crazy for wanting to do this but all were extremely supportive. I figured out details for work, living situations, etc. The day before thanksgiving, I told my parents what I was thinking of doing and applied the day after Thanksgiving. Within a couple weeks, I was accepted. I slowly told my close friends, coworkers, and the rest of my family over Christmas. The more I told people, the more excited I became and the more I know this is what I am called to do.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make. Some people don’t agree with me going or wish I’d stay, and honestly sometimes I feel a little crazy. However, 2 Corinthians 5:13 says, “If we are ‘out of our mind,’ as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” So I remind myself, being crazy for God is necessary. As Jud Wilhite said at Newspring Leadership Conference, “when you are taking risks for God, it takes you back to relying on him and anchoring in him.” I pray that you will grow through this crazy journey I’m about to take. I pray that your heart will break for what breaks Gods heart. Thanks for following so far!!
If you feel called to be a part of this journey through financially supporting my trip, click the Support Me link on the left, or email me and I will sent you a support letter. As always, prayer is greatly appreciated as I begin raising support and preparing for September!
Heart and Soul,
Kristi
