“If a man hasn’t discovered something he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
When I was a young believer, I read the book Jesus Freak by D.C. Talk. It shared the incredible and courageous stories of martyrs from around the world. People who were not afraid to be counter-culture, people who were willing to die for what they believed in. As a teenager in high school, where assimilation and conformity can often be the keys to survival, being counter-culture is a huge risk. But the stories of the book gave me a newfound courage to stand up for what I believe in.
At training camp for the World Race, I loved seeing t-shirts for sale with the words, “Fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel” written on them. As I prepared to embark on this incredible 11 month journey, I looked forward to partnering with ministries that were transforming lives and communities with this long-term vision. I knew there would be moments on the Race that would require risk – the risk to look foolish, the risk to share my heart, the risk of being vulnerable and getting hurt, and the risk of being ridiculed.
Right before I left on the Race, the Lord reminded me of this verse, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – the Jew and the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16. The apostle Paul didn’t write these words lightly, he had been beaten, mocked and jailed for what he believed in. And yet, he still stood firm in his faith and found his affirmation in the Lord. So going into the Race, I wanted to be all in. Not lukewarm. Not on the fence. Both feet into everything the Lord had for me on this journey.
Unsurprisingly, the differences in cultures, norms and beliefs have been obvious in each of the countries we have visited. But what I didn’t expect is the sweet discovery of the similarities between us. From America to Bulgaria to Romania to Albania to Swaziland, we all understand the languages of love, joy, laughter, tears, food, dancing and a smile. Especially in the family of believers, we all love the same God and we all have the same heart and compassion for ministry. Regardless of where I find myself in the world, believers represent kingdom culture.
One of my favourite nights of ministry on the Race happened in Albania. Our hosts took us to a square in the middle of Tirana to sing and worship and pray. I was deeply grateful for the freedom to worship openly. Many people don’t have that same freedom and live in fear of persecution. As we began, we got strange looks, some people pointed and laughed, others were intrigued and stayed to listen for a while, others gave our group a wide berth when walking around us. At first, I was so distracted by everyone else. I couldn’t focus on what we were doing, concerned that people thought we were foolish or crazy.
But the more we worshipped, the more my focus shifted to the One who I was there for. The One in whom I find my affirmation. So I stepped into freedom. I sang louder, lifted my hands higher and danced more. I was not ashamed because in that moment I was doing what I was made for.
