Wow, I can hardly contain my excitement! My new journey begins in less than 8 months!! Ahh!!
I’ve prayed. I’ve applied. I’ve been accepted. And now….. I’m going on the World Race!!!
11 months of spreading the love of God to 11 different countries!
I can think back to years ago, when people would ask me, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?” I never had a good answer. Deep down inside, though, I had this ideal life where God would bless me with a great career, an amazing husband and some beautiful children to call my own, living a quiet love-filled life. That somehow was always “my” ideal life. Funny, huh? We dream about reaching certain goals in life such as establishing a career, finding “the one” and getting married, and starting a family. But then what?
Although God hasn’t blessed me with my “ideal” life, I can still look at my life now and say that I am very blessed! I have a well-paying job that I enjoy. I am also preparing to graduate from Grand Canyon University this April. But to be honest, I can’t help but be discontent with the constant striving to reach these goals that are solely centered around one person, myself. While pursuing to build this life for myself, I’ve failed to look around at the world that is much bigger than my own. A world so broken and in need of hope.
Since going on my first mission trip to Mexico back in 2011, I realized that God did something within my heart that changed me. Something I never felt or experienced before. God broke my heart for “the least of these”. After going back a few more times, I knew God gave me a servant’s heart to want to pursue missionary work. I can now look back at my life and see why certain things happened the way they did simply because God had another plan in store for me (thank you, Jesus!). Never, though, did I image in my “ideal” life that I would be doing missionary work around the world!
God’s plans are always better than our own!
In September, I’m embarking on this journey called the World Race! The World Race is an 11-month mission trip through Adventures in Missions to 11 countries (one country per month) to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw communities. The World Race also serves as an intense discipleship program designed to launch us into discovering our specific Kingdom calling. My team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to do whatever type of mission work is needed. These needs will be anything from preaching the Gospel, planting churches, working in orphanages, ministering to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking and bringing the restorative hope of God’s love to many tribes and nations. On our route, my team and I will be going to these countries:
* Uganda
*Rwanda
*Ethiopia
*India
*Nepal
*Malaysia
*Thailand
*Cambodia
*Guatemala
*Honduras
*Nicaragua
I am beyond excited to begin this new journey God has set before me! I know God is going to do amazing things through and in all the racers as we prepare for this calling. As we step out in obedience, I know we will be stretched far beyond what we ever thought possible.
What can you do to help?
As excited as I am to go on this journey, I know I cannot do it alone. Would you prayerfully consider becoming part of my journey? You can help in several ways:
1) Prayers – Each World Racer is embarking on the same journey as I am and we are in need of much prayer as we leave our family, friends, and others behind for 11 months! Continually pray that God will keep stretching us in ways we never experienced before, allowing God to receive all glory! Please ask God to help each racer spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially throughout this journey.
2) Spread The Word – Please consider letting those you know, who may be interested in contributing to this journey by introducing them to me. I will gladly answer any questions they may have. I will be eternally grateful!
3) Financial Giving – As I prepare for departure, this is my greatest challenge! In order to leave fully funded in September, I need to raise $16, 267. This will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of my trip. This does NOT include the additional costs I will incur for things such as vaccinations and other additional needs (sleeping bag, tent, hiking backpack, etc.). Any donation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for considering joining me in seeing what God will do!
In Christ,
Lupita
