Hey guys,
My first blog is supposed to explain why I’m doing the world race so here we go! Currently, I’m in Siliguri, West Bengal India. It’s tuesday morning at 5 am. Why am i up this early? J-E-T-L-A-G. I figured there’s no better time to write about why you want to move to Southeast Asia for 11 months than when you’re in Southeast Asia facing insomnia. Just a quick update for those that don’t know me, I’m a senior at The University of Southern Mississippi. I’ll be graduating in May of 2015 with a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies. I first heard about the World Race from my older brother about 2 and a half years a go. He was considering doing it and after I looked into it for a few weeks I really loved the idea of it. I must have watched 100 videos and blogs just taking in all the God-filled experiences that were happening around the world. I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. At that point I didn’t want him to do it so that I could do it.
Over the past 2 years I’ve been praying about this asking God, “Is this something you want me to do?” as well as praying for clarity to hear his voice on this. If we’re being honest, I haven’t been as disciplined in praying about this as I should but thankfully one of the great things about God is that although we’re so inconsistent in our pursuit of him, He still chooses to answer us, use us, and to bless us whenever we are genuinely pursuing the things of God.
During the summer, I met with Seth Powell, a friend who had just returned from his 11 month journey. I’ve known his family personally for around 2 years now so of course, I’m going to go talk to him about his experience. One of the things that he told me that’s stuck with me is that I’m going to be out of my comfort zone for 11 months. Which excited me and scared me. Since then I can say my prayers about the race have become WAY more consistent!
I’m not one of those people that can just get a big “YES” or a “NO” from God. Or not yet, at least. I just try stuff and God’s either like, “You see what happens whenever you step out in faith and BELIEVE?” or “Uhh… no.” I do know that the Lord is calling me to this but I feel like if he revealed everything to me now, my level of trust would drop immensely! I know that God gives each of us gifts and passions to pursue, not for our own glory or our own pleasure, but to glorify the Father and find pleasure in pleasing him. So with that in mind, I know that the Lord’s given me a passion for overseas missions (otherwise I wouldn’t be in India right now, not sleeping), for people, and for the Gospel. God’s done too much in my heart for me to keep this to myself. That’s why I’m going. If it’s going to bring God glory and you’re passionate about it, go for it! Take that first step in obedience and see how God uses that. It may not be in the way you had in mind whenever you first started but it’ll be in the way He sees fit.
I’m beyond ready for this thing! So I hope you’ll follow me as I continue in this journey! Read a blog, pray for me, and give if you want! There’s a “follow me” tab and a “Support me” tab under my profile picture so click and go! Also, i’m ending with a quote that’s convicted me multiple times and continues to motivate me to be a missionary wherever I am! Hopefully it’ll do the same for you.
Too many Christians are stuffing themselves with gospel blessings while millions have never had a taste. – Vance Havner
See you guys soon!
In Christ,
Matt Herrington
