“The World Race is a stretching journey into 11 countries in 11 months to serve “the least of these” while amongst real and raw community. This unique mission trip is a challenging adventure for young adults to abandon worldly possessions and a traditional lifestyle in exchange for an understanding that it’s not about you; it’s about the Kingdom.”
My Story
I’ve always felt that there must be more to life than the norm we live in.
I grew up being taught that if we work really hard for what we want and we put in more effort and time than others, then ultimately we will accomplish it. With that type of mindset, I’ve always had a goal in life: to be better than others, succeed in whatever I do, establish a career, and start a family. I was determined to live the lifestyle I had planned out for myself. Now where was God in all this? I don’t know. I thought attending church on Sunday’s would be enough. I was not a true follower. I was a fan.
Rewind to Winter 2007
Winter Retreat 07 with Overflow. A close friend of mine invited me to this retreat knowing that I was in a dark place. This was the weekend I received the Holy Spirit and surrendered to God. (Or at least I think that’s what happened with all the rolling around and crying. I remember nothing was in my control when it all happened). At the age of 14, I received Christ and was saved. The “God high” that I experienced that weekend didn’t last too long and it all felt pointless to me once reality hit. I moved on thinking no one can change my life. It was in my control to change it and make the best of it. My faith was so weak. I didn’t get God. He seemed so far.
What I had planned for my future had started to play out for the past several years. My career took over my life and I was driven by all the worldly goals I’ve set myself to accomplish. However, in the mist of it all, I always had this strange feeling that there must be more to life than just this. Is this what God created me for? As a “Christian”, I’ve asked a million questions such as the why’s and how’s. I still didn’t understand God. Therefore, I started committing more to Church and its community by joining Small groups and volunteering in outreach and weekend mission trips.
Fast forward to 2014
It all started earlier this year, when our small group ended with our lessons on “Follower or a Fan”. Towards the end of our lesson, I’ve grown a greater desire to get to know God and His love for us. The answer was simple, God’s love. When we were asked to “DTR”(Determine the Relationship) with God, I was confused. What did that mean? I didn’t know we could “have a relationship with Him”. I was curious and I wanted to know more. Since then, my desire to pursue God and grow in my relationship with Him grew.
In the following months, I was overwhelmed by God’s love through books, such as “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers, and retreats themed “Intimacy with God & Community”. Furthermore, I experienced God’s love through small groups by building relationships and accountability partners with sisters and brothers within our church and other communities. I encountered unplanned conversations with customers about God, which led me to share about the Race and getting blessed by their prayers. There is so much more that God has been doing and placing people in my life that is reassuring me about this trip.
I was challenged to open up and be vulnerable to strangers.
Through this, I learned to love others and to rely on God.
God’s timing was perfect.
I asked God for more, because I wanted to love and serve the way Jesus did. The overwhelming love I received from God wasn’t the end, and I knew there was more to it than that. Therefore, I finally made the decision to resign from my career of nine years to pursue Him. It’s amazing how God has given me so much peace throughout this time of letting go. (I seriously thought I would go crazy and be full of regret leaving and not working, being a workaholic).
Shortly after, I started looking into missions, asking my friends and leaders if they knew of any short term programs. Then one of the leaders at my Church asked me, “Have you heard about the World Race?” That’s all it took. I spent the rest of the evening weeping while watching World Race videos and reading the blogs and testimonies of the racers that were currently serving. I just knew this was it.
Leaving work and everything I had planned and once believed in was the most difficult decision I’ve ever made, along side applying to the WR. However,
I wanted change
I wanted to heal spiritually
I wanted to be out of my comfort zone
I wanted more than what the world had to offer me.
I felt God’s overwhelming love and joy, which brought me so much peace throughout this process. I knew He was pursuing me and reaching out to me. The worries of work, reality, and my future became very little. I can’t say it’s been a perfect 10 months because this past month has been a crazy roller coaster of emotions. However, as I am writing this blog, I am reminded on why I had the desire to serve and pursue Him.
Receiving His love has opened my heart to wanting to share and show others on how much He loves us and how precious we are to Him. He’s shown me that I am more than enough and that it’s okay not to know what the future holds. He has a plan set out for every one of us
You are more than enough.
Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
I wept watching this video the first time. It’s a great clip of what the race will look like.
Please take the time to watch it! 🙂
