In the past few months, I’ve realized how terrifyingly strong of a grip fear has on my life.
I’m scared of spiders. I’m scared of rejection and failure. I’m scared of disappointing people close to me. I’m scared that Jon Snow really is dead and I’ve been lying to myself this whole time. Most of all, though, I’m terrified that fear will always have its way in my life. That it will always force me to live under its rules and limitations.
For the past few years, I’ve waited to graduate so I can go on the World Race. I obsessively read racer blogs, watched videos, followed racers on Instagram and prayed that God would just speed up time so that I could go. When I finally got the chance to go, though, I froze with fear- how on earth could I leave my family and friends for a whole year? I literally cried when I saw a cockroach in my sister’s apartment- how am I supposed to go to countries with spiders the size of my hand? I actually hesitated on applying and questioned whether or not God really wanted me to go. I made up excuse after excuse before I was reminded of a verse God had spoken to me a few years ago when I was transferring schools:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Time and time again, God has commanded me to be courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be terrified. Perfect love casts out fear. And yet I still find myself letting fear control me. So, I said “yes” to Jesus’s commandment to go and make disciples of all nations. I said “yes” to facing those hand-sized spiders. I said “yes” to the World Race.
Next January, I’ll begin my 11 month long journey into 11 different countries: Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, India, and Vietnam.
Each month ministry is going to look different, but our mission is clear: to love and serve people like Jesus did. Throughout this year, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, help refugees escaping war-torn homes, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to all people.
If you want to support me through this journey, there are a few ways:
1. Pray! I’ll need this more than anything. Pray for me and my team as we prepare for this trip- emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Pray that we would be willing to listen to what God has to say before we go and while we’re on the field. Pray for the people we’re going to come into contact with.
2. Donate! As you can see from the bar on the top of the page, I have a bit of support raising to do. This is a huge way you can partner with me if God is leading you to give in any way and if you’re able. This cost is going to cover all my expenses while I’m on the field.
3. If you have any camping or backpacking gear that you don’t want or if you want to buy a piece of my gear for me, that’s completely welcomed! Although they’re my brand crush, REI is expensive, you guys. Let me know other websites or stores that you think have good deals on backpacking gear.
Three ways you can donate: (all donations are tax deductible!)
1) Check/Money Order – They should be payable to Adventures in Missions with my name in the memo line (Natalie Tyer) and mailed to: Adventures in Missions, PO Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374-2570.
2) Credit Card/Bank Transfer – Go to natalietyer.theworldrace.org, click on the “Support Me” link on the left-hand side of the blog site, and you will be directed through the process of making a one-time, monthly, or quarterly gift by credit card or bank transfer. (This one does have a small transaction fee!)
3) EFT (Dynapay) – Go to adventures.org/dynapay to fill out an online form for a monthly Electronic Funds Transfer from a checking account. (There’s no transaction fee with this one!)
Thanks for everyone who has encouraged me so far and who will continue to encourage me throughout this journey. In the words of DJ Khaled, “You smart. You loyal. You grateful. I appreciate that. I appreciate you.”
