It all began with a hashtag….
Have you ever noticed how God uses the things we don’t like very much to teach us something? For me, one tiny hashtag changed the course of my year and my life.
#theworldrace
God has a plan. I have always heard that, but I’ve grown frustrated with my lack of understanding of how I, Rachel Lyons, fit into this plan. It wasn’t until I began seeking him first that all things fell into place. I was in a season of growth; when I obeyed a basic principle of the bible- the father rewarded me with a glimpse of his plan and the exact spot that I fit into it.
Seek first the kingdom:
Matthew 6:33
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
JANUARY 12, 2015
I was reading the word. Mmmmmm soaking up that goodness. As I grew sleepy I turned to my pillow and my nightly ritual of a short instagram scroll to lull me to sleep. There it was hi-lighted to me:
#theworldrace
Something happened and what typically would never catch my attention (aka: hashtag nonsense) sparked an interest like nothing else ever before in my life. The next 4 hours I was wide awake, with a spiritual energy, researching THE WORLD RACE.
What is THE WORLD RACE:
THE WORLD RACE is a missions program associated with AIM or Adventures in Missions. A very reputable missions organization, in my opinion. Believe me, I did the research- and I am confident in the work that AIM does and the spiritual guidance they seek for the selection of their participants.
THE WORLD RACE is 11 months of missions in 11 different countries all over the world! Crazy, I know! Who would leave the comfort of America for 11 months?
– me, I would. I will!
Why would I do that?
Because Jesus told me to.
There are plenty of reasons I could be talked out of this:
its too dangerous
not comfortable
giving up a career
giving up relationships
being away from family
all the things I will miss…
on and on and on…
But Jesus didn’t call me into something I can’t handle and that I am not ready for. It is not because I am brave and I like to travel. It is not because I am good or that I am wise. I am ready because my king gave his life on the cross so that all of his children could have eternal life. So that we can be free. Jesus defeated sin and the world deserves to hear this GREAT NEWS!
In fact- it is what we are called to do!
Matthew 28:19-20
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
How can I say no to God?
It is true that I love to travel and I want to seek adventure; at first I thought that this was a selfish endeavor and a good excuse to delay “normal adult life” but I see clearly that this is Gods will. I have received so much confirmation (in a highly spiritual manner) that there is no mistaking that this calling is from God.
I believe when we are in God’s will- we do receive the desires of our hearts. It is not wrong of me to be excited about The World Race. After all, God created me just for his plan- if I choose to say yes!
I am ready to say yes!
SO THERE IT HAPPENED-
I applied and got approved for The World Race, July 2015 mission team!
The Next Steps:
I said yes, and you should too!
The World Race is a donations based mission. I need to raise $16,277.00 for this calling. This is the cost for travel, ministry, basic living cost, and emergency insurance for the 11 months around the globe.
WOAH! THATS A LOT!
Yeah, I got sticker-price shock too! It is scary! But the creator of the universe holds me and that is nothing out of his pocket (or compared to the cost of rent in Nashville for one year!)
Through giving you can go to the ends of the Earth with me. You will also be honoring God with your giving and helping with kingdom work.
Would you consider partnering prayerfully and financially with me in this ministry? There are multiple ways to raise these funds and I am already working on activities for that. Another way is through sponsors. If, for example, 30 people pledge $50 a month for 11 months, I would have 100 percent of the funds needed for my mission. I humbly ask that you pray and truly give as the Lord leads you. Any financial support can be given as a one-time gift or as a monthly donation, wherein you choose the amount as well as the beginning and end dates. Whether you choose to partner one time or for eleven months, please know that every financial contribution is a blessing!
To become a partner you can make your tax-deductible donation online. It is easy and secure to do so by visiting my blog site at: http://rachellyons.theworldrace.org/. Once there, just click the “Support Me” link in the upper left side of the page and complete your donation as instructed.
I cannot wait to see what God will do in the life of others through us. Not only will this be a blessing to me, but also to you as I go as your representative to bring Christ Jesus to nations around the world. Please visit my blog regularly for updates on the preparations, events, and the mission trip itself.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your financial support. May God bless you!
HERE I AM, SEND ME
