I never thought I’d do this. Well at least not until lately. Why did I decide to go apply for the World Race? The short answer is that God called me to.
The full answer is a bit complicated. When my sister got home from her trip on the World Race this July something happened that I didn’t expect. I became very interested in the trip. I was so curious. I kept asking my sister questions about her experience. I googled countless things about the World Race. I read strangers blogs and my sister’s blogs. I watched Youtube videos. My life was revolving around the mission trip. I had a week off work to spend time with my sister but I ended up spending my time with God.
I started reading my bible for real. I comprehended everything I read which is nothing short of a miracle. I journaled my thoughts and prayers and only listened to Christian music. Something changed in me. As I was spending all this time with God I felt he was calling me to do something great. My own desire was to apply for jobs so I could make more money. Somehow, another job didn’t seem as interesting or right for me.
God opened my heart and told me to apply for the World Race. At first I thought maybe it was my own desire for adventure that got me to start my application. Then I felt scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t be good enough to be a missionary. I didn’t want to spend time in a country that didn’t have modern plumbing. I had heard the strange and disgusting stories from my sister about the living conditions in the countries she visited. For three days I sat on a half filled out application.
Surely God couldn’t use me to do His work. I didn’t even know if I wanted to do it. I had been broken before. For several years I struggled with drinking, casual relationships, and depression. I was far from being the poster child for a mission trip. I let my doubts creep up on me. I forgot about God’s grace. I just figured I’d keep praying and see if God REALLY wanted me to fill out the application for The World Race.
I couldn’t sleep until I finished my application and submitted my payment. For three nights I tossed and turned, knowing what I was supposed to do and not wanting to do it. One of the hardest parts was paying the $39 application fee. I barely had enough money for it and didn’t know when my next paycheck would roll in.
My sister encouraged me to pay the fee. She said “If God asked you to give the church $39 would you?” Of course I would so I paid the fee and slept soundly and peacefully that night.
I did my online interview and then a week later I had my phone interview. Everything was happening so fast. I was excited. I hoped I’d be accepted on the World Race. If this was God’s plan for me then I would get accepted. I was a little afraid I wouldn’t be and I had already told my family about my application and interview process. Then last Thursday, I got a phone call from Adventures in Missions. I thought they were going to ask me about my references or tell me there was some paper work to do. Instead, I was told that I had been accepted on the trip!!!
I had to pay $150 as a deposit for the trip. Usually an unexpected expense like that would stress me out. However, I was so excited about being accepted my biggest concern was that I needed to tell someone. I called my dad and told him. Then I drove to work (I was off that day) to tell my boss and coworker in person. They were so excited for me! My boss had my paycheck ready for me too. I wasn’t expected to get paid that day. It was a great surprise. That’s when I really honestly truly knew it was God’s will for me to go on the World Race. Everything that needed to happen fell into place. I had the money to make my deposit.
Everything continues to fall into place. I got my first donation yesterday. God is great and He really does provide.
