I was commissioned by my church on the first of the year. It was a beautiful picture of the capital-C Church coming together in one mind and spirit to pray over one of their own and send them off into the world to do God’s work.
Being commissioned has looked like a World Race alum praying out-loud over me outside on the sidewalk.
Its looked like my group of friends throwing a surprise goodbye party and writing notes for me to bring on my trip. Or it may look like those same group of friends a week later, on the night before I was supposed to leave, gathering in a circle at a weekend retreat and praying over me.
It was the members of my old church, along with my parents, walking to the front and laying hands on me at the end of the service.
I have been commissioned by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. And I have now been commissioned by His people. They are my spiritual family. Its funny how I feel more part of my church back home by stepping out and leaving it. I guess that’s just how the capital-C Church is! That’s what Jesus wants for His people: to feel part of the bigger picture.
Relating to this, one thing that God showed me this past year is how many people God has put in my life over the years and how much they love me! Thank you to my friends and family (spiritual and biological) that have walked beside me in the season of preparation before the World Race. Those that have donated, prayed, encouraged me with words, either spoken or written, and participated in fundraisers and even those that didn’t do any of that! Whether you are in my life now or were years ago, there have been hundreds of people that have played small or large roles to get me to this point in my life and my walk with God. It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes multiple villages to raise up a mature Christian.
So, here is a tribute to you, the Church.
Thank you for your generosity: finances, words, hugs, a lending hand, gifts, service.
Thank you for your obedience: trusting God with your finances even when you don’t know how you’ll provide for yourself.
Thank you for your prayers: God hears them and is answering them!
Thank you for your good works: even when you don’t get to see the fruit, or when the recipient doesn’t know who you are.
Thank you for loving others: especially when they don’t show you love back or will never know your name.
Thank you for your faith: in those that are called to go and serve in other nations.
Let me just tell you that God has been faithful! He has provided all $17,017 before I even left the country. I prayed big prayers to see that $17,017 before I launched and God came through with the Body of Christ! People responded when I reached out for financial support.
And He has been answering some of your prayers, specifically about me connecting with my squad. It’s like God is saying: “I see you and they see you. I know you and they want to know you.”
Just like Hagar in Genesis 16:13. He sees you! The God who created you and loves you, He sees you! In your affliction, in your loneliness, your depression, when you’re in a different town, state or country, when you’re around different people than normal, He sees you and He will send you signs to tell you that. You just have to keep your eyes and heart open to them.
I can feel the prayers of the Body of Christ coming through.
What could we ever do without it?
This blog was written in India on my first morning there. We arrived to our house in Hyderabad, around 5 am on Friday, January 13 and while almost everyone went to sleep, I didn’t! Currently editing this blog on January 15 at 9 am at a bakery down the street. Will update everyone on my first couple days in India soon!
