To say that I am a little new to this would be an understatement so please bare with me as I familiarize myself with the concept of blogging. I have been putting this off for about a week now since I officially committed myself to a spot on the January 2013 world race team, trying to give myself some time to think of some really interesting and profound things to say, however that was not the case. So instead I will get my toes wet by starting with a quick introduction.
My name is Shawntiel Ditchman and I am 27 years old as of April 14. My journey up to about a year ago has been rather tumultuous and seemingly leading no where as I attempted to take control of my own life, which we all know results in an even greater sense of bereaving confusion. ("whoever finds his life will loose it and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" Matthew 10:39) After many (many, many…) trials and tribulations I found myself at a local church recommended to me by my wonderful mother wherein a few weeks later we were going through series called the 8 greats. On that particular day we were going through the great Go centered around the passage Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This particular sermon was partnered with a video wherein a young women from our church had recently decided to leave everything she new, including her job, and set out on an 11 month journey called the world race. I immediately wrote down the website. I had applied two days later, had a phone interview 7 days later and was accepted another 7 days after that. I have never felt such conviction in my life; in fact I never really knew what it was until then, until that moment in the church listening to that woman speak of her call to discipleship.
That leads me to this point. Extremely nervous. Excited. Overwhelmingly humbled by the merciful transformation God has made in my life. His love makes me weep in joy and presses upon my heart to spread His love and the word of Jesus Christ to those who need to hear it, as I once did. I desire to strengthen my relationship with our Lord and Savior and surrender all the comforts of my life in order to serve Him and His purpose and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Support of all kinds is welcomed! Whether through prayer or donations. I thank everyone who has been apart of this process so far and those who will be!
