Last month we celebrated women in missions, and this month we’re giving it up for our guys! We’re having fun with images of mustaches, muscles, pipes and the iconic World Race beard. We’ve poured over blogs from men on the field along with those of the thankful ladies serving beside them. They’re stories of fun and freedom, challenge and compassion, honor and humility. And the lasting impression we’re left with is a man who looks like Jesus.
Kevin Striegle of the July 2013 R Squad found himself in month four of the Race, wondering what his purpose was. He was hot, tired, and frustrated, struggling to see his impact in ministry. Thoughts of returning home early consumed him. Still, he continued to go through all the motions, from performing baptisms to preaching. One night, standing in front of over 150 villagers, Kevin found himself at a loss for what to say. The half-hearted message he had planned to share had completely left him. He had no escape plan. He needed a miracle.
The crowd of local Indians sat peering up at me, waiting on a syllable to dribble from my tongue. My translator stood, staring expressionless. “Brother?” he questioned, wondering what was wrong.
Before I even realized what happened, I had a head and heart full of knowledge.
Words began to flow from my mouth without me constructing them. I began sharing about my past and the hardships I faced. I explained how I had been viciously assaulted at my workplace and the mental challenges I was facing every day since.
For the first time in my life, I was giving my honest and true testimony, straight from the heart.
Everyone in the crowd had grown mum, paying close attention to what I had to say. It was in this moment that India fell silent for the first time in two weeks for me. The Lord cleared my mind if for just a moment, and I was able to hear myself think.
Finishing with my testimony, I spoke of how much Jesus Christ loved each and every person in attendance, whether they were currently following Him or not. I shared how even when I wasn’t attending church regularly or reading the word, that God was continually pursuing me.
Following the service, the people came forward for prayer from my team and I.
After several minutes had passed and most of those in attendance had made their way back to their nearby huts and homes, it truly did grow quiet. Standing at the front, I glanced at my surroundings. I noticed a group of young men approaching me, a few grinning and giggling.
One boy, about six feet tall, walked in front of his friends as they playfully pushed him towards me.
“What’s your name?” I inquired, as he nervously looked towards the ground.
“Ajay. My name is Ajay. Nice to meet you, Kevin” he said looking up at me with a smile.
Ajay began telling me how his life was very similar to story I shared earlier that night, and how it directly connected with him.
I didn’t have to say anything for a few minutes as he talked to me about his past. He said he felt God pushing him to attend the service this evening.
He stopped suddenly, and stated that he wanted to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
A large smile overcame my face as well as all of his friends surrounding him and listening intently. I asked him if he knew what it meant to accept Christ and we walked through that process together.
He began to weep as I prayed for him.
At the completion, he gave me a big hug and thanked me for my willingness to share my story. He asked for a photo with me as several of his friends pulled out their flip phones, snapping pictures to capture this life changing moment for him.
Hugging me once more, he said, “Thank you so much, Kevin. I will never forget you in my whole life. God gave me you.”
Laughing with joy and accompanied by his closest pals, he ran joyfully off into the Indian night. The questioning I had done about my serving on the World Race had been answered. This is where I belong.
Kevin’s story is one of courage. His willingness to submit to God despite discomfort and confusion led to a life forever changed. He exemplifies the impact men can have on the field. Are you ready to start living with courage? Click here to apply for one of our upcoming routes.
Photos via Kevin Striegle
