It’s one of those phrases we hear so frequently that it has almost lost its meaning.
When you interview for a new job: “Don’t worry, with God all things are possible!”
When you pray for healing: “Don’t worry, with God all things are possible!”
When you don’t want to go to work: “Don’t worry, with God all things are possible!”
When you add something outrageous to your bucket list: “Don’t worry, with God all things are possible!”
I’ve become so numb to this reality that I forget to believe it for myself sometimes. Yes, I am aware it’s true. Yes, I do believe impossible things are possible with God. The phrase is just thrown around so much in the Christian world I feel like we can forget to actually believe it.
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I remember the first time I heard Christine Caine speak at Passion 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, I was tiptoeing around the Christian world trying to decide what this Jesus stuff was all about. After being raised in the church but experiencing the freedom of college, I was at a crossroads trying to decide which lifestyle I wanted to say yes to.
Christine Caine talked about injustice, about slavery and about her organization called A21. She founded A21 in 2008 with the hope of abolishing slavery and injustice in the 21st century – hence A21. I remember being so intrigued by her heart for injustice and her devotion to doing something about it.
Fast forward a few years to the Women of Faith conference where I heard her speak again. I now had a degree in social work and a similar heart for oppressed people groups. Christine Caine has this insane ability to speak with authority and finesse. She ushers people into the heart of the Father and speaks into the justice He seeks for the children of His kingdom. I wanted to be a part of that.
Selfie with Christine Caine at the Women of Faith conference in 2014.
I’ve read several books written by Christine Caine, I’ve listened to countless podcasts and I’ve always dreamed of working with A21 in their fight against injustice.
Insert “Don’t worry, with God all things are possible!” response.
My dream of working with a global organization like A21 seemed so farfetched that I hardly believed it would ever become a reality; I truly believed the chances were slim to none.
This month I decided to act on my belief that God can do ANYTHING. Six weeks ago I discovered there were A21 offices in two of the countries I would be visiting: Bulgaria and Greece. I blew up @ChristineCaine & @A21 on Twitter, I commented on practically every #A21 post I could find on Instagram and I filled out several contact forms on the A21 website. I knew if I wanted to be a part of A21 I would have to take action.
I spent weeks attempting to contact someone (anyone really) from A21 and when I heard back from the office in Thessaloniki, which is where my squad and I are staying this month, I totally lost it. I started doing jumping jacks, random karate moves and a lot of unnecessary celebratory movements.
After several emails back and forth, numerous phone calls and a few logistical tasks my team and I were on our way to an outreach briefing with A21. As I sat in the meeting, I couldn’t decide if I should cry or pass out. I tried keeping it together as they spoke about their mission, the outreach events they host and the heart they have for injustice. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep myself from thinking about the promises of the Lord. My Father has promises waiting for me and I’m blown away at the delight He takes in my pursuit of them.
On Thursday, myself and ten other people from my squad were able to be a part of a two day outreach with A21 to a Syrian refugee camp here in Thessaloniki. Our mission was to educate and spread awareness of the dangers refugees may face in their journeys from country to country. Partnering with A21 was something I had dreamed about for years! Walking through the camp, wearing a clearly marked A21 vest, cuddling an adorable refugee child and educating people about sex trafficking was literally a dream come true. In a camp of 770 refugees, 130 children and 132 adults were reached by the message of A21 in the first day alone.
A21 outreach Day 1.
A21 outreach Day 2.
Yes, I still fan girl about Christine Caine. Yes, I still listen to her podcasts on a regular basis and yes, I am about to read her new book titled Unashamed. I still dream about A21 and pray regularly for the men and women they rescue from the depths of injustice. But here is my heart behind this blog: If you want to do something, if you have a passion for it and you feel the Lord leading you to it, DO IT!
I have always known I carry a heart for injustice, for the oppressed and a deep passion for advocacy. The race has taught me to take action and to pursue those things. In my pursuit of justice the Lord has reminded me why I love what I love. In Bolivia, we had the opportunity to visit IJM – a global human rights organization that fights for justice all around the world. Yesterday I went into a refugee camp with A21 and today I met a man from Texas who does psycho-social therapy with refugees.
Dreams do come true, and when you invite other people into them they turn out way more beautiful than you could ever anticipate.
I believe if you love something, you love it for a reason. The Lord delights in your pursuit of the things you are passionate about and yes, I do believe with God all things are possible.
Love you all.
-V
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:1
PS: This is a super jazzy song that’ll get you pumped up about chasin’ yo dreams.
