We were asked to write a blog about how we felt before leaving on this mission trip. Here is what I’m expecting…
I can’t wait to go on the Race. I am so inspired by the fishermen that left everything behind to answer Jesus’ call to follow. Honestly, the very thought of giving up all comforts in my present life thrills me. I don’t know if it has something to do with being young and not being quite so set in my ways, but I can’t wait to cross that line between what I “believe” I can control and what I know ONLY God can control. I would like to think of this mission trip as an opportunity for Him to really “show off” and prove all the promises that He’s made in the Word. I can’t wait to have my faith be tested and have total dependence on Him for not only my needs, but for my teammates and for the people that we are to meet on this 11-month journey.
However, I have a few concerns… Will I be able to sell my house before the Race? Will Noah and I raise enough funds to even go on the Race? Who will file my taxes for me? How many days will I have to go without a shower? Will I have to eat a delicacy of crushed bug pudding? Ok, so some of my concerns are legit and some are more on the silly side. Even with all of these thoughts / doubts rolling around in my cranium, nothing can break this incredible joy and excitement that I have about the coming year. People close to me have expressed doubts about me giving up my job and life for this mission trip, thinking it’s something wild and dangerous. They are absolutely right. I have nothing against people that are called to live in a given city all their lives, have a 9-5 job, and sit on a number of committees at their church. Just like a human body, there are many parts that have different functions, but all work together to edify the body. I was called to reach people in foreign countries. It’s something that I love and am passionate about and I’m so grateful for this chance to make an impact on this world. This is my function.
I want this experience to so change me that my life no longer revolves around Cathy, but around God and seeking His face.
I’m always struck by the scripture that says if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can tell a mountain to move and it will. I want this trip to produce in me that kind of faith, where I’m no longer relying on my own strength and abilities, but solely on His.
The only thing that would keep me from reaching my full potential on this team would be my own personal doubts about my ability to succeed. I have a tendency to shy away from the pressure if I feel there is little chance that I will accomplish a task. As I stated earlier, if I could just learn to allow God to move and demonstrate His power and majesty, there’s no limit on what our team can do.
I hope to make a ton of new Christian friends not only from the team but from the people that we meet encounter in the coming year. There’s just something awesome about being surrounded by fellow Christian brothers and sisters. I also pray that God will establish unity among the teammates as we set out to do His will.
Prayer requests…
- Pray that the Lord would continue to strengthen our new and fresh marriage as the Race approaches and also while on the Race.
- As most people are already aware, I have a house that I need to sell before going on the Race. Although I would like a quick sell that doesn’t extract too much from my pocket, I would ask that I recognize God’s will and allow Him to carry out His plan for the house.
- Please pray that Noah and I can reach out to as many people as possible about the Race before our January departure. We want people to share in the joy of having the opportunity to share in this amazing ministry, whether through prayer or through financial giving.
