Dear Friends and Family,
It’s hard to believe that I’m graduating! This year has been full of many “lasts”, but has also held great plans for “firsts”. For so long, I envisioned college being a “first” right after high school. I applied to some great universities and I even went on multiple school visits. Yet, when everything should have been falling into place, it was falling apart. I was beyond unsettled by my plans; nothing felt right.
God’s peace and direction for my future has come, but I’ll be the first to say, it’s not what I initially wanted. Near the end of this previous Autumn, God asked me to to join him on the World Race. You would think that I would’ve been thrilled to receive his perfect direction after so much distress in my own plans, but with pride, I struggled to say “yes, I will go”. I was all muddled by an illusion that the World Race would simply be about service, and I knew I could serve in the states. The trip was also much longer than what I would have anticipated, and more strenuous and uncomfortable than I’d like. Yet, with his overflowing grace, my Father continued to push through my vain rebukes, “I want you to do this. I don’t need you to, but I want you to.” Then, he reached into my heart, changed my desires for the future and I agreed to embark on this journey with him. It’s been a big jump from unwilling to say “yes” to thrilled to go. But, “excited” now can not fully express my hearts anthem for this next year. I am filled. Filled with a joy and peace that only comes from the love of our sweet Father. He’s wrecked my plans, yes, but he’s also wrecked me for his love.
So, what is this thing called the “World Race”, you may ask? The World Race Gap Year program is a 9 month mission trip traveling to 3 countries across the World. A unique aspect of the World Race is that it’s not only a mission trip, but also an intensive discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific calling for the kingdom. Through the World Race, my squad and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race, but as I prepare for departure, one of the greatest hurdles is my financial support. Like most other mission organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise. In order to leave fully funded on September 4th, 2015, I need to raise $12, 491. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 9 months of the trip. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider joining me financially with any amount you feel led to give? You can sponsor me with a one time gift, or sign up to give monthly on my blog (jenselby.theworldrace.org) by clicking the “support me” tab. If you would wish to send in your contribution as a check, please send it with the support card included in this envelope to the address given on the card. This way, the faculty at Adventures in Missions will know your donation is for me. Also, I’m very available to work for you and would be glad to serve you however I can. Even if it’s something really random, I’m your girl!
Please know your love, support and prayers mean the absolute world to me. I’ve already been overflown with countless smiling faces, warm embraces, blessings, and care this past month. It gives me the biggest smile to feel the love of Jesus through you! Thank you for taking the time to read this, and most importantly, for being a blessing in my life. If you have any further questions, I would absolutely love to talk with you. Please do pull me aside to chat more about the race whenever you see me in person. You can also call/text me at (937) 715-1524, or email me at [email protected]. I’m very social, as you may know, so catching up with you or sharing more about this crazy business would be my pleasure. Thank you immensely in advance for your support prayerfully and financially!
With much love,
Jen 🙂
