You know when you have this interpretation of a plan in your mind and it turns out to be nothing like what you thought it would be?
That happened in China.
It all started when one of our Chinese contacts, Lolly, invited us to a party. We understood that it was at her apartment with a few Chinese students, and we would speak with them in English so they could practice. Lolly even asked us if we could prepare a song for the group. We happily agreed to that. I mean, we do have a teammate who can play guitar. I’ve always enjoyed a good karaoke. Sounds kinda fun.
Lolly is full of life and actually speaks pretty good English. Yet somehow, in this one instance, the plans we thought were taking place turned out to be totally false.
So, we did go to a party… I guess. If by party you mean gathering of the entire freshmen class at a large Chinese university. And we did humbly sing a song for a small gathering of people. If by humbly you mean we were on a huge stage with professional lighting and strobe lights. And if by small you mean upwards of 2,500 students filling a football stadium cheering loudly for the Americans about to perform. And if by Americans you mean a group of 12 World Racers, most of whom have minimal performance experience.
I’ve heard of things like this happening to World Racers. You may get off the plane only to have your ministry contact tell you that you are preaching the sermon at Church which starts in 15 minutes. OR you may think you’re going to a small gathering of Chinese friends only to arrive and be informed that you will be singing on that huge stage over there in fifteen minutes, right after the girls dance crew that could have been on “So You Think You Can Dance.”
One word of advice?
ROLL WITH IT.
That night is my favorite memory from the Race so far. And that night turned out completely different than how I thought it would.
They told us from the start not to have expectations. Because sometimes you have an expectation that doesn’t quite live up in real life and you experience all sorts of disappointment.
But also because sometimes you have an expectation of mediocrity when God really had in store for you greatness.
Don’t miss greatness because you were willing to settle for mediocrity.
(A small portion of the crowd we sang for)
The squad leaves China for Thailand on Oct. 4th. Keep us in your prayers for safe travels, but also for the Lord's spirit to overwhelm the places we will go in Thailand. Pray for courage and strength as we will face darkness of many kinds, though the Lord has all authority to overcome any kind of darkness.
Financial Update: I have been so incredibly blessed. I am so thankful for all the support I have received. I have raised just about $10,000 which means I still have $5,500 to raise. By the middle of February, I need to have $11,000 in my account. Would you prayerfully consider financial support for this incredible mission? Any amount is a blessing. The Lord is being revealed to so many people, and I'm excited for this to continue in the coming months!
