I admit that I haven’t done the greatest job of keeping up with this blog. (I have, however, been sending out monthly email updates. Let me know if you want those, too.) It certainly is not for lack of inspiration or revelation. The revelatory blogs are to come. This is a blog of a different nature, however.
This is a blog wherein I share some exciting news….
The news that the Father has called me to partner with Adventures in Missions again, this time as a Squad Leader for the World Race!
As most of you know, the World Race was the eleven month trip to eleven countries categorized by, but not limited to, eleven months of partnering with different missionaries and ministries; eleven months of living in community in some of the toughest, strangest, most beautiful places; eleven months of walking through brokenness and insecurities in order to learn about the deep, deep love that the Father has for His children, and I am one of them. It was a turning point in my faith. It was when I realized how deeply I long for more of Him, in every way. It was then that I truly began to recognize how I am a part of what the Lord is doing on this earth, and though He doesn’t need me, He wants me to be a part of it.
Oh, how I see the beauty of this now.
It was shortly after returning from my own Race that I felt the stirring to go back and lead. This was a strange thing, as I wasn’t quite sure what the Lord was asking of me and I certainly wasn’t sure of the timing. He led me to Georgia and the Center for Global Action (CGA) as a time of preparation. I was confident of this. Yet I still was unsure of what would happen next. But I did my best to remain faithful and trust Him, though I certainly stumbled a bit along the way.
About a month into CGA, I sensed it was time to apply for Squad Leading. This was happening as the Father was walking me through an obvious time of refinement (more to come on this in a later blog), so it came with many fears and many doubts.
But I decided to trust Him. (Always a good call, right?) I applied. I had my first interview. I waited…
I kept waiting…
I began to wonder…
And I kept waiting, not hearing anything. Until about a month later, I had my second interview. These interviews are so fantastic. They ask the hard questions. They challenge you. They make you think. They absolutely require an intimacy with the Lord and confidence in your identity.
After the interview, I was able to simply surrender to the Lord: “Father, You know. I really do surrender this to You-the fears, the expectations, the insecurities. You hold my tiny, seemingly insignificant future in Your hands, and it matters to You, somehow. I just trust You.”
About half an hour later, I got the email that I had been accepted to lead! They confirmed that they also felt it was what the Father was calling me to, and thus began another opportunity to simply rest and rely on Him.
So, in July, I will be heading back out with a squad of World Racers! I will join them for five months of their eleven month journey, pouring out things the Lord has imparted to me. He is entrusting me with five months with these young adults, and I find great joy and profound delight in that. Look out for part two where I explain in a bit more detail what these five months may entail.
In the meantime, I humbly thank you all in advance for joining me on this new journey. For following the blogs to come. For petitioning the Father in prayer on behalf of strength and perseverance, for both me and my squad. For prayerfully asking the Lord if this is an opportunity for you to join me financially.
I must admit, I asked the Father, “Why another fundraising effort, Lord? This is not an easy thing, you know!” And He reminded me to trust Him, reminded me of His faithfulness and His call.
So, in humility, I ask you to consider if the Father is leading you to partner with me in the way of financial support for these five months back on the field. I am in need of raising about $5,000 to cover all the needs for those five months. If you are able and feel led, you can partner with me as a monthly supporter or make a one time donation. Just click the “Support Me” button on the left side of this blog.
I leave you with a word of peace and encouragement. The journeys the Lord takes us on are all meaningful and significant. Though right now in my life, I am in a season of journeying to follow His call, this is not the only way He calls people. Be encouraged knowing that He meets us where we are and invites us into His kingdom work.
And oh, what a complete and utter gift this is.
