Well, it has come and gone.
A monumental day.
One that I thought would hurt a little and maybe even leave a mark of pain in its path.
But, I survived.
That’s right.
I turned 30.
And I’m still alive!! 🙂
I have been anxiously awaiting of this day for a long time. As it rapidly approached, I was filled with dread and thoughts of how “old” I’m getting.
Instead, what I got was the feeling of excitement and anticipation of what’s AHEAD. God still has so much for me in this life and I believe He’s just getting started.
What I thought could be the end, is really only the beginning.
This month in Moldova couldn’t have been any better for me personally. It was a beautiful month full of surprises! I met some amazing people and partnered with some great ministries that are really making a difference in their communities. It has been so wonderful to be back here exactly two years later and see the fruit of our work from my first World Race journey with H-squad.
My first week this month was spent in Ocnita visiting Team Bellator. As soon as I arrived, I noticed some handprints in the concrete to the pathway where we were staying. As I looked closer, I realized the handprints were from previous World Racers, a team from my original squad! It made me so happy to see the “mark” they left behind two years ago and it reminded me that we are all leaving a legacy everywhere we go. What is it that you are leaving behind? What will people remember about you? What mark will your presence leave on their lives and their hearts? Are you a reflection of the hands of Christ and the heart of the Father? I pray that I am. That is what I want to be and I know the Lord is continuing to teach me every day how I can become more like Him.
My second week this month, I traveled to Singerei to visit Team Apotolmao. When my car pulled up at the ministry location I was filled with excitement as I recognized the familiar scenery. It was the same place that H-Squad had our Month 3 debrief! It was one of our favorite debriefs of the whole race and really held a special place in our hearts because of the deep relationships, intimacy, and spiritual breakthrough we experienced that week. As I gathered my bags and settled in I was reminded of how much I have grown since then. Two years later, I am blown away by the work the Lord has done in me. I have encountered and experienced the Holy Spirit like never before and it has forever changed my life and my relationship with God. Do I still make mistakes? Of course. Do I still fall sometimes? Absolutely. Am I perfect? No. But, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I’m alive!! He is doing a work in me and one day, it will be perfected.
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
There will be a day when I stand face to face with Christ and am no longer plagued by my own human nature and sin. What a glorious day that will be!! To be found blameless in the sight of God because of the sacrifice that Christ made for us! He has made us clean! He makes us righteous, not us! It is not by works, but by grace through faith in Him! Not by our own strength, but is a free gift from the Father.
“May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
By the third week this month, my heart was so full! I thought I would explode by the time I finally reached Tiraspol, Transnistria (the location where my team was back in 2012. See blog, “Let Freedom Ring” for a glimpse of my last visit). I was warmly greeted by Team Ru-ah and Team Unity 31. Getting to go back to the church at the Expo center was like a little piece of home! Friendships and memories I made there on my first race came flooding back! It was such a blessing to reconnect with people and places that were touched by my team two years ago. Knowing that the labor we did was “not in vain in the Lord”, but it really did leave a mark. It left an impression. Not because of who we are, but because the presence of Christ that we carry. We left a legacy and I got to see it with my own eyes. It was in the little things too. The things that, at the time, didn’t seem to matter. Teaching English classes, singing silly cookie jar songs, playing ninja, dancing during worship, eating meals together, making home visits, praying together, evangelizing in the park, simply building relationships with people and connecting them with the local church. These efforts were not lost. Coming back and hearing people say they remembered me and were blessed these past two years because of what we had to offer and impart to them when we came before. I am a “big sister” and a “part of the family” to so many there. This is not to boast in myself, but to boast in how God works through the little things. The things we don’t think make a difference. They do. More than we will ever know. I only got this small glimpse and I was so moved by it. I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to see, in part, the fruit of the legacy I have left behind. I pray it continues to spread and I can remember that everywhere I go, I’m leaving a legacy.
This past week and a half in Tiraspol, I had the privilege of helping in the construction of the new church building. They have met in the community Expo center for years and could only rent space there. Now, God is blessing them with their own Family Life Center. We were able to clear the land and make way for the land to be tilled and trenches dug for water pipes. It was hard work, but each day I was reminded of how many lives will be changed because of this new center. We are participating in building the church and building the Kingdom one weed and shovel full of dirt at a time! It was a beautiful reflection of sowing and reaping. What am I sowing into my own Spirit? Am I focusing on Him and His glory, or myself? Am I seeing His Kingdom come in all that I do? I can’t say that I always have this attitude, but I know that the Lord allowed me to have this month to remind me of the impact we are making around the world! We are sowing into the Kingdom and in DUE SEASON, we will reap. Whatever that looks like, may it all be to HIS glory!!
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us now grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:7-10
So, there it is.
I am 30.
Life is good.
God is in control.
And the best is yet to come!!
Amen!
Kingdom Come, Lord!!
