First, let me tell you how grateful I am for the investments you have made in me through your encouragement, finances, and prayer! Thank you for your support on this journey!!
It has been an incredible year full of valuable lessons learned, many of which I did not expect. My time home this summer allowed me to reflect on those lessons the World Race taught me this past year.
Early on, I saw this year would be about learning to love His bride well, both the people in the nations and my WR squad. Reality overruled the romanticized ideas I had about pastoring, a calling I have long sensed on my life. Life in community 24/7 this past year exposed areas where God desired more control in my heart.
His refining gave me a deeper understanding of servant leadership and how to compassionately serve and love others well. I discovered this meant meeting and loving people on their journey while imparting truth and a hope-filled vision for the future (and I don’t do this well much of the time)! The journey to freedom is messy and painful, and yet, freedom is the purpose of life in Christ.
Identity – God’s and mine in Christ – is the message of my story and my passion. Unexpectedly, this “identity” truth was challenged as I journeyed from home (the safe place where people know me, my heart, and my story) to the nations with a community that knew me little and only at face value.
Why shouldn’t it be challenged? The enemy loves to rob us where it hurts the most to keep us from the reason for which God created us! Humbled, I learned my identity in Christ was not as secure as I thought it was in this new context…
Even so, God’s grace is so sufficient! Testing reveals where growth is still needed. Growth takes us to the place where we can live knowing The Word is true all the time – no matter who you are, where you are, or what you face. To live with identity secure and fully found in Christ alone is to: 1) be who we were created to be, and 2) be used by Father in unimaginable ways!
In January, I began to prayerfully pursue my next steps, and a program for World Race alumni called Kingdom Journeys (KJ) was highlighted. I discovered how deeply KJ resonates with my story, my heart, and my passions. This six-month program serves 2 months in each of 3 different countries to bring healing to women across the world through story telling and community.
A team of 4-8 women live and serve together 24/7, partner with local churches, and bring a ministry tool called “Beauty for Ashes” to provide healing and equipping. Over two months, the ultimate goal is sustainable ministry by ushering women to freedom in Christ and training leaders to continue work in their community once the KJ team departs. Opportunity also exists to pioneer and develop this newer program for future participants.
After completing a prayerful and thorough application process, the KJ leadership team accepted me to the team. We left this September, and I believe the Lord led me to this opportunity because it encompasses the desires He has placed in my heart during this season of single life absent of a home, job, and family responsibilities. The field also provides accelerated growth, skill development, and personal refining. Living in deep community coupled with the chance to further the Kingdom for generations has such exciting potential!
I’m eager to see what the next season will bring, both in the nations and here at home. Next spring will be here quickly, and I anticipate what the Lord has in store for each of us!
To continue this journey with me, visit rebekahneese.kingdomjourneys.org
Much love,
Bekah
