its hard for people to understand why i would want to go overseas and help people when there are so many people here, in america, that need help. why leave when your own backyard needs your help?
here is my answer to that:
the past 4 years i have spent my time and energy pouring into my fellow neighbors. (i say 4 years because that is how long i have been completely dedicated to following Jesus) i have spent time disciplining and mentoring friends. i’ve been there for people at their darkest and hardest seasons of their lives. i’ve continued to give of myself until i was completely empty. i have been living my mission here in America.
why?
because as a christian that is what is commanded of me. not asked, commanded.
Matthew 28:16-20
“then jesus came to them and said, “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything i have commanded you.”
and the thing is, I don’t want to stop giving of myself because i’ve seen what happens to someone’s life when you stop and take the time to notice them and speak words covered with love.
we, as people, desire to be noticed and looked at, to be loved and for someone to stop and stay for a while.
the only difference is that now I’m going somewhere new and that’s okay. it may not be your thing, that’s okay. you may think that its not necessary to go to another country to make a difference, that’s okay. but for me, i’m simply continuing my same life just in a new space with new people and that is okay.
i hope that you will follow my journey and all that it brings. I pray that you be encouraged by this trip and the stories to come. Allow yourself to believe that there is a God above who takes us on a journey of letting go and getting lost in Him. It’s going to be a wild ride and I can’t wait!
your world race
andy
