What an excellent way to expose young people to the world while supplying recourse for those around the globe in need of help, encouragement, and eternal protection through the saving grace of Jesus Christ! Spreading the gospel, the Great Commission, is our responsibility as Christians at home, in the workplace, short term missions, home missions in America, and overseas missions. God uses us all, if we let him. And we praise him for that. However, when considering long term or full time mission work, you have to contemplate giving up many things: the comforts of home, readily available food, family gatherings, English conversation, freedoms and protections in American, definite monthly income, Starbucks, sweet tea, biscuits and gravy, and grits. Overseas missions are challenging, but rewarding. There are many sacrifices. However, I’ve always taught my kids that the most important thing is to be in God’s will. The World Race provides the opportunity for young people to see the world, be exposed to different needs, apply their abilities and talents to provide encouragement and the Gospel to others, and to hear from God in discerning His explicit will for their lives.
When Bethany told her father and me about her and Derek’s desire to go on the World Race, we researched the organization to see what it was all about. What a wonderful opportunity! Then… she told us that she and her husband, Derek, were selling almost everything they had in order to help raise funds to go on the trip. I thought…that’s a HUGE sacrifice! They are still newlyweds, they have great jobs, and Bethany is gaining ground as a news reporter and news anchor. But I knew this would be an excellent way for them to discover where God wanted them to serve him. And as parents, we need to pray that our kids will treasure in their hearts Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Also, Paul tells us in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” Then… I pondered their safety around the world and the dangers of traveling abroad as followers of Christ. I felt at peace, though, knowing that Bethany and Derek are children of the King, and if anything did happen, they would be in eternal security with the Father and it would be for His glory. So, we excitedly joined Derek’s parents at the commissioning and sendoff of the World Racers. It was short and sweet and exciting. We blinked, and they were gone.
On this journey we have seen Bethany and Derek grow closer in their walk with the Lord and learn that God will provide what they need. They have witnessed that seeing the world is cool, but seeing and leading people of all ages to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is WAY COOLER!! It’s been such a blessing to see them and their teams witnessing and working everywhere.
Then, Bethany and Derek announced God was leading them to Serbia to be full time missionaries. Our hearts leaped for joy. Since I was saved at age 12, I wanted to be a missionary. But God has taught me through the years that my calling was to be a stay at home mother of six and to raise soldiers for the Lord. My oldest daughter, Bethany, will be serving overseas, and my next daughter, Moriah is already serving as a full time missionary with her husband at a Christian camp in North Carolina. My four other kids are still in school or just finished. Can’t wait to see what God has in store for them. My mission work is still here at home homeschooling my last, teaching a ladies Sunday School class, and teaching pre-k students at our homeschool co-op. Again, the best place to be is in the center of God’s will. And now, thanks to the World Race, God has lead Bethany and Derek to Serbia to Serve. How wonderful is that! Acts 17:26-28a says, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.” God has opened doors for them and they have support from others for this decision. We will continue to pray for them and their preparations to move…acquiring work visas, squaring away things at home in the US, and raising financial support.
What a journey it has been and what a journey it will be!
We love you, Bethany and Derek……Mom and Dad!
