There’s a giant gap between saying you’ll maybe do something and then actually doing the thing. And that gap is called a leap of faith.
For me, I had always dreamed of doing something like the journey I am on now: live nomadically and simply, traveling the world to learn more about the global church and spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Yet I had no idea it would be through the World Race, let alone my unique track called the Fusion Squad where my team is made up of people from different nationalities. And I never thought I would actually do it. But through several circumstances, the gracious Lord surprised me and compelled me that I MUST GO. In fact, I knew that by not going, I would be disobedient.
So I quit my job. I packed up every single one of my belongings in boxes and moved away from Birmingham where I had spent the past 6 years building a life. I said goodbye to my dearest people, filled out tons of legal paperwork, got a dozen vaccinations, made several trips to REI, and had to tackle a longgggg to-do list before leaving the country for 11 months. And in the process of making this dream a reality, I began to question my decision. Was this the right timing? Was this the correct organization? Am I making a huge mistake? Most days leading up to my departure, my eyes burned as I held back tears and fear. I felt the cost of discipleship. Could I give up my comforts and be obedient?
Luke 14:25-33 convicted me, “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
I was so consumed with preparation of leaving for the next 11 months, I forgot about the kingdom work that will last the rest of my life! You see, The Lord isn’t calling me on the mission field for the next year, he is always preparing us for our entire life to be ministry. The main lesson I am learning right now is:
Life = Ministry, Ministry = Life
So whether we’re in the states or overseas, at a cafe catching up on emails and we pray over a waiter, showing respect to our bus driver, walking around a village, talking to a child and lavishing them with the love that overflows from Christ alone, or we are working at a non-profit, we always live ON mission. This is more than a missions trip; it’s a missional life. Being a follower of Christ means to constantly look for Kingdom opportunities.
Listen to God, do what he says.
As I am learning and growing beside my World Race family, I am so affirmed this is exactly where I am suppose to be. It is not easy, but it is rich with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Living on mission not just the next 11 months, but for the rest of my life.
The Lord said leap. So here I am. Flying mid air, doing the thing. Reliant on Him.
PS- life update: I’m alive and well in Uganda, Africa! We have had training camp for the past 2 weeks. I leave tonight to head out to Northern Uganda to work at a refugee camp! Prayers are so appreciated. Also, I AM FULLY FUNDED. Huge thank you to all my donors. Praising the Lord for your partnership in ministry!! Deep love to you all.
