Hey! Thanks for stopping by!
If you made it here, you probably have some idea about this new phase in my life! But for the sake of formality…I have committed to the World Race, 10/40 window expedition route; and I am excited to partner and share more about this journey with you!
As those of you who know me are well aware, I am a planner! I thrive in an environment where things are organized, decisions are made, a schedule is set, and a “to-do list,” is drafted.
So, naturally, upon graduating from college (the first time) I planned what the next few years of my life should entail. I would get my Master’s Degree, work in cardiac rehab, and eventually direct a cardiac rehab program. Well…I was rejected numerous times from graduate school, but this is what I planned to do, right? So, I had to make it happen. I worked my butt off, remained persistent and was eventually accepted to graduate school. By this time however, I had just begun a full time job….crossroad. So, I FINALLY decided to ask God what I should do. The Lord clearly instructed me to decline my acceptance (after all my effort!) and to apply to nursing school with the intention on doing missions. Really??!! It was completely left of what I was pursuing. With these newfound instructions, I was beyond uncomfortable because I had no clue how this was all supposed to work out. But in a moment of uncharacteristic boldness, I said yes! I was able to give a whole-hearted yes to God’s plan, with no knowledge of how it would all come together, solely because of an awareness of who God is…the nature of His character, and His ways. And within the next few months, I left my full time position, was enrolled in nursing school, and the Lord began to fuel and develop within in me, a passion for missions – a desire to live out the great commission, making disciples of all nations, and to be a witness of Christ to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19 & Acts 1:8) Still, I was unsure of how missions would fit into this new plan and path, on which I had set out with the Lord.
Several months ago, a friend told me about a mission trip called the World Race. I immediately connected with the work, the heart, and the vision of the organization, and felt the Lord leading me to apply. Out of obedience, I applied for the route that spans the 10/40 window…and was accepted! The 10/40 window consists of North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, which are some of the least evangelized countries in the world. My heart is to serve the underserved and to reach the unreached; so immediately, this route stood out. Over half of the world’s population lives in the 10/40 window, and the majority of the region is un-evangelized. Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Atheism are the dominant beliefs in the area. Social issues such as poverty, child slavery, human trafficking, terrorism, and war plague the nations of this region. In August, 2017, my team and I will be traveling to 11 countries in the 10/40 window for 11 months! We will serve with local churches and ministries to share and demonstrate the Gospel of Christ, and God’s love in this region. I so look forward to experiencing all that God will do in and through us during this journey!
After committing to this journey, I received a lot of feedback along the lines of, “You need to secure a job and start your nursing career after school, not leave the country for a year.” This decision…this plan…it may seem like a poor financial decision, poor planning, or just plain foolish to some; but I’m listening to, and trusting the Lord on this one!
1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans.” By forsaking my plans, my independence, and my own strength, in exchange for God’s plans, dependence upon Him, and His strength, wisdom is demonstrated and a solid foundation is established. God’s plans are perfect and assured…He alone is present in the future and knows what steps are required to yield a desired result. The only wise choice is to depend solely upon that which is perfect, constant, and sure…the plans and strength of the Lord.
In order to be fully funded by my launch date in August, 2017, I need to raise a total of $18,617. This will cover all of my field expenses (travel, food, and lodging) for the 11 months that I am on the trip. Yes, this is a large number; and this process is one huge step of faith after another. That being said, I know the faithful nature of the Lord, and fully trust that this goal will be accomplished. As I set forth, would you prayerfully consider partnering with me on this journey, supporting me financially and in prayer?
You can submit your donation online by visiting maryahfields.theworldrace.org, and clicking the “Donate,” button at the top of the screen. If you would like to give by check, make payable to Adventures in Missions with my name (Maryah Fields) in the memo line. Mail to: Adventures in Missions, PO Box 742570, Atlanta, GA 30374-2570.
Adventures in Missions is a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible and non-refundable.
Thanks for your time and consideration! If you have any questions, or would like some additional information, feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Until next time!
Subscribe for updates!
