Hi friend!
As with every conversation, encouraging word, Facebook status, and blog update so far, I’ll preface this with the fact that I can’t believe this is my life. For real! No amount of striving, gritting of teeth, anxiety, or talent could have delivered the same results as God’s grace. I don’t deserve any of it, but I’m so beyond grateful to be here.
Alright, you probably get it by now. I’m really grateful for all that’s happening, but WHAT exactly is happening?
I’m partnering with Adventures in Missions to travel to 11 countries in 11 months on the World Race!
I will be living in community with other young adults to worship, work, serve, witness, heal and grow. Not only is this a mission trip, but an intensive discipleship program designed to launch my generation into our specific kingdom calling. Through the World Race, my team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
We’ll travel to Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize, Cameroon, Gabon, The Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In each country, we will work with local partners to accomplish the work God is already doing. What a gift! Again, I’m still in disbelief that little ‘ol me has been led here.
Some of you may be thinking the same thing. Whether you knew me before I knew Jesus, or you just aren’t really sure why I have the desire to camp out of a backpack in unknown places for almost a year, I don’t blame you for raising an eyebrow.
The answer is complicated yet simple. Drawn out yet concise. Concrete yet abstract. I look back on the last two years and the transformation I’ve experienced is plain as day. At the same time, it’s hard to wrap my head around. Where is that girl that used to fill this body and when did this new woman start to consume it?
While I could relay the specific actions I took to get me to this very moment, I know there’s only one part of the story that ultimately matters.
I surrendered. God changed me. I followed Him. Here I am.
The other day, I heard a guy explain this point so simply and perfectly. He said, “Once you truly turn your life over to God, there’s no going back.” That statement clung to me. It sunk in.
I can’t help but think of Romans 12:12 –
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
While it feels like everyone around me is looking for ways to be more comfortable, I’m seeking a deeper intimacy with God and I’m walking toward the opened doors for me to help others do the same. I’m confident that I would be unsatisfied with the choice to do something that only serves me, so I’ve decided to listen to Him and serve the world!
There’s no doubt that this experience will be one of the most humbling, fulfilling, and extraordinary things I do in my life. With that being said, the real fruit lies within the impact God’s love will have on the many he has planned for me to serve. I fully trust that he will provide the financial means to make this mission come to fruition.
This is where your help is needed. I am writing to humbly ask for your prayers, encouragement and financial support. Please consider giving either a one-time donation or being a monthly supporter. You can choose the start and end date or opt to give one time for a specified amount. Just click on ‘Donate!’ on the right. Keep in mind it is not the amount that you give that matters. Every single donation makes a difference.
My financial deadlines are: May 15th – $5,000, July 21st – $10,000, September 30th – $13,000 and finally, God willing, to be fully-funded at $17,615 by November 30, 2017. All donations are tax deductible.
If you don’t feel that financial giving is what God wants for you at this time, your prayers for my trip preparation and time in the field would be cherished and valued beyond words. I firmly believe that your support, in whichever capacity, will make an impact on the call God has placed on my life.
I sincerely thank you for investing in my journey, whether through prayer, donation, or following along here on my blog. Please let me know how I can be praying for you.
Love and blessings,
McKenzie B. Kuhn
