It’s been about 1 month since I’ve finished the World Race. My family and I had a beautiful, joyful reunion in Japan where my brother lives. I’m in awe as God moves through the nations. In Japan we got to attend my brother’s church called “Every Nation” whose focus is long term missionary work throughout Japan. What an encouragement it was to meet fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! The Lord also gave opportunities for us to minister to each other as a family though corporate worship, prayer, and bible readings. I even got to speak to a wonderful woman about Jesus and declare His name in the middle of a busy train. Praying many people heard the Praise.
The belief that “ministry is life and life is ministry” has been exemplified more and more through small acts of obedience. And I feel full of joy knowing that the race for the Kingdom is never over until our Hope comes into full fruition.
I have still not yet been able to adjust to life back in Florida. With all the traveling I haven’t been able to see old friends, visit ministry partners, or my work place. I’ve been fighting for quality time with Jesus and I’m being strengthened with the truth that no matter how busy life gets, His presence is always with me. I am looking forward to a bit of stability though. So, after our 1 month Squad reunion called Project Search Light in Georgia, I’m excited to get more settled into my community in Florida.
The following are the answers to more of the questions that was sent to me a few months back. Again, I’m so grateful for these questions that’s helped me to process the World Race and remember all that God did through this.
Question One
Would you consider doing this missionary trip again? What was your major obstacle and how did you overcome this obstacle?
Although I always wanted to do a missionary trip, never in my life did I think that God would actually make it happen. The World Race was the fruit of years and years of my planning my own life and never really consulting the Lord first. After all my plans failed, I surrendered my life to the Lord and only then was this missionary trip able to happen. The hard times I went through were all worth it because He is worthy. I wouldn’t change a thing about the choices I made that led me to experiencing the race. And, if given the opportunity I would indeed say YES to His will for me to serve His Kingdom in the form of a missions trip. The hardest obstacle I faced during the race was my own pride. Here I was always wanting things my way and doing things my way. I was stubborn and reached an unhealthy level of striving for things I wanted. The World Race, seeing God’s glory, meeting amazing people, and living in uncomfortable environments humbled me. But, I will say that humility does not feel good. It takes a lot of grace, forgiveness, and repentance to walk through humility and bow down before God in reverence. I was able to go through this simply because God has an endless supply of Grace to give. He also placed me in a community of believers that knew how to support me, pray for me, and love me well.
Question 2
In each country you went to, there may have been people who were able to communicate subtle messages and teachings from God that inspired you and filled your heart. Who were those people and what were those messages?
Definitely in every country God had divine appointments that led me to growth and inspiration. It’ll be TOO many to list in a blog. But, I’ll highlight the main people that impacted my growth during the race which were my teammates themselves. On the World Race we are taught and encouraged to give each other feedback. Feedback are words of exhortation or encouragement that points people to Christ. Sometimes, it was extremely difficult to hear that there’s something you could have done better or to even accept that you did something right. But, when done with Grace and good intentions, feedback has been one of the best things for me in which I learned how to properly communicate. My first team, Team 1010 FIERCE had a fire for the Word. Each feedback was paired with a scripture and it really helped me to turn to the Word of God for comfort and knowledge. They also helped become more secure in my identity in Christ and to receive affirmation from Jesus and not the world – specifically men. My second team, Team Selah was the team I got to lead. The grace, patience, and humility of this team was an amazing environment to be around. They helped me grow in my trust in the Lord, depending solely on Him to help me during some tough moments of leadership. My third team, Team Tetelestai was where I grew in integrity. I learned how my words, actions, promises, and commitments can affect others even more than it affected me. They pushed me towards thriving in Christ and not striving for His love and mercy.
Question 3
Where and when did you feel the presence and love of God the most? Was there an instance where He seemed far or distant?
God’s manifest presence was definitely with us during the race. But, He showed His presence and love the most to me in South Africa and India. In South Africa, I dove deep into the Word studying day and night. We also lived in a High School campus so there was a huge rugby field where I could go by myself to worship. It was beautiful and revelational. During this month, I was finally able to freely accept His love and forgive myself and others. This was also the month of my dad’s birthday and each day the Lord was faithful to send reminders of my dad and his legacy. In India, we lived with a host family that quickly became our own. Love between people happen so quickly when Jesus is involved. We barely spoke the language, but through action we loved each other well. It was all God’s doing and I have memories and relationships with my host family that I will cherish forever. This month was also the month of my 32nd birthday. I was just in awe of the life I was living and the life I will continue to live for Him. There were definitely instances where He felt distant. I felt that during this time the Lord was testing me, allowing me to walk in the wilderness in order for me to grow in endurance and faith. I felt the most distant to Him in Romania. It was a very hard month of not hearing His voice and uncertain of the path He was leading me on after the race. But, the truth remains, He took me out of the wilderness.
I pray that these answers bring glory to God and that you are moved by what He is continuing to do throughout the nations. The story He is writing is not yet over. In fact a new chapter has just begun. I’m excited to share what’s next with you in God’s timing. In the meantime, please keep every nation in your prayers as well as our nation America. There’s a revival happening. If you want to partner with me, please continue to read the blogs and share! I love you. God bless you.
