When talking about going over seas on mission, some may question why? I know from my previous mission trips to Honduras and talks about always wanting to go to Africa, I was constantly asked, “why not stay in the US and do work here? We need help too” Which is completely true, and especially with the natural disasters that have currently taken place, it is a perfectly understandable question. Not only is America in need of help with rebuilding after storms, but we are also in utter need of restoration of faith and hope in our Father. Although there is need here in the states, mission trips over seas, short or long term are life changing in ways that you learn to view life differently. These trips are an opportunity to be taken out of our comfort zones and day to day routines (which lets be honest most of us are perfectly happy staying in) Going on these trips we put ourselves into situations most would fear or never imagine being a part of. Routine is normal, and actually healthy, but if we become too adapted to these routines, it can actually hold us back instead of help us. By experiencing different cultures, poverty, traditions and languages, there are endless ways to learn, grow, feel brokenness and uncomfortable. But most importantly it teaches you to rely on God in those moments. By breaking the predictability in our lives, we are opening doors to what God truly has in store for us. So in a way, we are helping America. We are building stronger relationships with Christ that we can then bring our experiences back to share with the people around us. We can do this in hopes of encouraging others to want that same relationship.
One thing I love about the World Race, is that it is unique from other mission trips. They focus not only on the ministry that we will be doing on the field, but also on the ministry in each individual. These trips are meant to help us grow spiritually, physically and emotionally and launch us into our specific kingdom calling. In order to do this, we need to learn how to abandon everything and go.
I am currently reading the book Kingdom Journey that was written by the creator of The World Race. His way of describing what missions are and the meaning of the journey that lies within it is incredible! I laugh, I cry and I honesty relate in so many ways. I have shared bits of the book with my mom, and we cringe at his story about eating guinea pig in one country but how one can learn from having to eat.. well, what would be considered a pet in the US.. but in some countries this is a luxury meal! We laughed at Seth Barns way of using an advertisement for Jesus’ trips, that make you wonder; WHO would want to sign up for such an unappealing trip? He states, “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Wages, provisions, uniforms strictly prohibited. Bitter enemies encountered everywhere. Long months of persecution, extreme hunger, and return doubtful. Eternal glory and treasure in case of success.” So what makes me want to go? I believe that what I will experience on this Race is far more than I can imagine. I have been struggling with not knowing what I am supposed to be doing in life right now and feeling at a loss. I have been struggling with my past, with family sickness and with the loss of close friends. I am restless and felt God calling me to do something more, something bigger. I am intrigued and afraid but oh so excited!! It brings life back into me, where I was feeling like I was in a rut.
So far in my reading, one statement that has really stuck with me is “we cant be fully transformed in our own backyard. We need to journey.” This is so true, we are too comfortable, we need to take risks and live our lives unafraid of feeling broken. Brokenness helps us grow. I know it is a big risk to leave for 11 months, leave my job, my responsibilities, my friends and family to travel the world, but I am leaving to help those who are not as fortunate to have that choice. Despite the risks of traveling to 3rd world countries, I know this is something I have been called to do, something I need to do for me to find my true self and build a stronger relationship with God.
We all have struggles, but we all have victories as well. I am ready to embrace my brokenness and find my calling. “There is a finding in leaving! “
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