As I approached this year – my senior year in college – I knew that there was going to be a lot asked of me. Challenging academics, amazing people, student organizations, and church involvement are what I was balancing previously, but with senior year comes the dreaded question, “So what are your plans for next year?” I thought about what people wanted to hear…that I was getting a teaching job, that I was going to sing overseas, going to grad school, or waiting for my boyfriend to finish school. But none of these were what God had in mind for me.
“What are you doing next year?”
Those who know me know that I have a spirit of adventure and a heart for people. I believe God has leaned on these in the past to drive me towards the goal of teaching internationally, especially for the purpose of mission work. While I believe this will come to fruition someday, He has more immediate plans for me regarding mission work. In August 2017 I applied for a position with Adventures in Missions, and was accepted to their program, World Race, starting in August 2018.
Adventures in Missions mobilizes people of all generations to follow the call of Jesus through short-term mission trips around the world and at home, one of these being the World Race. The World Race is an 11-month long Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world, designed to provide long-term relationship and care, through partnership with local ministry, adding to what is already done by local people. Some examples include preaching the Gospel, helping to plant churches, working in orphanages, ministering to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bringing the light and hope of Jesus to people who may not have known it otherwise. However, World Race is more than a mission trip; it is designed to help participants grow by breaking them out of their comfort zones, and into the uncomfortable realities of God at work. Each trip puts a tremendous emphasis on prayer and discipleship of both the participants and those who come to Christ.
World Race is more than a missions trip.
Of the many challenges that face short-term missionaries, the greatest one I am currently facing is garnering financial support. Like most missions organizations, World Race participants are required to fundraise financial support. In order to leave in August 2018, I need to raise $18,100. This money will cover all of my field expenses for the 11 months of the trip. This is a huge step in faith and obedience, and trusting in the Lord’s provision. I would like you to prayerfully consider taking that step with me.
When I was a senior in high school, I heard the quote, “Go, send, or disobey,” on a missions trip to Mexico. It convicted me, and the Lord has brought it to my mind time and time again. Now I am stepping out in obedience, answering His call to go. Will you send me?
