Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me reach ONE THIRD of my fundraising goal! This is an amazing milestone that has come after only one month of fundraising. I am deeply humbled by the generosity, sacrifice, and faith that you have shown in making the decision to support my year-long missions trip. Family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances have partnered with me, and there have even been several anonymous benefactors as well. Couples, families, and individuals have pledged their commitment to the great commission. I am moved and thankful to witness God working in hearts and preparing the way for this ministry that will last long after the trip is over. It is with a grateful heart and soul that I thank you for your part in helping me reach nearly 35% of the funds I need for the year.
Will you also join me in praying for the people I will be working with and serving while on the WR? One thing I like to do while praying is to mention each country by name. “God, please bless the people of Colombia. Soften and prepare their hearts to hear and accept the Gospel message. For seeds that have already been sown, please allow us to help grow and harvest them. God, the people of Ecuador need your message of hope. Let the Spirit speak through my team, convicting and encouraging as needed. God, help us meet needs in Peru. Give us the opportunity to tell Peruvians about your gifts of forgiveness and sacrificial love.” (Continue for India, Nepal, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Romania, Ukraine.)
At times I feel overwhelmed with excitement and joy about this journey and the work we will be doing. And unfortunately, I can also feel unworthy and ill-equipped to be God’s hands and feet in the world. As I reflect on how God called me to the World Race, these fears are eased. He has blessed me with the experience of seeing different places and cultures. He has led me to get my teaching degree and work in a public school. He has grown my confidence in sharing my personal experiences, and he uses my weaknesses to encourage others. In truth, I’m not worthy of any of this. But Christ is so worthy of being known and worshipped. As I read through the Bible, I find that the entire purpose of mankind is to glorify our Creator and Savior. One way we can glorify him is to teach others how to glorify him. I want to do that. I want that to be the mission of my life, in my hometown or abroad. So I choose to be thankful for the ways he has prepared me for this work, and I continue to take steps to be even more prepared, flexible, and sensitive to the Spirit. I think this is a lifelong process for all of us, to grow in discernment and obedience to our Lord.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
