My daughter asked me to share my perspective on The World Race, having one daughter who returned in 2017 (Kim) and now Sarah who is leaving on Expedition in August. It comes down to one word: TRUST.
It’s challenging! It’s exciting!
It’s fun to watch the Lord work through them and in them through the whole process. It starts with the decision. As a parent you try to jump in and logically help them rationalize it. And you do; but the reality is, it’s a call from God and that’s not always rational. There came a point with both Kim and Sarah that no matter the logic, I could see it in their eyes: they were going. At that point all I can do is sit back and watch the Lord work. Trust.
It’s challenging, planning and packing for a year-long trip in which you are living out of only a backpack. (That’s the understatement of a lifetime.) “How do I leave my current life?” —“What about my home, phone, car, finances, insurance…?” —“What do I really need to bring?” —“What am I willing to carry?” —“What changes will I come back to?” With so many details, it can become overwhelming. Trust.
The physical separation from Kim was one of the most difficult times in my life; the tears, the tear.
I’m expecting the same with Sarah. Thank you Lord for the technology of our time—I can reach them. Thank you Lord for the Parent Vision Trip—I will see them soon. Thank you Lord for the whole squad and the unity they build—they are not alone. Thank you Lord for AIM and their preparation of the racers—trust.
There are so many countries to visit, adventures to experience, people to meet and so many opportunities to share the love of Jesus!
But there also were, and are, times I felt and still feel fear.
Sarah going to the 10/40 window—to countries that are maybe a bit less knowledgeable or receptive to the gospel—particularly stirs that fear. There were times with Kim that I was glad I heard about the adventure after it happened! But also times I felt blessed to go through the adventure with her. Jesus says, “you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). The truth is: He’s got them. Be free from fear. Hey, trust.
Jesus also says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). So you let them go and be with Jesus in a way that will grow them more than ever before. Kim discovered things inside of her that she didn’t even know were there. I’m expecting the Lord to help Sarah with her discoveries also. The race is transformational. Trust.
The return and re-acclimation into western culture for Kim was hard and I’m expecting the same for Sarah. Yes, things changed while she was gone; some good, some not so good. It was lonely. It took time. Worship, particularly, was hard. “Is the same Jesus here that I saw on the race?” Of course He is!
I wish I could say it’s easy.
I wish I could say my faith was 100% unwavering.
But of course it’s not.
I can say this, however: I love Jesus and I trust him with my kids.
I’m thankful for the opportunity He gave my whole family to grow through the Race. As hard as it is, I’m so excited for them to serve and be with Jesus in such a unique way. I feel so blessed to have a chance to see the Lord work in them and through them! It’s a joyful adventure I would go on with them every time. TRUST! He’s got them and He blesses them!!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
~Lori Pierce
