This topic is a rough one to write about, when I first found out I had to write a blog based on why i’m going on the race, I immediately felt this feeling of insignificance. I thought too myself, I am not worthy to go on this trip because maybe I’m not ready, maybe I don’t have the right reasons to go. Did God really call me to go??. And even when It came to raising the funds for my trip. I wondered who is going to support me? Where am I going to get $16,600?? I mean I still have no gear for this trip and it makes me feel even more discouraged. The enemy loves to find ways to brings us down and have us believe the lies. The best part about this is that I realized that God is the only one in control, not my flesh and not the enemy. I have faith and believe that God is going to provide for this trip. Every time I’ve felt that spirit of not feeling called too or worthy I remind myself of this bible verse in the book of Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
So Why am I going on the Race? Well when I truly think about this question I think about my story. Where it all started, from doing drugs and drinking my young life away, from being depressed, being taken advantage by guys and being sexually assaulted. That once defined me. My identity is now found in Christ alone. There are lost and hurt people around the world. I probably won’t reach all of them but I get this exact opportunity to travel to South Africa, Ecuador and Cambodia. That is where He’s called me to go first.
Being the hands and feet of Jesus is how I look at this trip. Being able to share my story with people or maybe helping them with chores around their house. During this trip my focus is to not only serve Him but others too. When someone serves me I can see and experience the love of Christ through others. Changing my mindset to “I get to do this”. I honestly struggle with thinking “ughh I have to do this” but at the end its something I get to do to show others His love.
This race will be hard because I won’t have a boujie shower, a nice bed, wifi or AC. It is the least of my worries. My goal is that the reason that I am going on this trip is to allow God to use me as His vessel. He has called me and everyone in my squad to show them that it’s never to late or to early to have a relationship with Jesus. We take for granted of many things when others have nothing, and sometimes we take for granted to the one who has given us everything, something we didn’t have to do to earn it and its Jesus, having a relationship with Him, receiving His unconditional love that He has for us. I get very emotional just thinking about how I get to tell people that they don’t have to perform or do ANYTHING to earn his LOVE. I get the opportunity to share the gospel and I get to serve the people from these 3 amazing countries with whatever I get to do!
As The Lord prepares me to go on this trip I’m praying that He’ll continue to remind me that He chose me during this season of my life to be His vessel. I sometimes can’t contain my joy as to how blessed I am for being able to go on this Race.
Thank you too each of you for praying, loving and supporting me. It means more than you’ll ever know!
-Jo
