Leaving the country for nine months to go around the world and serve Christ is easily the best opportunity that I’ve ever been given, but woah, it is also the scariest thing I’ve ever planned to do. Naturally, many fears sneak into my thoughts and it is difficult to push them away without help. I’m going to list my biggest fears and ask you to pray for them throughout my preparation process and while I am on the trip.
- Fundraising: My goal is to raise $18,000. That will provide me with the cost of the trip, transportation to and from Atlanta, my gear, and money needed on the trip every month. Raising such a large amount is a scary task for anyone, let alone a high school senior. I’m asking you to pray that I would have ideas and the boldness to carry them out. I am sending support letters and videos to schools, churches, and businesses. I would love to send you a letter or video explaining my trip and asking for support. It is nerve-racking asking people you do and don’t know for money, but my God is bigger and I know that He will carry out everything He plans.
- FOMO: The Fear Of Missing Out is haunting me. Instead of being with my friends, starting college with them, and going to church with them, I’ll be without seeing them for an entire school year. Thoughts of being one year behind my friends in college is scary. I had always expected to graduate with them and be at the same pace. I have to keep reminding myself that everyone’s life is different and God is in control of time. Please pray for peace in my mind that I do not have to be like everyone else in terms of when I start and graduate college.
- My Family: Never have I ever gone an extended amount of time without seeing my immediate family. Nine months is daunting. I will not have contact with them everyday, nor will it always be an ideal time to talk. Without a physical presence, it is difficult to keep that same relationship with someone. I will not be as close with my mom, dad, or brother over the course of the trip and it is something I will need to adjust to. It will also be difficult to go without my brothers and sisters in Christ that have been with me throughout high school. Their encouragement keeps the fire for this trip burning inside of me. Also, my girlfriend and I need prayer. We plan to continue dating throughout the trip. Saying that it will be difficult to not see her for nine months is an understatement. Pray for clarity, strength, love, and commitment to be upheld in all of my relationships as I am on the race.
- My Heart: Begin praying now as I prepare that my heart will be focused on knowing God and making Him known, for that is my goal in everything I do. God’s glory is the reason for this trip and I will need help staying focused and not getting distracted by homesickness, breaks from ministry, conflicts in the countries, etc. I am aware that the devil can use even the smallest of things to change my entire mood and outlook on an event. Pray for focus and flexibility because I will not be able to control what happens or when it happens on the trip.
- The People: Pray for the hearts and lives of the people that we will minister to next year. Pray for open minds, excitement, and joy. Loving people is a difficult task sometimes. Pray that I will be able to show God’s love to others the way that Jesus did. Pray for my relationships with my teammates, and that we would get along and love each other.
Thank you so much for your support in reading this article and in prayer. If you have any questions about my trip or would like to find ways you can help, please ask me. I am always open to answering questions and listening to ideas for fundraising!
