Some of you may be wondering how I ended up here, so I’ll start with that. Ever since I was little, I’ve had a travel bug. I am always seeking adventure; I knew I wanted to go somewhere new for college and I did (Ohio to Florida)… But that wasn’t enough. My junior year, I was lead to study abroad in Spain where I got my first taste of truly being immersed in another culture. I fell in love.
After college I was still missing something, my faith. I visited a handful of churches but the day I walked into Radiant Church my life was changed. I met a group of fun-loving people, who accepted me just as I was. They didn’t care about my past and wanted to show me how much they care about me, but ultimately how much I am loved by Jesus. A few months after joining Radiant I thought, okay cool, churches do mission trips… Maybe this can provide another opportunity for me to travel. And it did. In August 2015 I served 7 days in the Dominican Republic at schools and orphanages.
It didn’t take much longer than 24-48 hours in DR for me to recognize my calling for international missions. Regardless of the distance from family, lack of communication with friends or checking social media (WHAT?!), my heart was so FULL serving those in need and witnessing people can love so much, when they have so little. Upon my return, I began fervently researching how, when, and where I could do something like this again! I knew a week here and there wouldn’t cut it. God placed some key people in my life who told me about the World Race, as well as other organizations. Through prayer, I determined the World Race was the perfect fit for me and where God was telling me to go.
Seems easy enough, but it hasn’t been so. Following a calling this big takes a lot of prayer and trust in God. Trust that he will work out every detail, allow me to raise the funds needed, and ordain my steps. This is only the beginning and I know it has been easier than anything I will face in the year to come. So what do I do now? I need to get out of my own way… As humans it is natural to let our mind race, our thoughts calculate every possible, irrational outcome. It’s easier to sit and make lists than actually start them. And easier to SAY you will trust in God to provide your needs than start taking the necessary actions for Him to show up. I need to stop over thinking, under-doing, and start running with endurance the race I am beginning.
I hope this message can encourage anyone else dealing with the initial fears or frustrations of such a big life change. I also hope some of you will consider cheering me on from the sidelines! If you have questions or want to know how you can support, please send me an e-mail at: [email protected]
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
