A year ago today, I interviewed for the World Race. Then I got a call about 7 hours later saying that I had been accepted.
With the new year coming up, and the route almost full, AIM (the organization that does the World Race) needed to know if I was committed to the Race.
“Do you see yourself leaving for the World Race in July of next year? Is it something you feel God is calling you to do?”
I stood there in the Panera parking lot alone and said a little three letter word that changed my life forever, “Yes!”.
And that’s when this crazy journey began!
But what has really been hitting me lately is that this journey started far before that day I said yes to the World Race.
The day that truly changed everything was January 4, 2011 at Passion Conference.
That day was the day that God woke me up in the most beautiful way. He showed me that being a Christian was so much more than a list of rules. It was so much more than not drinking, cussing, having sex, or doing drugs. I fell in love with the truth of the Gospel for the first time and He opened my eyes to the grace He has poured over my life in each moment.
And in that moment, He showed me that living a life surrendered to Him was what I was made for. I had been living for myself and my good and my glory and I had seen how empty that left me.
In those moments, God began to whisper to me that He had much bigger plans than I ever imagined. I remember the word “missons” being tossed around in my head from that moment on.
My whole life, I had this image that missionaries were these super Christians. They had 78% of the Bible memorized and they never sinned. They dressed in floor length skirts and turtle necks. They were perfect.
But during those beautiful days at Passion, God’s grace totally shifted my mentallity. I was created to be a missionary.
I sin daily. I struggle with the same insecurities I struggled with at home. I definitely do not have 78% of the Bible memorized and turtle necks are itchy.
But I am missionary because of the Gospel. I am a missionary because Jesus is the perfection I could never and will never be.
Being a missionary isn’t some extreme idea for those who are better Christians than everyone else. It is a call on the life of every single follower of Christ.
Whether in America, Vietnam, or Uganda, every moment of my life is meant to share the love and glory of Christ with the world. That’s what a missionary is.
So with the anniversary of my “Yes!” to the World Race and Passion 2013 coming up in a few days, I can’t help but be SO excited for all God has in store.
I am sitting here in a coffee shop in Vietnam that has become my second home this month. I am processing that in just 6 short hours I will be on my first flight to get to AFRICA. If you had told me 2 years ago I would ring in 2013 in Uganda, I would have laughed at you.
But the beautiful thing about a life that chases after Jesus is greater than we could ever expect. It’s a life that steps out in faith, that steps into the uncomfortable and unknown. It’s a journey that brings us closer and closer to making less of ourselves and more of Jesus.
So while I’m praying for some decent internet in Uganda so I can watch some of Passion 2013, I am blessed more than I ever imagined.
I am living out Passion 2013.
Parts of me so desperately want to be in the Georgia Dome next week, worshipping next to my mom, brother, and best friends. I want to be hearing the most incredible teaching by my favorite pastors and writers. I want to be worshipping with 60,000+ people my own age.
But Passion is meant for so much more than the Dome. The impact Passion has on the lives of all who attend is meant to change the world forever. We are called the 268 generation.
While millions of dollars will be given for the freedom of slaves, I get to wrap my arms around the very ones who are held captive. I get to love on people who have been trapped in darkness and have no hope. Both are needed for the Kingdom of God to be spread to the world. Both are apart of the body of Christ. Both declare God’s glory in the nations.
And the exact same God that spoke to me so powerfully at Passion 2011, is going to be reigning over every moment I am in Uganda. The same Holy Spirit that is rocking the lives of thousands in Atlanta, Georgia, will be doing the exact same to me in Jinja, Uganda.
We serve one incredible God.
To those going to Passion 2013: I am praying for you! I am praying that God shows up in your life in ways like never before. I am praying your love for Jesus is grown in huge ways and you step further into a life surrendered to Him. I pray that you trust Him as He calls you into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Himself. I pray His Spirit ministers to you in deep and personal ways and you leave a changed person. Get ready! You never know, He may call you to some random African country in 2 years!
“Walking in the way of your truth, we wait eagerly for you, for Your Name and renown are the desire of our souls” Isaiah 26:8
Financial Update: I still am not fully funded and I am supposed to be by January 1st! Please pray about giving and click the link on the left side of the screen that says Support Me! Thank you!!!!
