Here’s the thing: I am not the strongest writer. My parents may disagree, but I feel that my brain moves faster than my fingers. I can easily talk your ear off about the subject in question; however, I struggle with translating my thoughts to paper. So, this is me making my best effort to write something cohesive, thought-provoking, and informative. If you know me and have found yourself reading this then I suppose you have two questions in mind: Why am I here and what in the world has Allyson gotten herself into now?
I am about to launch on a life changing mission trip to 11 countries. This is my story.
Way back in 2008 a song called “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath played nearly every hour on our local Christian radio station. Naturally, I learned the lyrics to this song by heart. It may not have meant much to my 12-year-old self, but through the years the song morphed into a pretty significant prayer of mine. The lyrics say, “Give me your eyes so I can see, Everything that I keep missing, Give me your love for humanity. Give me your arms for the broken-hearted the ones that are far beyond my reach. Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten. Give me your eyes so I can see.” As Christians, we are called to live like Jesus and Jesus never misses a broken heart. On the contrary, do we not miss broken hearts on a daily basis? Nearly every major street corner in America has a disheveled-looking man or woman holding up a sign that states that they need help. And what do most of us do? We often avert our eyes attempting to not make awkward eye contact because we have heard that offering money usually leads to them buying some item that we would consider useless. In the past few years, I have grown more and more convicted by my eye aversions. If I ask God to give me His eyes, love, and heart for those who are in need, then why am I avoiding them? Long ago I committed my life to the Lord so He could use me in whatever capacity He sees fit. That commitment requires a WHOLE lot of obedience on my part. Obedience to God often leads us into uncomfortable situations. Clearly, it is not beyond me that there is a humanitarian need right here at home. I do what I can here, but it is important to recognize that there is a great need to share God’s love for us to those unreached places throughout the world. In 2021, I am striving to take these lyrics, this long-standing prayer of mine, and walk in it—I am seeking a way to see people the way God does, to love others where and how they need to be loved, and to comfort those who are struggling in their brokenness.
Though the song lyrics are motivating, it is a verse in the Bible that gives me my direction. Isaiah 61:1-2 states, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.” Many years ago, my friend Anna and I did a Bible study on these verses. I felt very convicted by the call to action that these words inspired, but I wasn’t quite sure where to start or how to live so boldly in my faith. For a lot of you reading this blog, you may not have realized where I was in my walk with God and that bothers me. Please understand that my decision to go on the World Race is not to bring attention to myself; rather, my decision is to bring attention to God. I once asked God to use me however He saw necessary and it seems to that this is the next step. During this trip, I hope to turn away from my selfishness and courageously step into my role as a servant of Christ. I also hope to diversify my understanding of the Lord. If we are all made in His image, then everyone is a piece of God. I hope that living in an intimate Christian community will stretch my knowledge of the Bible, encourage discipline in prayer, and allow me the opportunity to be vulnerable with the people I come in contact with. The World Race allows me the opportunity to travel to 11 countries in 11 months. The countries I will be travelling to are located in the 10/40 window. The 10/40 window is a name for coordinates to an area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia that are the least evangelized countries. There are significant religious regulations and a prevalent poor community in the aforementioned countries. That is why I have joined the World Race: to be part of a movement bigger than myself and share the Good News to those who have yet to hear it.
I am so excited that you are walking with me throughout this adventure! I have a lot to share and I implore you to come alongside me. Help me stay the course and join the story of God giving us new eyes to see. You can pray, you can support me financially, and you can subscribe to my bog. You have already made an impact on my life and helped shape the person that I am today. I would love the opportunity to bring you along on this journey! Call me if you have any comments, questions, or concerns. I would love to share more of my heart for this mission with you.
Until next time, I will leave you with one last thought: Psalm 119:57-60 sums up my desire quite nicely, “Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.”
