Just last week, I was in Atlanta, GA preparing to take my first step on an 11-month journey around the world. With eager expectancy, I knew that this was not just the start of my World Race experience, but rather, a lifetime of ministry. During launch in Atlanta, my mentor approached me on the last night and said that she felt as if God wanted to tell me, “I will not betray your trust.” What she did not know was that during the past few months, I have been saying, “I trust you, God” over and over in my head each time I have experienced even the briefest moment of doubt or unbelief or fear. Every time any of these feelings continue to surface, I still whisper, “I trust you,” but now I instantly hear the echo of my Father answering, “I will not betray your trust.” What a good, good God we serve! As I entrust Him with more of my life, He allows me to see more of His character.
He has certainly stood by His promise thus far. After arriving in Lima, Peru on the night of October 7th, my team and I stayed in a hostel for one night. The next morning, we took an additional 8-hour bus ride to our final destination in Huaraz. The city is located in a beautiful mountainous region of Peru and resides at approximately 10,000 feet in elevation. It is widely known as the best hiking city in the country!
Although the landscape is gorgeous, the hearts of the people here are even more beautiful. Upon arrival in Huaraz, we were greeted by our hosts, Nancy, Rolando, Ade, and Rachel. They are some of the kindest people I have ever met and generously serve with open hands and hearts. Our hosts connected us with their local ministry called AWI (Asociacion Alli Willaqui, AKA “The Good News”). AWI partners with Wycliffe to translate the bible to many languages all over the world! In Huaraz, specifically, there is a large concentration of native Quechua people in the surrounding mountain villages. After 55 YEARS of working to translate the bible into the Quechua language, the FIRST COPY was officially released on August 10th, 2019! For this reason, most of our ministry in Peru will consist of sharing the gospel with the Quechua people for the first time in their native language! Outreach will occur in part through day-trips to nearby villages. Throughout our first week here, we have also played a part in pioneering the way for popular worship songs to be translated to the Quechua language. It is so beautiful to see the unique ways people around the world give glory to the God of the universe!
I feel so humbled that God would allow me to serve alongside His church body around the world! Although final goodbyes at home were extremely tough and leaving the familiarity of the United States can feel uncomfortable, I cannot wait to see the ways God will continue to move over the course of the next year. He has already put so many details in place! It has become so clear that God has already paved the way before me and His presence continues to go with me, offering grace for each moment as it comes. I do not want to miss out on a single opportunity to learn more about the heart of my perfect Father.
