Ever since I was a little girl, God has put a sense of wonder in my heart at the thought of seeing the world, of experiencing the vibrant cultures, tasting exotic foods and soaking in the diversity of His creation. I love to travel. There is no doubt about it. What I love more than traveling, though, is traveling with purpose: to share the love and joy of the God who has so radically rocked my world. It’s no surprise then that when I first heard about the World Race on Christmas day 2009, something sparked in my heart and I thought, ‘I have to do this.’ I waited two long years from that point until I finally felt the precious encouragement from Papa God. He said simply: ‘Go.’
The World Race is an 11 month journey to 11 countries across 3 continents. My team will leave in July 2012 to serve alongside churches and ministries in these countries. We will feed the starving, minister to the sick, love on AIDS orphans, share the gospel, and encourage believers in places where less than 1% of the population believes. We will live like the people live, budgeting only $1.25 per meal and traveling as the locals travel. A sleeping bag and tent will be my home for a year. God has also put it on my heart to sell everything I own to go. I am giving Him my most valued and cherished belongings and trusting that what He has for me is better than any material possession. I am giving up all I have to answer His call.
There is a thrill in my heart when I think about how God will move in my life and in the lives of others in the coming year. When I leave with my backpack, its contents will be my only possessions in the world. A sleeping bag and tent will be my home. My 8 days of clothing will no doubt become tattered and worn from hand-washing and faded from drying in the sun, but I know with every beat of my heart that it is worth it. I know deep in the pit of my soul that I cannot be comfortable here, in a nation of plenty, while I know that there is a broken world outside its borders. I know all this because it is not about me. It is about the Kingdom. I will give my life to be the hands and feet of a passionate and loving God to a broken and aching world.
May the Lord bless you and keep you! May he make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
With all the love in my heart,
Angelique
