So the number one question I get asked is why? Why give up a year of my life: the comforts, safety, security, to travel the world and tell people about Jesus and help them practically with their immediate needs? Why can't I do that here instead?
Depending on the relationship I have with the person asking, I give various answers. Yes there are problems that need to be met here, and yes I could spend my life devoted to spreading the gospel here and do a lot of good. But I ask you to look at it from my point of view, I can do more good to a larger amount of people with less resources there than I can here.
To those who ask if I'm scared, yes and no, if that makes any sense.
To those who ask why I give up comforts and safety, I have multiple answers: Because I don't deserve less than Hell aside from the grace of God. Because I am not guaranteed comfort, safety, or security here, now or in the future, and anyone who thinks they are is fooling themselves. Because as Christine Caine said, "safety, comfort, and security are not the goals of Christianity, people are." Because my God will supply all my needs according to His riches and glory (I have tested this and know it to be true.) Fun quote: "As if somehow the purpose of life is to arrive at death safely." Christine Caine, Passion 2012.
Why am I going? Well I found this verse last night in my devotions that sums up my goals. Isaiah 1:17 "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."
Ultimately, I choose to spend the next year or so living a life totally abandoned to His will, specifically by traveling abroad learning to do good, seeking justice in many different venues, helping any oppressed people I can find, defending all of the many, many orphans I will get to meet, and fighting for the rights of those widows I will be fortunate enough to meet. And yes, that's my final answer!
