Growing up, I can always remember searching – searching for something. At the time, I had no idea what it was that I was searching for, but I knew that a piece of my life was out there. Was I missing love, affection, meaning, purpose, or just intimate friendships?
At that time, I didn’t really understand how the words “meaning” and “purpose” fit into what would become an absolute yearning in my life. And then someone shared their view on our need for God. Their words, that there’s a God-shaped hole in every human heart that only God can fill, brought so much clarity to my life-long search. Things finally clicked. I was yearning for God. My Creator allowed me to have this void in my life so that in my desperation to fill it, I would call on Him as my Savior. I realized that what (or more correctly, Who) I needed had been with me the whole time — God.
Now, let’s fast forward to college. College has been a wonderful learning experience, far beyond academics. I’ve learned so much about myself and even more about God’s plans for me. Leaving the comfort zone of my hometown of Lafayette, LA, required me to hold myself accountable for my faith. Was I going to put God on the back burner during my college years? Or was I going to take the opportunity before me, namely the next 4 years, to grow in my faith and surrender to completely to Him? Luckily, with His guidance, I chose the second option. And I thank God I did.
Fast forwarding again, this time to Junior year. While attending a Bible study with an amazing group of people, God, completely without my knowledge, was busy changing my life and preparing me for the call that He was about to place on my heart.
How did He do this? Well, around November of last year, posts about The World Race began coming up on Facebook. It looked really interesting, but I kept ignoring it, making a mental note to check it out later. Finally, in February of this year, after many not-so-coincidental run-ins with The World Race, I finally looked at the website. I spent that entire cold February night watching all the videos and reading blog after blog. Basically, when I clicked The World Race link, everything clicked. I knew that this was what I needed to do.
I spent the next couple weeks praying like crazy. Then, one weekend, I decided that it was time to tell my mom. A few minutes into our conversation, no longer able to keep the news to myself, I said, “Hey mom, I want to talk to you about something because I think I’ve had a little change of plans.” Understand that at that time I still had a year of college left and plans for graduate school. But my mom’s response wasn’t anything about that. She immediately said, “So, you’re going to be a missionary after you graduate?” Wow. God is remarkable.
So after a series of weeks in prayer and discernment, I knelt before God and prayed for an open heart, listening ears, and a SIGN. Matthew 7:7 tells us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” And in keeping with this verse, I asked God for a vivid sign of a YES. I needed to know that this was God’s plan and not just some selfish dream of mine.
And it’s funny the way He works. About 2 hours after I prayed this prayer, God answered in a big way. I was at my Tuesday night Bible Study, chatting and trying to avoid thinking about the decision that I was going to have to make. Then in walks Lauren, one of my friends from Bible study, with a World Race t-shirt on! I couldn’t help but laugh. I had never seen her with that shirt on, and she told me that she hardly ever wore it. God has a sense of humor. He not only sent me a vivid sign, but a walking, talking human sign. And He sent the sign in the middle of a group of people that were going to support me in choosing the path that I was called to take.
As I had received my answer, I took the next step and applied for the World Race. After waiting nervously and anxiously, experiencing both confidence and questioning, I was accepted!!
So, here I am. Only 7 months away from the most challenging journey of my life. I will be traveling to 11 different countries in 11 months serving and ministering to those in need, and I want to invite you to journey with me. Come with me as I make disciples of men. As I spread the love, grace, mercy, and unending joy that comes with surrendering your life to the One who loves us more than we could imagine.
And how can you journey with me?
First, and most importantly, PRAY – pray for me and my teammates as we prepare to leave this country we call home – that our mind, body, and spirit are filled with the peace of Christ and the confidence that He goes before us every step of the way.
Second, subscribe to my blog by entering your email in the box to the left and clicking “subscribe”. You will then receive an email every time I update and post on my blog.
Third, help spread the word by sharing my blog and stories on Facebook and social media.
Lastly, financial support. You can support me by clicking the “Support Me” tab on the left and following the instructions there. I will be posting specific details soon, but basically, I need to raise $16,243 to go on the World Race. That amount covers all of my expenses for the entire 11 months. This is a daunting task, but I trust that God will provide.
I want to thank you right now, in the beginning of this journey, as each and every one of you play an important role in bringing the Kingdom to Earth. Whether or not you are called to uproot yourself for an entire year or to serve those right around you, we can all do something. Thank you for your love and support as I am preparing to embark on this journey. I can’t wait for what God has in store!
XOXO
Ash
