A sweet friend named Amanda, who I met last year in my Perspectives on the World Christian Movement class, asked to interview me! She writes for her blog The Order in my Chaos, where she hopes to inspire and mobilize a new generation of missionaries. I wanted to share a snippet of the interview with you all, for a little sneak peek before the final post is up on her blog! This particular question she asked is one that I hear all the time, so it’s near and dear to me to clarify the heart behind international missions.
To those unfamiliar with international missions, the World Race may appear to be the ultimate adventure or vacation. Have you received any criticism about this mission especially in regards to your fundraising? Can you explain to curious readers the value of this mission as opposed to viewing it as an adventure? What is the difference?
Relaxing by the blue pool with a drink in one hand and scrolling through Instagram with the other. Sleeping in late, snuggled up in a queen-size bed with a fluffy comforter. All-you-can-eat continental breakfasts, stacking your plate with fresh muffins, eggs, crispy bacon, and buttered toast. Hopping in the car with your friends and driving to the best sightseeing spots, with your favorite playlist blasting and the wind kissing you through the open windows. All of this paints a picture of a fabulous vacation.
Squatting over a filthy hole in the ground, searching frantically for hand sanitizer buried somewhere deep in the backpack you’re living out of. Waking up on a thin sleeping pad that allows a few inches between you and the cold, hard ground, surrounded by five other sleep-deprived people. Texting your mom a quick, “I’m safe and okay!” reassuring message because you don’t know when the next time you’ll have access to wifi will be. Walking on a dirt path through an impoverished village, wearing the same soiled clothes you’ve had on for the past 3 days. All of this paints a picture of a World Racer’s journey.
Our society/culture today emphasizes ME, ME, ME. It’s all about achieving the best that you can, having the best things, and living your best life. But what if there was actually so much more than this selfish and prideful worldview? Instead of pursuing the American Dream, I’m committing to pursuing a Kingdom Dream. Some critics may say I’m just another millennial refusing to get a job, or a travel junkie seeking another stamp in my passport. But no, these are not reasons why I am participating in the World Race. I’m seeking first His Kingdom. The Lord has called me on this incredible adventure (YES, international missions IS an adventure!) because Jesus initiated it. He called his disciples to follow Him, not just spiritually, but also physically. Think about it: Jesus’ three years of ministry were not spent stagnantly in the same place. After growing up in Nazareth, he got baptized in Judea, crossed through Samaria, ministered in Galilee, recruited followers who traveled with him, visited Cana, preached in Capernaum, crossed the Sea of Galilee on a boat, went up mountains to pray alone, traveled to Tyre and Sidon in Lebanon, entered the region of the Decapolis, journeyed through Perea, and ended in Jerusalem.
Why do I list off all these hard to pronounce places? Jesus demonstrated that we are to GO and not keep the gospel to ourselves! Jesus did not stay in a comfortable bubble hanging out with people only like him. He talked to Pharisees, Canaanites, Sadducees, Samaritans…he associated with tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers…Jesus was not traveling to these places on vacation, but on mission. In the same manner, I will be associating with Haitians, Romanians, Indians, Zambians…spending time with orphans, the elderly, people sick or disabled…I am not traveling to these places on vacation, but on mission for God’s mission.
So yes, the World Race is in fact a beautiful, thrilling, and fulfilling adventure. Not because I will gain exotic souvenirs, but because God’s family will hopefully gain new members. That’s what it’s all about.
Luke 8:1 “Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.”
And now, almost two thousand years later, I am traveling about from one country to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. How cool to follow in His footsteps like that?!
You can read the full interview HERE!
Thanks lovely friends for your sweet support and prayers.
