The World Race – an 11 month mission trip to 11 countries in the world – an intensive discipleship program which aims to grow one in all ministries.
04/03 – the day I first heard about the World Race. It happened in my local Starbucks here in Johannesburg, South Africa, as I was sitting at a little round table with my earphones in ears, my brother across from me, and casually working on a university design project. A group walked in and there was a tugging within my Spirit to talk to them and find out what they were doing. (side note: I really am not one to just turn to a group of strangers while in my comfort zone and just talk to them. Not at all. On this day however, I was). I turned to one of the girls. Her name is Lillabea. She told me what they were doing and once I knew that I kind of just went back into my own little bubble. The tugging continued – “Ash, find out more!” .. “hah, NOPE, I’m good thanks”. They soon left and I was just super upset. Another two girls then walked in and I looked up and felt that tug again. “These are the ones” – uhm okay. They came and sat down next to me too and soon found out that they too were part of the group that were sitting beside me before. Their names are Kylie and Taylor. The tugging continued but I got up and left. To cut the story short, I ended up making my way back to Starbucks and awkwardly pulled a chair up to their table and found out all that I had to know about what they were doing and what the whole World Race thing was about. Once I got up and left this conversation the tugging had stopped and I felt so at peace and yet so emotional too – yes, tears did start running down my face like mini waterfalls. I did not know why, and I still cannot explain it, but it was all God. The start to this journey was birthed 13/01 in the smallest sense, but this whole Starbucks experience was an answered prayer to that fast which I had been on about a month prior. This was just a short event of what was to be revealed in the upcoming week (A week of just God .. God revealing things in the most magical ways), and I know for sure that He is calling me into this season for next year.
(Quick question – WHY.. just why.. do we tend to play a game of “tug and war” with God? Go on, cut the rope of fear and reluctancy to end the game, and He will prove just how faithful He is in answering you!)
I am a very structured person – a planner. One with lots and lots of lists. I like knowing what I have to do, when I have to do it, and why I have to do it, therefore this whole scenario being completely out of my comfort zone. At the same time though, I have such peace about it. Does it matter that I don’t know when I am going to a certain place and what I will be doing on that specific day and why? – mm usually yes, but with this? No, not at all. I know that God’s plans are far greater than my own, and that He will guide my every step of this journey. How will I soar in the blue blue skies without trusting in the plan He has mapped out for me already?
He picked me up and gave me a new set of wings.
With a new vision in sight,
He gave me a platform to take flight.
“BUT LORD I WILL HAVE MY DEGREE! A degree to a career I have wanted since about third grade! (that being one in architecture).” – Yes, the natural thoughts that run through my head. BUT no Ash, it does not work that way – you need to make room up in that headspace of yours where the supernatural desires of God may start to thrive.
I am called, as a child of God, to go out into the nations and make disciples. I am called to shine the light and love of the One whom gives me light and love. I am here to fulfil my Kingdom purpose – that being one that He who is greater than I has called me into, not my own plan. After all, I am fully surrendered to His call for my life, and yes, I do believe that this is where I am being guided for the upcoming year. I have committed to laying down my own plans in order to elevate His plans for my life above my own.
I had a vision of a little boat drifting gently on still-ish waters. I thought for a moment of just how I, myself, am that boat. On declaring that I am a vessel to be filled and sent out by my God to make His name known, I had to set my sail in the right direction. The direction that points directly towards the cross, with a clear vision of my purpose in sight. Here, above waters, I need to realise that storms will wage war causing waters to become unsteady. Yes, challenges will come, wave after wave, to try and set me off path. They will come, storm after storm, to try and tip it completely over so that I may fall, once again, into the waters where my past lies. Wanting me to TURN BACK and lose focus .. but, even when waters rise and storms come about, this little boat of mine will stay on path as it sits in the hands of my God – it’s compass therefore never failing.
I am but a boat –
I drift above the deepest waters in which my failures now reside.
Heavy, they sink to the very bottom.
Far out of reach.
I am made new.
I am but a boat –
A vessel.
One filled with the greatest Love of all.
Being set out where the whisper of my God, so gently in the wind, calls my very name.
I am but a boat –
Ready to set sail.
My purpose filled future in sight.
After applying, praying, and getting accepted, I chose a route which departs in October 2019. Route 1 consists of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Benin, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Architecture, my absolute passion – was placed in my heart during my childhood for a reason. After much prayer about it, I got a follow on Instagram (yeah, weird).. but it was from a branch of a huge organisation.This particular branch is the only one out of ALL other branches (ie. all over 180 of them) that offers an architecture internship. The aim of it is to basically teach one how to apply architecture and design in missions – I KNOW RIGHT, CRAZY! How did they even find me? and yes, this happened only after I took that step of faith in applying for this missionary trip. To be honest, only God will know .. but what I do know is that this tiniest of event was for a reason, and that continuing to pursue my life long dream degree right now is what needs to be done.
Next year however, this trip is where I am being led, and I am so expectant for the work of my miraculous God to be done. I therefore write this to you all to ask if you could partner with me in prayer. Prayer for strength, guidance, safety, and for the work of our God to be done. I also ask if you could consider partnering with me in finances. The trip costs required will cover all flights, accommodation, meals, and medical insurance for the entire 11 months – small or big, every bit is much appreciated.
Lots of love and blessings,
Ash xx
