I have been on a roller coaster since being back home after the race. To be honest, it hasn’t been the prettiest of rides. It has been ugly some days.
My mom experienced one of those days…where I cried uncontrollably for an hour. I can’t even describe all of the reasons for this because I’m not exactly sure why I was crying. I believe that the Enemy has tried repetitively to sink me into depression. One day in December, I had a suicidal thought. Never has this happened in my life. It was an out-of-body experience because my mind said, NO! That is foolishness. But the evil spirit was speaking that life wasn’t worth it. (I literally experienced that scripture that says the war we wage isn’t against flesh and blood but against the principalities and authorities of the evil spirits-Ephesians 6:12).
Although my roller coaster has been filled with spiritual attacks from the enemy, it has also been filled with God’s faithfulness. I’ve seen the Lord reconcile my health—physically and emotionally. The Lord has revived my heart—to claim victory (because life and death are in the tongue-Proverbs 18:21) and to trust in those promises of His Word. The Lord has directed my steps—in ways that I wouldn’t have expected a year ago.
A little background:
Back in August, when my parents came on the parent mission trip to visit us, we were talking about plans after the race. Of course, I had no idea. But my dad said, “I have been telling the other parents that I think you will work with AIM after the race.” (AIM-Adventures in Missions is the organization that sent me on the race) And honestly, I thought, YOU ARE CRAZY DAD! Why in the world would I be called to an office job? I am a teacher, not a businesswoman. And how could this help me towards my dream of a community center?
(My parents and me at church in Nicaragua) 
Two months later, Aly, one of my teammates, and I were talking about life after the race. She mentioned to me that I would be a great person to be in the admissions department at AIM. She said that I would do a good job at this because I love hearing stories and encouraging people in the season they are in. Again, I thought…what in the world? Why do these people think I should work in an office? I like to hear stories and disciple others…how would that be useful in the office?
(Aly is a wise woman)
During the last few months of the race, I had been praying that the Lord would give me a direction toward reaching my long-term goal of opening the community center. The word He gave me was “discipleship.” To grow in learning how to disciple but also to be discipled.
How do all of these stories tie together?
Early in December, I received an email from AIM asking if I was interested in applying for a position. The position was as a mobilizer. Someone who helps equip missionaries from the point of admissions to launching to their ministries.
As I was reading the email, I couldn’t believe the words in the email. The Lord dropped this in my lap…and I was surprised. Why? I don’t know, but that I can be a dumb sheep sometimes. He had prepared my heart months ago through my dad and Aly. God quickly reminded me of those moments.
But in that moment, all He asked of me was to take the steps of obedience. So I replied and asked for more information.
Fast forward to January. During our reunion conference at the office, I was excited for this retreat as a way to refocus my heart on the Lord without the distractions of life. Also, to drop the chains that Satan had been trying to lock around me (i.e., depression, worth). I prayed that it would be a freeing week. And the Lord provided, abundantly!
(Fusion at the conference)
Along with the spiritual work He completed that week, He also opened up the doors for interviews for the job I was emailed about. This week I realized that working at the office would totally make sense.
- The heart of AIM is to disciple—I can grow in discipleship and be discipled
- As a mobilizer, I will be able to disciple the missionaries as they prepare to leave their homes and embark on their next season
- There is a large population of Hispanic people in the Gainesville area—I can serve with the people group that the Lord has given me a love for
- Working at a non-profit and in the business field—I want to open a non-profit community center and I have little business experience
- Networking connections—in one of my interviews, I learned about a community center in Bufurd that is similar to what the Lord has laid on my heart. I can visit and gain understanding from their experiences
- My identity isn’t a teacher—I am His daughter, and He can use me in any way He desires. Teacher “skills” are transferable
- He has more—I’m not sure what else He has planned for me in this next season, but I know it is more than the above things
So here we are, at that question…
What are you going to do after the race?
I will mobilize!
Merriam-Webster’s definitions of mobilize:
- to bring (people) together for action
- to come together for action
- to make (soldiers, an army, etc.) ready for war
I love these definitions. Just like I shared in my stories above, we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but we are soldiers in the spiritual realm.
I love that as a mobilizer for Adventures in Missions, the Lord will use me to bring people together for their “action” in the form of a mission trip, to act on behalf of his people around the world.
I get the awesome opportunity to help equip these missionaries as they go into all of the nations. I will be able to experience how these participants learn to walk in His authority, to break walls of regret, hopelessness, and fear, and then establish lands of love, joy, and peace.
What does this look like day-to-day?
- Support and encourage participants—answering questions or concerns and walking through spiritual rollercoasters
- Instructing participants in their mobilization—checking in to make sure they are completing requirements for their training and launch (i.e., uploading passport information)
- Encourage participants in fundraising—advise and support their journeys in meeting the deadlines for fundraising goals
- Participate in training camps—before the participants leave for the field, we will work to prepare them through a variety of activities (i.e., teambuilding)
Click for more information about the organization:
What is your part in this?
- Prayer!! Please be praying that I would share His love well and have a teachable heart.
- Follow my journey! New blog: http://bethcrenshaw.myadventures.org (If you follow my World Race blog, you will automatically be subscribed!)
- Financial support! As I partner with AIM again, would you partner with them as well? Support how they empower Christians around the world to follow the Great Commission, just like I did on the World Race! Each donation is tax deductible.
Each year, I need to raise $6000/year.
Monthly donations and one-time gifts can be given in two ways:
- Online! Click here to visit my new blog, and click “Support Me!” Then follow the directions to set up your donation.
- Mail your check to Adventures in Missions!
Address: Adventures in Missions
PO Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
**Make sure to put “Beth Crenshaw” on the memo line!
I start work February 8th! I have already started moving to Gainesville—I am renting a room from a coworker. Below are pictures of my room!
I am incredibly excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. And I am so blessed by each of you—for supporting me as I follow the Lord!
Love,
Beth
