I am currently sitting on an airplane trying not to bawl my eyes out like a baby. I cannot believe we left Africa today. I have dreamed of coming to this beautiful continent since I was a young girl. And while I am sad that we are leaving, I cannot explain how truly blessed I feel for the 3 months that we were able to spend here.
When we were driving to the airport this morning, we had to take back roads to avoid “jams” (aka traffic here in Africa). It was as though the Lord wanted me to see a side to Africa I had not yet seen. We went through a very poor neighborhood where children were digging through mud for food, the area was covered in garbage piles, and the people looked as though they were fighting to survive. As we drove along the muddy road, my heart broke. I didn’t understand why it seemed as though God saved this heartbreaking scene for the last moments I was in Africa. I had been in Africa for 3 months and saw some broken things for sure, but this … this was too much. I melted into my seat as I began to pray. I asked the Holy Spirit to give me His eyes, His love, and His peace in the situation. Here I was, a mzungo (white person) driving in a comfortable vehicle on my way to a nice airport with a bag full of materialistic things. It took everything in me not to bust out of the window and stay in that village with those people.
Like I said, I had seen things throughout my time in Africa that broke my heart, but I didn’t want this to be the last thing I saw before boarding a plane. But everything on this trip so far has been designed and planned out by the Lord. So I trust Him with what He allows me to see and not to see.
The World Race is designed to push you beyond your limits, break down walls, and shatter your perspective. And that is happening … in full blast. We have learned so much in our 3 months on the World Race so far, and we know that God has so much more He wants to teach us and show us in the remaining 8 months.
If there is one specific thing we are learning on the Race it is to pray fierce prayers and ask for things in boldness.
In praying fierce prayers and asking boldly, we have seen the miracle of salvation, school fees provided for, and the love of God accepted throughout Africa.
But leaving Africa we knew we needed to start praying fierce prayers for ourselves. We knew that we had to crank up our fundraising because our final deadline is December 31st and we have to be FULLY FUNDED in order to remain on the trip. I truly believe the Lord allowed me to see such brokenness those last moments in Africa to ignite a fire in our belly’s to stay on this trip. Last month, we often faced moments where the enemy convinced us it would be best if we went home . We weren’t seeing any finances come in for fundraising and we were processing through some really hard heart stuff. It seemed easier to give up. Go home. Quit the race. But in those last moments in Africa as we drove through that village, the Lord told me, “Ashley, I am choosing to use you. Will you do your part? Will you pray fiercely and ask boldly?” My initial response was no. Because it would be uncomfortable. Because it would be hard. But I AM ALL IN LORD. I am willing to do my part. And my part is to pray and ask. He will take care of the rest.
So this is our way of praying fiercely and asking boldly.
Being very blunt, we have $10,000 left to raise by December 31st. If 100 people donated $100 we would be fully funded. To the Lord, $100 is nothing. Because ALL money belongs to Him anyway! We are boldly asking that you please consider being part of the 100 people who donate $100 to our trip, and to the Kingdom. This trip has been life-changing and amazing so far. And we aren’t ready to be done – the Lord isn’t done with us yet. He is faithful and we know He will provide.
To donate, simply visit our blog and click “Support Us!” Thank you so much for your continual prayers and support.
We have trusted the Lord this far. And He has provided. We will continue to trust the Lord and He will continue to provide.
PS – Here is our Month 3: Kenya video recap. Enjoy 🙂 We worked with Manna Worldwide – you can learn more about their ministry here: www.mannaworldwide.com
