Why the World Race? Why don’t I just stay in the States?
Because God said go.
After I graduated college, I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Bali, Indonesia. A week was not long enough. If I could have stayed, I would have in a heartbeat. It was a beautiful place, and I felt like I belonged there more than I belonged in the States.
After coming back from Bali, I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be my last time on mission in a different country. Our team was already planning to go back the next summer if God opened that door. The summer went on and then I started seeing ads for the World Race on Facebook and Instagram about spending 11 months in 11 countries. I thought to myself that would be awesome because I love to travel, and I would get to go to so many wonderful new places. But I ignored the ads because I didn’t want to go for selfish ambition. Well they kept popping up. So I prayed that God would take the selfish desires out of me, but the thought of being on mission for a year consumed my mind. I reached out to my closest friend, Taylyn, and she told me I should just apply and see what happens.
I prayed about it some more and my desires grew stronger and stronger.
I had to apply.
So I did.
Instant peace.
I was okay if I didn’t get accepted; that just meant God had other plans for me.
On the other hand, I was willing to go if that is what he wanted.
Whatever happened, I wanted His will to be done. So then there’s the phone interview. And the phone call… I’M GOING ON THE WORLD RACE! My cheeks were hurting because I couldn’t stop smiling. I can’t even imagine the works God is going to do through our team.
So why did I choose the World Race?
Because that’s where God led me, and there’s no way I can stay.
God reminded me a couple of days ago to not just work toward going on the World Race. Until the time comes for me to leave, I must remember that I have a task right where I am. There are people around me who are lost and I have the hope they need. I should be a full time worker; one who is always planting and watering seeds.
God is faithful and I know he will provide everything I need to share His love with others. This includes the words to say, the strength to get through hard days, mercy, love, food, supplies, and of course finances.
When I went to Bali, I didn’t want to ask for money to go. My parents raised me to work for what I get and not ask for things. It just happened that the semester before we were leaving, I got a grant to do research. The money from the grant almost covered the trip. The rest was covered by my second and third jobs. God provided without me having to get out of my comfort zone and ask for money. That will not be the case with the World Race. It is a lot of money, and I can’t lie and say I’m not nervous to ask people for support because I am. I think God is going to use this opportunity to grow my faith and allow me to experience what it means to be completely dependent on Him and His Church. This isn’t about me. It’s about Him. And that’s the thing about the body of Christ; we are all working for the same purpose.
So if you read this and feel led to give, please be obedient. You aren’t giving to me, you’re giving to God.
My prayer is that God will bless you for giving to His Kingdom.
His brilliant splendor fills the heavens, and the earth is filled with his praise. His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands, where his awesome power is hidden. Habakkuk 3:3-4
This picture was taken in Bali, Indonesia.
