I have joined the World and here goes my very first post!!!
My passion for missions was first ignited when I was in a third grade Geography class, which was taught by a former missionary. Her passion for helping the lost and hurting combined with the leading of the Holy Spirit birthed in me a spark that could not be extinguished. In freshman year of high school, my youth group played a video of an incredible Missionary to Iraq who was imprisoned for her faith. I was deeply moved by this video and was inspired to take action and get involved in International missions. Soon after, there was an opportunity to join a weekend trip to Mexico in which I participated, and boy did the Lord change me after that! It was so different hearing these incredible stories of missionaries reaching out to the broken and lost and actually experiencing it first hand. In Mexico, we visited different orphanages, handed out clothing to those in need, and held a community outreach BBQ. Later, in Jr. year, I had another opportunity to go minister to the rural villages of Alaska with an organization called Global Expeditions. On this trip, we were able to bless the local people with service projects such as building a garden and helping chop wood for winter preparations, as well as hold a small VBS event. Two years later, in summer 2011, my life was forever changed when I visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with Ordinary Hero. In Ethiopia, our team was able to take in children who lived on the streets (some with families, some without). We helped shower these precious children, provided them with clean clothes and toiletries, fed them and took them to the city zoo. These children were so blessed to see and realize that there is someone who cares for them and loves them and we were able to share the news of Jesus and His unconditional love for them. We also had opportunities to hold babies with severe illness who were awaiting adoption at orphanages, hand fed lepers who lived isolated in the city dump, and wash the feet of elderly women who had to trek up a mountain daily to provide for their families. This whole experience was one that left my heart broken and burdened for not only the precious people we encountered and lived among, but also people all around the world who were living in such conditions. My worldview was flipped 180 degrees. It made me realize that, wow, there is a whole world out there outside of my own little comfortable world. A world that not only needs my help, but that is also in desperate need of Jesus Christ. These orphans, widows, lepers, and homeless people are broken and hurting, and need someone to tell them of the unfailing love that God has for them and the amazing hope that we have in Him! And boy am I blessed that the Lord has selected me to be one of those “someones”!!
Phew! All that to say, I have a huge heart for serving the least of these and am SO excited that the Lord has allowed me to join the World Race this July! Here’s how He presented this incredible opportunity to me!
When I was 18 years old, I heard about the world race from a friend and knew that this was something the Lord was calling me to and decided that this would be my goal for when I graduate college. I began preparing myself physically, spiritually and emotionally in the meantime and was working towards earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Global Cultures, but as you probably know, our plans are not His plans! After the closing of some doors and opening of many others, I felt His strong calling to join the world race for the July route 1 race…. 3 months form now!…. Not in 2 years. I’m humbled by the fact that He has confidence that I am ready. Although I may not feel as fully prepared as I thought I would be in 2 years, HE IS! “My grace is sufficient for you, My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) The Lord does not require that we are perfect and capable in our own abilities, but rather that we are willing to fully trust in Him and to make ourselves available to be used. I was watching a testimonial from a WR alumni the other day who said this awesome quote: “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called”. This is now posted to my wall 🙂
God is so good and I am super excited to see all of the INCREDIBLE things He is going to do!
I would be honored to have your support, both financial and prayer. Together, WE can change the lives of "the least of these".
