While in Cambodia (month 4) on my World Race, I met a squad of young adults on World Race Gap Year. I had really great conversations with some of them and immediately fell in love with their boldness, curiosity and enthusiasm. I thought about what a great opportunity this is for them. I immediately started dreaming about leading them and having the opportunity to share some of the things that the Lord taught me in that season of life.
As I was praying about working with this age group, I found out the next Gap Year squad would launch in September. Since I get home in August, I quickly dismissed the possibility. I had this tension between what the Lord may be calling me to and what seemed logical.
In Serbia (month 6) my team and I were at a prophecy conference hosted by the church we were working at. My friend was praying for me and saw a picture of me in a coffee shop with a group of young adults. “Maybe a World Race team?” she said. She went on to explain that she felt the investment that I’ve made in knowing and pursuing the Lord in this season has given me a rich foundation that He is going to use to nourish and grow others.
At the end of that month we had a debrief weekend. My squad mentor, Jeremy, asked me to pray about squad leading Gap Year in September. I immediately shared with him several reasons I was hesitant and wanted to look into the potential of leading a group leaving later in the year.
“God, why does Gap Year keep coming up,” I asked. I committed to spending the next month in prayer about my future. God was teaching me about surrender, and I trusted that His plans were much better than my own even if they seemed impossible.
In Romania (month 7) I had a meeting with my host. He started by asking me how I knew what the Lord was calling me to in the future. I answered truthfully by telling him that I was still trying to figure that out.
He led me to the Story of Nehemiah. We read a good portion of the first 6 chapters together. Nehemiah’s heart was broken for the people of Jerusalem. The wall was in ruins and they were vulnerable. He spent four months praying and agonizing over the situation.
Nehemiah worked very closely with the king and decided to ask permission to rebuild the wall. It was a ridiculous request, however the king not only granted permission but also gave security and supplies to get the job done. Nehemiah went to Jerusalem, rebuilt the wall and God also has him help rebuild the people. God paved the way, even when the situation seemed impossible.
My host went on to say, “The Lord gives us burdens and it’s our job to pray into what He wants us to do with said burden.” That’s what I was already committed to do- pray. So I did.
One morning, a few days later, I was simply resting in the presence of God. As I spent time journaling and praying, God began to speak very clearly to me. Here’s what I wrote-
“Bryanna, have I given you a burden?
No. Wait, Yes. Month 4 in Cambodia!
Bryanna, have I given you a prophecy?
Yes. My friend at that conference.
Bryanna, have I given you an open door?
Yes. Jeremy asked me to lead.
Bryanna, do you trust me?
Yes.
Bryanna, do you have peace?
No. It’s such a fast turnaround.
Bryanna, do you think it’s by accident that your brothers wedding falls during the few days you will be home and almost all of your people will be in one city during that time? I have such good plans for you.
I love you and I have the details figured out. Just say yes.”
So I did. I was all in. The Holy Spirit overwhelmed me with a peace that can only come from Him. I went through the application process and two interviews. Just a few days ago I was officially accepted to squad lead World Race Gap Year, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter the Lord is calling me to!
