Friends, family, supporters,
I have some exciting news!
These past couple of weeks have been crazy. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind of prayers, fundraisers, and social media support raising. I have been so blessed by family, friends, coworkers, and complete strangers! And through it all, I kept praying that God would give me a clear answer on when I should leave for the World Race.
Sometimes when I pray for something so specific, I am shocked when God answers so clearly. This past weekend was Rock the Lakes here in Erie. It’s basically a music festival with bands ranging from Metal to Hip Hop; from Red to Toby Mac. Both nights Franklin Graham spoke, and thousands heard the message of Jesus. Thousands. But that isn’t the shocking part; the shocking part is that out of the 13, 880 people that attended, 1, 056 people made decisions to follow Jesus.
1, 056.
So where exactly am I going with this?
Erie has the highest rate of poverty in Pennsylvania. Gun violence is on the rise. There are kids who need hope, and families who need help. When it snows (as we all know it’s going to) there will be people who need clothes, and shelter, and a cup of hot chocolate. While we all spend millions on our materialized Christmas, there will be a child who has never felt the love of a family on any day of the year. In my city. Is any of this pulling on anyone’s heart as it is mine?
Now where is that good news I was going announce? The good news is that Hope is here. God is here.
I still feel just as called to the World Race as I did when I first got my acceptance call. Actually, I feel that it is more clarified. I am confident that God has much to teach me when I abandon the comforts of home and set out on an adventure with my team to serve the nations. But, one thing has changed. As I prayed about when I should leave, God answered with a one-word answer: WAIT.
I’m no longer leaving in January, I’m switching to July Route 3 (countries to be announced soon!).
My World Race route is starting later, but my Race starts now. It starts here, in the good ole USA. Erie, PA. God has given me this direction, this extra time. Time to serve, time to love, time to pray, time to step in to relationship with people. Time to grow in my relationships with my friends and my family. Time to go out into my city and share the hope and grace that I have been shown. And it is my sincere hope that you will stay on this journey with me.
With so much love and thanks,
Casey
Stay tuned for my new Route, financial deadlines, and more! To follow my blog, click the link at the side of the page.
