We live in a world where news travels fast- especially bad news. As soon as the media gets a hold of a story, it is quickly blown out of proportion and spread like wildfire. Hence the overreactions to coronavirus that have led to people hoarding mass amounts of toilet paper instead of simply taking the proper precautions recommended by the government and the health department.
But why isn’t this the case with the good news? Why do we hold back sharing the light that we get to live in? Why are we timid about telling friends and family how Jesus has radically transformed our lives? The kingdom of God isn’t just about going to heaven one day. It’s about living the abundant life He has for us here on this earth. It’s about experiencing the depths of His love for us. I don’t know about you, but I want more people to know greater levels of freedom. I want more people to know peace that surpasses understanding. I want more people to see their identity in Christ and the purpose He has for their lives.
I can’t keep something so life-changing to myself! We are all capable of drowning out the noise of this world- of flooding the darkness with light. Church, this is the time to rise up! Yes, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s time to get outside the walls of a traditional church building and revisit what church was originally designed to be. It’s not about what songs you sing. It’s not about how modern your building is. It’s not about how many people you get to come through the doors. And it’s not about how good the message makes people feel.
This is church:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” –Acts 2:42-47 ESV
As I prepare to return to America earlier than expected, I realize I’m coming home to a much different America than the one I left. So much has changed. I’ve changed. And I’m excited to share the things I’ve experienced and the truths I’ve learned these past ten months. I know most people will never be able to fully understand what this year has been like for me, but I hope I am able to help broaden world views and shed light on the realities that people face everyday.
In one of their coronavirus statements, the World Race wrote, “We believe flooding the US with 540 returning missionaries in a two-week period provides a base for revival. We are not terminating mission trips but repositioning an army.” And I couldn’t agree more. I knew the Lord was calling me to America after the Race- I just didn’t think it would be so soon. My location may be changing, but my mission is still the same. So now I ask myself, how can I love people well while I’m quarantined to my room for two weeks? I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. Month 11: America- here I come!
-Catherine
P.S. Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey! I’m excited to be home soon, but I am also still grieving this sudden end to my Race. Please be patient with me and give me grace as I navigate re-entry and attempt to process the last ten months of my life. I love you all so much!
