We were asked to write a blog about how we were called to this mission trip. Here’s my story…
For about 6 years now I’ve had a heart for missions. By that I mean, I love to build relationships with people who are in need of the Hope that is only found in Jesus, and help them to become disciples. I did not always understand this definition of missions. For most of my life missions meant leaving the country and handing out Bibles or maybe helping build something in a third world village…you get the picture.
After going on 3 international mission trips during college I thought I knew exactly what it meant to be a missionary, and I was ready to go! I was ready to live out Matt. 28…but then I got a call from a church that I had worked with during college and they asked me to be their youth minister. As soon as they asked, I knew that I was supposed to go there. At the same time I was extremely confused because working in local church ministry was not my idea of being a missionary. Over the course of the next few weeks God started revealing what missions really looks like. He started showing me that people need to see Jesus everywhere. I knew this, but I thought that when He called me to go He meant to another country (CHINA!)
So, I started ministering at the church. I graduated from college, and God was doing amazing things. The last 2 years have been filled with learning experiences that are too numerous to count. He’s taught me so much about His provision and His plan. He’s allowed healing to take place in my life that I didn’t even know was possible. I’ve loved serving the youth and loving on them. As far as I’m concerned they are my kids, and no amount of physical distance can change that. God taught me a lot about loving people regardless of their background and whether they love me back or not. It’s been an amazing ride! It’s going to be sad to move to the next step, but I know God has plans for us all…
On to how I ended up as a member of The World Race January 2010…While ministering at Highland Hills Baptist last year I was introduced to a random blog page for a girl that was on the race. I had no idea what it was at the time, but the things this racer had to say lit a fire within me that had not been lit for a while. She spoke of people being healed, of ministering to the poor, of bringing the Kingdom to earth…and I wanted some of that! So, as I followed her blog I decided that when she came back she HAD to speak to my youth group. I wanted them to experience the awesome power of God through her stories. Little did I know that this meeting would totally change everything about the future I had planned for myself.
I met Andrea in late November 2008. She’d only been home for a week or so, and we set a meeting to talk through what would happen when she spoke with the youth. Within the first 10 minutes of meeting I felt I had a new life long friend. There was something about her spirit that made me want to explode with excitement. She was oozing Jesus 🙂 We spent a few minutes getting to know each other, and I asked about her experiences…as we talked I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I mean my face hurt from the perma-smile!
One of the most amazing parts of our conversation, (and the true beginning of the journey) came when Andi looked at me and said, “You know you’re a World Racer, right?” I commenced to tell her she better take that back…I have an amazing job with people I love, in a place that has everything I could ever want…I’m not ready to leave all that! I knew then that I was in trouble. In the coming weeks The World Race just kept coming up. I couldn’t get away from it. I realized that I had given up chasing after Jesus full force because I was so comfortable where I was. I’m not saying that God wasn’t at work at church, but there was a passion within me that I wasn’t allowing to come out. I’d gotten comfortable with the day to day and stopped completely relying on Jesus.
After much prayer and many sleepless nights I gave in and started the process of applying for the race. God used everything He could possibly use to get my attention. From songs on my Ipod, to random speakers, even the sermons on Sundays were pushing me in the direction of World Race. God revealed to me that He didn’t just give me a heart for one group of people. He has given me a heart for the Nations…He wants me to show His love to every person I come in contact with whether that’s across the street or around the world.
So, that’s my story. I know that this journey will be one that completely changes me, but even more I hope it brings glory to the God that has allowed me to be His hands and feet!
