Well friends…this is about to get real. It’s hard to believe 5 years ago, I was preparing for the mission’s trip of a lifetime. I was traveling to Peru, for 2 months, to share the Gospel with Adventures in Missions. Long story short…the Lord broke my heart. He broke my heart for what breaks His…and then some. Ever since my return, I have kept World Race in the back of my mind. But my selfish self, and somewhat logical self, had other priorities. I had to finish nursing school. I had to learn what it is to be a nurse. Family was not well physically.
And of course the never ending lies Satan tries to instill in me: You don’t know how to share the Gospel. There are people much more qualified than yourself. People will think you just want to travel. Do you really know how to defend your faith?
No matter how many times God reveals truth to me…I always have that little fear and doubt.
But now…after much prayer. Much sought after wisdom and guidance. And much PRAYER. 🙂 I have finally decided to take the plunge and sign up for World Race. 11 countries in 11 months. 2 missions in mind: To share the Gospel. And to love on those and disciple the local Church.
About 2 years ago, I sat in my church’s Good Friday service listening to my Pastor preach the typical Good Friday sermon. But something about that one line in the Gospel of John, when Jesus says, “It is finished.” I’ve heard this story all my life, and for some reason, this particular night I finally got it. God had freed me from a life of sin and depression when I traveled to training camp for Peru. But I had slowly allowed Satan to fill my mind and heart with lies. But this Good Friday, I could not hold the tears in. When Pastor said, “It is finished,” I could hear the Holy Spirit say, “Chelsea, I’ve shown you my love and have set you free from this. It is finished. There are people in this world, that don’t know that freedom. They don’t know that love. And you are called to share this with them.”
Wow! I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae,
May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. -Colossians 1:11-14 (ESV)
Now do I still have concerns? Of course I do. But I also know how great His love and faithfulness is.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him”. – Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
Please partner with me in prayer for me and my team, as we prepare for the Lord’s work. And pray that He will begin preparing not only the hearts of those 11 counries, but also our hearts as well.
Much love,
Chelsea
