On June 10th, I graduated from high school surrounded by family and dear friends. On June 16th, I got on a plane and flew 14 hours to New Orleans, LA. On June 18th, I laid in bed wide awake at 3:30 AM with a serious case of jetlag. Next week I’ll be in Alabama to visit with family. After that I head on to Georgia for training camp.
All in all, my life is about to become a tiny bit busy. Okay… A lot busy! Between renewing a driver’s license, buying gear, ordering a birth certificate, and getting settled in, I’m running a mile a minute. If you know me at all, you know how much I love to stay on the move though! A couple of days on house arrest leaves me feeling bored and restless. As a matter of fact, my very first words were about going somewhere. My mom said that I walked over to the front door, looked at her, and said “I go”. I wonder if it crossed her mind in that moment just how far I might want to go someday! Since then I’ve spoken plenty of words. Lately though, I’ve reverted back to saying “I go” more than ever. One of the most popular passages of scripture in the Bible is The Great Commission, where “go” is the key element.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
-Matt. 28:19
The command is beautiful. However, my favorite commentary on this verse is a simple Francis Chan quote. Chan said “Simon says ‘pat your head’, we pat our heads. Jesus says ‘go therefore and make disciples’, we memorize that verse.” Unfortunately, its only becoming more true. We find reasons to not serve in any capacity. We look for excuses to limit human interaction. Every item on our agenda is dependent on its location. I know that not everyone can go out into every corner of the globe, but everyone can work an eternity altering ministry. Whether that’s by supporting your local church, coaching little league, or supporting your favorite young missionary! (*wink wink*)
I will go to so many new places over the next year, exploring places I never dreamed of seeing in person. Not only will I be seeing the beauty of God’s created works, but I’ll be witnessing to the people I encounter across these nations. Add to that the incredible love and support shown to me by so many people around the world already and you’ve got one grateful young woman! I’ve still got a ways to go with fundraising in order to confirm my spot on this mission trip, but the Lord has been so faithful in his promises. In Psalm 57:2, David wrote “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” whilst hiding out in a cave from Saul. Even in the most dire of circumstances and the most extreme stress, David knew that God had ordained him for a role that he would most assuredly fill someday. All he had to do was remain faithful.
So here I am, working hard on my end to see this calling through! I am going. As I go though, I ask that you come with me. Join me in prayers for safety. Open your heart to the people in your workplace or school and be a light alongside me. Today I picked up my American phone so please reach out and give me a call if you’d like to hear more specifics about this upcoming year of my life! The number is 504-418-9324. If you need prayer or just someone to chat with, I’m always eager to listen.
Thank you all again for this overwhelming support! I couldn’t ask for better love than the kind you’ve shown me.
Till next time! -Chessie
