I often sit down to write a blog and come up with nothing. Well, it’s not that I come up with nothing, it’s that I come up with everything and there’s no words I could ever write to describe what the Lord has done in my life over the past year. No matter how much I fill these pages, they still seem empty in comparison to the reality I know. I have seen many things both good and bad.
I’ve seen people missing numerous limbs lying in the ground day after
day, crawling up and down the street. Their only goal is to beg for
money to give to whoever owns them. I’ve lived with children who do
not have enough to eat.
I’ve taught English to kids who’s only wish is to get a job good
enough to keep them from being sold into slavery.
I’ve seen kids who do not have any clothes be mocked on account of
their nakedness.
I’ve seen mothers holding drugged babies with nowhere to run.
I’ve seen those who try to please spirits out of fear of bad luck.
I’ve seen pastors sell their houses to keep their charity school running.
I’ve seen backs, wrists, and heads healed and short legs grow out.
I’ve seen faces as they hear the gospel for the first time.
I’ve seen lives given over to Christ.
I’ve seen whole governments approve of Christians and stop persecuting them.
I’ve seen prostitutes in bars realize for the first time that they are
beautiful in God’s eyes.
I’ve heard Muslims ask why they were feeling peaceful around us even
in calamity.
I’ve seen my teammates love those who hurt them.
I’ve been a part of true community.
God has provided for me when I was in need.
God has made me depend on Him.
The Lord has done many things in my life and the lives of others, but
He’s just getting started. This is not the end.
So what now?
I do not often say “God told me to say this” or “God told me to do that.” The words and commands of God are weighty. I have asked the Lord what my next steps should be and He has confirmed it three times by the words of others, in His Word, in my heart, and in the advice of my mentors.
I know the Lord has a plan for me and wants to use me in great ways. He has proven to be faithful. Several of my mentors seperately suggested I pray about going to a discipleship school, so I did. Then, my World Race coaches recommended a specific school. I began to pray about this more and more. After this, I went to my church elders for listening prayer. Without me explaining my situation at all, they said I should pray about going to discipleship school. I do not believe any of this was a coincidence. After many months of prayer, I applied to Generation 42 Leadership Academy in Mijas, Spain. I have now been accepted to G42 and plan to start in January.
G42 is a six month program dedicated to discipling young men and women. Their goal is to equip us to bring the Kingdom into our calling whether in the workplace or as a missionary. I trust this school and the people there. Not only is it an academic school, but we also put our skills to work in the Spanish community. Being far away from home and in a different culture will allow me to step out of my comfort zone and completely into whatever the Lord has for me.
The cost, not including plane tickets, is $6,800 (lodging, food and tuition)
For now, I need $300 to lock in my position for this January. Thank you all for your prayers and support. For those of you who have already supported me on The World Race, I thank you. It completely changed the trejectory of my life. I ask you would consider joining me again.
You can make a donation and watch a video about G42 here:
http://www.gofundme.com/8re6kdsgk
G42 website:
http://www.g42leadershipacademy.org/start
In Christ,
Chris
