I fly to the Dominican Republic TONIGHT. Literally in about 3 hours! The day has finally arrived and I am blown away with how the Lord has gotten me to this moment. The divine interventions, miraculous financial support, and endless encouragement is all proof of the Lord’s faithfulness.
World Race launch is a series of additional training for 3-4 days before we leave the United States for month 1/11 of ministry.
Launch was definitely a mix of emotions. I was excited to be back with my squad, sad to say goodbye to my parents, and anxious to step into this crazy leadership role. I felt ready for the year to come but nowhere near ready all at the same time. I know this is right where the Lord wants me but I’m still figuring this all out as I go. Every day is a new opportunity to share the gospel, strengthen the kingdom, and grow in the Lord.
Anyway, launch was crazy. We danced before worship, worked out together, gave honest feedback, created space for healthy community, and basically just enjoyed this new beginning!
To watch a video blog about launch, click HERE!
In just the four short days of launch, we learned sooo much. The topics ranged from personal safety, communication, conflict resolution, how to be an epic guest, how to serve others well, and the heart of evangelism. Through all of the sessions, one on ones, team times, and tears, the Lord taught me 5 specific things and I felt led to share them.
5 things I learned at World Race Launch :
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I am going to fail and that is exciting!
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I’m going to fail. It’s inevitable but I am excited to fail! This might seem strange but I am surrounded by a community that will support and love me through the failures. Failure cultivates change! And that is one of my greatest desires, to be changed by the Lord and to continue to grow every day.
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Communal living is intended to be immersed in honest, healthy communication.
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One of my favorite parts of the World Race is the emphasis on community and healthy communication. This is an area that I know the Lord is going to use for Kingdom growth and I cannot wait to see it unfold. This year is going to be the start of solidifying my foundation in Christ and I am surrounded by a community of disciples who desire the same thing as well.
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I can’t do everything but I follow a God who can.
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I am learning to let go of my control. I lean on myself more than I lean on God and that saddens me so much to admit but I am learning! I am learning to step out of the boat like Peter, with arms wide open, fully gazed on Jesus. That leads to a life lived to its fullest. Trusting in Him ALWAYS. Because He can do ALL things.
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God speaks to me through scripture.
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The Lord spoke to me so directly and intimately through scripture during a worship session at launch. I was trying so hard to be engaged, but I couldn’t feel God’s presence. I felt so distant and I hated that… I felt a tap on my shoulder and my Squad Leader asked to pray for me. I honestly don’t remember what she prayed for but her words afterwards struck me, “It’s okay to not feel it.” The Lord is still there even if I don’t feel him. I began to cry at the realization that my creator is ALWAYS with me, no matter what. I sat down in my chair and felt the urge to pick up my bible. I asked the Lord to lead me to a scripture and the verse Isaiah 41:10 came to mind. I turned to it and wept. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.”
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I am ready for this!
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I am ready. I am ready for 11 months on the mission field! But, not because I did everything I needed to for “accurate” preparation… I am ready because I desire growth and change. I want the Lord to change me. I am ready to become more like him. I want to learn how to be a servant leader like Jesus was and THAT means I’m ready for 11 months of learning to serve like Him in 11 different countries!
Prayer requests:
Good health
Safe travels
Strength through Christ when I am weak
Confidence to pursue the Holy Spirit’s guidance and my relationship with the Lord wherever I go
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What I’ve been reading lately :
Under the Dome – Stephen King
Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
