Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to give a little background as to what brought me to sign up for the world race. I first heard of the race when my wonderful cousin Alyssa signed up and experienced the race nearly four years ago already. At that time, I thought it was a pretty awesome thing, but definitely not for a farm kid like me.
Fast way forward to this past January and a much more spiritually matured David, and I find myself headed to Nicaragua for my very first international mission trip through adventures in missions. This trip was incredible and a real eye opener as to how God is working in great ways outside of my community and in different parts of the world. On this trip, I met a couple of recent world race alumni, Joey and Donovan. They shared some of their experiences from throughout their time on the race. Between the ministry we did together in Nicaragua, the relationships we made, and the stories they shared, a spark for the international mission field was definitely lit.
I remember digging a trench for an electrical line with Joey on one of those hot Nicaragua afternoons, and he asked if I had ever considered signing up for the race, doing mission work for 11 months. I told him that I felt like I’m where I’m supposed to be at home on the farm. He replied in saying that if I didn’t feel Gods call to peruse it, maybe its just not Gods plan for me.
Upon returning home, that question about signing up for the world race was stuck in the back of my head. I thought after a week of being away, I’d be glad to be back home and back to work. Truthfully, that wasn’t the case. A part of me wished I was back in Nicaragua, saying yes to whatever the Lord has planned for my day, talking with people about the things God has done in our lives, sharing Jesus love with the men we were working with. I asked myself, what is God really asking of my life? Is life on the farm really where He is calling me or do I just tell myself that because its what i know, its comfortable for me, a good living, a safe place, and easier than 11 months of putting myself out there for whatever the Lord may have in store?
Throughout the next month, the Lord laid a clear answer right on me. Never in my life have I felt the Lord tugging at me in such ways. I continued to pray for His guidance, and He continued to fill my heart with a resounding yes. Scriptures and devotions I would read, sermons from our pastor at church, conversations with family and friends, they all motivated me even more to send in an application for the race. Shortly after applying, I was interviewed and accepted. I sent in my initial deposit.. boom.. It’s real! I’ve secured a spot for 11 months of purely letting the Lord lead my life and saying “Yes” to Him.
It was not an easy decision, but I felt God leading me to the point where if I didn’t say yes, I would be disobedient. It’s going to be tough leaving the farm, my family, my friends. Its not always going to be easy. I will be leaving behind some great ministries I’m currently involved with at home. There will be some sacrifices. I now have a mortgage to pay with 11 months of zero income, but rather an 11 month long mission trip to fund. But, I know that when the Lord calls, he always provides.
I’m not trying to run away from anything at home by signing up for the world race. I’m not looking for a year off to go adventure around the world. I simply feel led to take this opportunity to link up with the great ministry partners of adventures in missions, share Jesus love with people around the world, and grow God’s kingdom!
2 Corinthians 5:14 – Compelled by the love of Christ!
