When I applied for the World Race, I didn’t really have any doubt that it was where God wanted me in 2015. I thought through things like leaving the job I loved, packing for a year in a backpack, and saying goodbye to friends and family. I decided that I could handle those, seeing as God had promised to walk through all of these things with me. I was giddy about the idea of me and God taking on the world. I loved the independence of it, the adventure, and the opportunity to set aside my expectations and embrace the unknown.
That being said, there was one unknown that I didn’t want to embrace. The fear of this particular unknown almost held me back from applying entirely. The $16,000 price tag was – and is – a number that kind of blows my mind. I talked to other missionaries and looked at other trips and second jobs, as if this silly number would somehow change what God had been speaking to me. I called a close friend – one who has also had some incredible experiences in missions – and shared my anxiety with her. As I went on about my student loans, my lack of savings, and my inability to work with numbers she reminded me of this:
“God’s bank account is infinite. The Creator of the universe is not intimated by paper bills.”
I was actually a little taken aback. Maybe I expected a reason to not go for it or someone else to stress with. I am so grateful that I did not hear that on the other end of the phone that day. Her confidence in God’s ability to handle any financial need was inspiring. As I moved forward in the application process I began to also pray for God’s provision each step of the way. I quickly realized how silly it was for me to have ever doubted. I am in still in awe of the number of people who came to me and asked how they could support this ministry, before I had even begun to fundraise.
As I dove deeper into the preparation season, I started to make plans. I had dreams of big events and car washes and yard sales and restaurant nights all swirling around in my brain. “I’ve got this.” That was literally what I started thinking. “I’ve got this.” There is a major problem with that sentence. The “I’ve.” Turns out that the more I try and control things on my own, the more I start to exclude the plans of God. It took a few failed attempts on my part to realize that God wanted to show off. He asked me to start laying down my feeble attempts and to let Him access that infinite bank account. I was astonished at how little I had to do in my own power. I would mention the trip to a stranger in a grocery line and they would hand me money. My parents would mention it to old friends and anonymous donations would show up in my account. I even found money in a winter coat pocket. I’ve heard so many stories of God providing financially, but when it began to happen to me I was blown away.
God has continued to provide in incredible ways, and many of you have been an intricate part of this journey. I am so grateful to you for following God’s leading and joining with Him in what He is doing around the world. As we near the beginning of month 4, I have a 3rd deadline to meet. This is a deadline of $11,000. I am currently in need of about $1,700 to meet this goal. I know that God will provide and that I don’t need to know how. I have incredible peace because God has ordained this season in my life. I also know that He has directed me to intentionally step out and ask you to join me in this. Please prayerfully consider financially participating in the World Race. The link to the left labeled “support” will lead directly to the easiest way for you to do this! If you have any questions about Adventures in Missions, please ask! I am happy to share more about this process and what God is doing through this incredible ministry. Thank you for you continued support and encouragement. I cannot wait to continue sharing stories of what God has done through the support that you have selflessly given.
