As senior year of high school is quickly progressing, the one question I am asked the most is, “what are you doing next year?” When I answer that I will be taking a gap year to participate on a 9 month mission trip called the World Race, I often get some confused looks, so let me clarify for you.
Next year I will be traveling with a group of about 35-50 people who are around my age, with the mission of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere we go. I will be going to Romania, Costa Rica, and Ecuador, spending 3 months in each country. Along with my team, we will be partnering with different Christian ministries and churches, serving them in any way that they need. The physical service could be anywhere from construction, loving on children and orphans, caring for the elderly, going door to door and telling people about Jesus, etc. In all that we do, our focus will be to show all who we meet the love of Christ, and to proclaim His glory.
While I am completely aware that this is not the typical thing for a high schooler to do after they graduate, I have prayed for months about this decision and discerned the calling I feel through God’s Word and His Truth. I have peace that this is what God is prompting me to do next year, and that this is the way I will best be able to glorify Him and gain more intimacy with my Heavenly Father. The Lord has been abundantly faithful over the last couple of months in making this decision, and I have great peace that I am obeying my God in this choice.
I can’t wait to see how my heart for God changes and grows as I dive into this journey, and I have complete peace trusting in this promise . . .
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – Psalm 46:10-11
