I am halfway done with the World Race! That statement seems unbelievable; yet, I also feel like I’ve been on the Race forever. I’ve lived so much life the past five and a half months, seen and done so many things. God has shown me so much more of himself and matured my understanding of what it means to have a relationship with him. I’ve made many beautiful friendships and connections with people all over the world. I’ve grown in my identity and am working on stepping fully into who God has made me to be.
Here is something God taught me each month on the Race:
In Colombia God told me to press in — to ministry, to my team, to the people around me, in my relationship with him. My natural response when I’m uncomfortable or even hurt is to withdraw, but I practiced pressing in instead and the growth and learning I experienced were beautiful.
In Ecuador God showed me the importance of relationships — having community around me to do life with, inviting people into both home and heart, the beauty of simply sitting and talking about God, and building relationships as a form of ministry.
In Peru I was challenged in many ways — I had to decide if I was going to fight for community and the Race when things were difficult. I learned that God is always faithful and his will is always worth fighting for.
In India God gave me a period of Selah — rest, refuel, pause. I was poured into, inspired, and discipled by my ministry hosts. I was convicted to turn away from distractions and run the Race with renewed vigor.
In Nepal I experienced many new beginnings — a new team, the opportunity to experience many new ministries. It was also the beginning of a new season of the Race for me. Everything didn’t seem as new and exciting, and I started wanting to figure out the next step in my life. God gave me a precious gift in the form of my new team, and they play a major role in keeping me present and joyful.
In Rwanda God is working revival in me. I’ve never been to Africa before, but I’m excited to spend the rest of the summer here. The local church body is passionate — wanting to learn, giving everything in worship. Their fire is contagious. I am beginning to feel revived and excited for the second half of the Race.
I’m grateful for everything I’ve been able to do and learn these past months, and I’m looking forward to all the ways God is still going to grow and shape me.
