It’s hard to believe that four months ago, I was landing in Chicago with no idea what to expect or even how to act in this country I call home. A year of traveling will leave a permanent impact on someone’s life. But the World Race was so much more than a year of traveling.
It was a year of constant encounters with God, a year of learning to love His people in a way I never knew I could. It was a year of seeing people in pain, and feeling it. It was a year of seeing people’s joy, and catching it. It was a year of growing, a year of dying to myself. It was a year of discomfort, a year of transformation. It was a year of letting go of expectations and embracing God’s plan. It was a year that will change my life forever.
I thought that at the end of this trip I would have the rest of my life figured out, but that’s not really how God does things. However, God did reveal a new passion within me: people. I know it sounds simple and maybe it should be assumed that a “good Christian” should have a heart for people, but it’s deeper than that. Many times on my trip, I was not only focused on what God was doing in the countries we were working but I also was focused on what God was doing in my squad. Some of my most favorite moments were not only frolicking with African children, but also watching my squad grow, discover themselves, find freedom and chase after their passions. People change through missions and it is through the change that occurs within that fuels the desire to change the world.
This new found passion in myself has led me to my next step in my crazy journey. This fall, I will be moving to Georgia to be part of a program organized by Adventures in Missions called Center for Global Action (CGA). This program is part apprenticeship and part discipleship. I will be working alongside the staff at Adventures in Missions, helping to bring their vision to life. Aside from the hands on experience at the office, I will be partnered with mentors to receive the discipline I need to help my own passions come to fruition. I will be part of the Field Leadership track. My goal is to receive the training and discipleship I need to be able to lead people like me on the mission field. I have experienced the impact of missions firsthand, and I want to witness that impact in other people. I want to guide them on their journey and see what passions arise in them. I want to see them step into their calling. I want to see their lives change.
Much like every aspect of my life, I cannot do this on my own. I will need lots of prayer during my four months at CGA. I know this will be a pivotal step in my journey, but also a challenging one. I also want to ask you to pray about supporting me financially. One semester (four months) at CGA will cost $3,950. The money will cover housing expenses, daily living expenses and program costs. Donations are tax-deductible and go directly through Adventures in Missions. There are two ways to donate.
Online: Click the “Support Me” link on the left side of this page.
Mail: Checks should be made out to Adventures in Missions. Write Erin Hogan CGA in the memo line. Send checks to:
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
