Hi! I’m Erin Tyson. I’m 23 years old and I attend Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. I’m a Health & Physical Education Major and I will be graduating in May of 2015! I also am the softball pitching coach at Central High School in Phenix City, AL.
Growing up, I played softball and took pride in the many accomplishments that came from the hard work and dedication that I put into it. As a little girl, I dreamed of one-day playing college softball and of course dreamed of playing for Team USA. My mom supported and helped me to excel in anyway that she could. During my senior year in high school, I accepted a scholarship from Columbus State University that covered all of my expenses, which crossed off one of my dreams. The summer after playing my freshman year in college, God sent me to Rwanda, Africa on a mission trip. Halfway into the trip, God began revealing to me that there was something in the way of my relationship with Him. There was something that I took more pride in than him, something that consumed my time, something that took the place of him, and something that He asked me to give up and sacrifice for him. That something was my softball scholarship. The scholarship I dreamed about as a kid, the scholarship I took pride in, the thing that so many people in our hometown were so proud of me for getting. But ultimately, it was the thing that pulled me away from God and consumed all of my time.
Fast forward, to about a year ago. I ran across a Facebook post about a yard sale fundraiser for one of the racers. Not knowing what The World Race was, I researched it and was quickly intrigued by what I saw. Little did I know, that was the start to something much bigger that I could have ever dreamed. After months of following different post and blogs, I began to back away because I felt as if I wanted to do The World Race. I didn’t want it to be because I thought it would be cool, it looked awesome, and I could see so much of the world. If I was going to be a part of this, I wanted it to be because He called me to it! After a couple months passed, I got a job at my old high school as an assistant coach, something I had always wanted to do. I love working with the girls that are playing a sport that I loved so much, but began feeling that there was something greater that God was calling me to right now. God gave me the phrase “live fearlessly”, I quickly became obsessed with that phrase although I didn’t have a complete understanding on why He gave me that. While at a mission’s conference at my church, one of the speakers’ talked about his family’s call to Mercy’s Ship. He said one thing that stood out to me, “Do what you know is the next right step” and all I could think about was World Race. Over the course of about two weeks, new people were sent to me speaking encouraging words and bringing light to this desire that was placed into my heart.
Currently I am fundraising for this incredible journey that God has placed before me. I don’t have all the details of what my future holds, but I am certain that God holds my future. I am currently fundraising so that I can meet my payment deadlines. I have placed monthly goals and so far God has provided. I have no doubt that what He has set before me He will also help me to accomplish. This will not be easy. The road looks difficult and will cause me to take a step of faith. Leaving my comfort of friends and family will be difficult. Nevertheless, I am secure in what I know God has called me to do.
“Don’t settle for the American Dream when God is offering the Great Commission.” – Eric Simmons
“To belong to Jesus is to embrace the nations with Him.” – John Piper
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” – Psalm 96:3
“Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” – Psalm 2:8
