Hey y’all! My name is Erin Waggoner, and I got the call this week that I am going to be a racer for the April 2016 Expedition Tour!
Here’s a little about me:
I am 23 years old. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry in May 2014 from Western Kentucky University. I enjoy working in the health field and I love working with people. I am a lover of all things outdoors; hiking, kayaking, running, being on the lake, riding horses — if the weather is pretty, you bet I’m doing something outside. Sushi, last minute adventures, dogs, being spontaneous, going to concerts, singing karaoke, and binge-watching Netflix are some others things that I enjoy. Children & Youth ministry is my passion. Over the past year or so I have truly found out what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and it has definitely changed my perspective on life. I love to share His word, but most of all, show His love.
A little bit about my relationship with Christ:
I grew up in a very small city, Russellville, KY, where I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. My mom was always the biggest light in my life by making sure I knew God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Through every decision, heartbreak, or friendship, she constantly pointed me in the direction of God. I consider her to be my biggest blessing.
However, throughout college, I didn’t consider myself to be a “growing” or “active” christian. I attended church sparingly over those 4 years, and the most involvement I had was being on a church league softball team for one season. Even with persistent invitations to church back home, I remained stubborn in my faith. And even though God continuously proved himself to me over and over; with confidence in school exams, direction in relationships, guidance during hard times, peace with the loss of many loved ones; I still wasn’t as faithful to Him as I should have been.
Since graduation, I have devoted more of myself to sharing His word and showing His love. I have committed to helping local homeless ministries, volunteered in our nursery on Sunday morning, been involved with Curbside Ministries, and I am currently leading a 10th grade girls small group once a week at my church. I discovered life is filled with much more joy when praising God throughout my entire week, and not just on Sunday mornings – but I still felt like God was telling me that He had more planned for my future. Through sermons, signs, people, and experiences, I felt God telling me to “GO” and to be a disciple. And after hearing about the World Race, I knew that was exactly where He wanted me to go. God started persistently tugging on my heart to look into it and after many months of being hesitant to His direction, I finally decided to submit my application for the April 2016 tour.
What I’m expecting:
I’m expecting nothing. I’m looking forward to everything. I’m looking forward to developing a closer relationship with Him. I’m looking forward to discovering why God has called me to this tour. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the locals and experiencing their culture. I’m looking forward to seeing what it feels like to completely trust in His plan. I’m looking forward to see the expressions of the lost when I tell the wonderful stories of Jesus. I’m looking forward to introducing hope to the lost. I’m looking forward to being his disciple for not only the next 11 months, but the months to follow. I’m looking forward to seeing how God is going to use me and work through me.
I know the next 11 months will be far from easy. No bed, no hot showers, no morning runs with my pup, no back rubs or broccoli casseroles from my Momma, no bear hugs or breakfast dates with my Daddy, no late night Sonic runs, no Netflix, no sushi dates with friends, no Wednesday night small group with my girls. I know that there will be days full of doubt, sleepless nights, heartbreaking encounters, hard goodbyes, long hikes, cold showers (if showers at all), and nights where I just long to be home. But the World Race will be my home for the next 11 months. This is my calling. This is what God is telling me to do. And I am more than ready for whatever the race throws at me, because He has a plan for me AND my squad.
What I need from you:
Prayer. Lots, and lots, and lots of prayer. Big prayers for peace and comfort for my parents. Prayer for not only me, but my entire squad traveling with me. Prayers for my family and friends. Prayers that I will not only be a light to each person I meet overseas, but also that my testimony and willingness will be a light to people right here at home. Prayers that I keep my eyes on God and continue to grow with Him everyday. Prayers that I will not become discouraged during heartbreaking moments or tough circumstances. Prayers that I will reach the lost and show them what it means to be hopeful. Prayers that over the next 11 months God will use me to expand His kingdom.
Prayers that I can be the hands and feet of Jesus; sharing His word and showing His love.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 NLT
You can help support me on my journey by clicking the “Support Me” link to the left!
