“All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” – C.S. Lewis, in The Chronicles of Narnia.
We are all a part of a Great Story. The Story of God’s redemption for the whole world. We even get to be a part of God’s Great Story. Thankfully, we’re not the main characters. We are only supporting actors; ones created to point to Jesus, our Creator and Redeemer. The Lord has allowed me to play a small, insignificant role in His Great Story, for which I am so grateful. Here is a piece of my story that I hope will be encouraging and give you insight to where the Lord has picked me up out of the muck and mire and placed my feet on the solid ground of His Word. (Psalm 40:2)
I grew up in a comfortable suburban home in Edina, Minnesota. I was saved through a camp experience with my church, Normandale Lutheran, in 7th grade. I grew in my faith throughout high school, but did not fully comprehend the call to walk in complete obedience with Jesus Christ. The Lord brought me to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia for college. Although an almost completely God-forsaken campus, the Lord led me to a campus ministry called RUF (Reformed University Fellowship). Through my campus minister and other influential friends and leaders on campus, I began to explore the Bible on my own, and for the first time, I realized I could no longer pick and choose things I liked from the Bible, and that I had to either go all in or all out. The Gospel became alive and transformed me from the inside out. After my sophomore year, I worked as a camp counselor at Summer’s Best Two Weeks, where I was shown what true Christian community can look like. I then spent 4 months in Senegal, Africa for a semester abroad studying Religion & French. I got to share my faith with my Muslim host family, and the Lord began to really grow my heart for missions and reaching the unreached peoples of the world. This past summer, I did a Children’s Ministry internship in Nappanee, Indiana where God solidified my calling into full time missions. At the end of the summer, I came up with a Spirit-driven mission statement for my life that goes as follows:
“I am commissioned by God to boldly proclaim the excellencies of Jesus, who called me out of darkness into His marvelous light, by fearlessly bringing joy to unreached nations, and meeting people where they are and investing in their lives.”
As I approach graduation in May, my hope is to jump into God’s commission over my life – being a missionary. This has lead me to the World Race. 11 months, 11 countries. An opportunity to partner with local missionaries and pastors all over the world to bring the Good News of Jesus’ love and delight over His people and longing for them to be united with Him.
In September of 2014, God willing, I will embark on an adventure to Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Albania. My desire is to use the gifts the Lord has entrusted me with to be the hands and feet of Jesus for people who may have never experienced the “agape” love of Christ all over the world.
To be able to do this, I will need your support! I need to raise $16,264 to be able to participate on the trip. Your prayers & support would be greatly appreciated in this process. I am confident that where God guides, He will provide, and I ask you to help partner with me and have a hand in what Jesus is doing in Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe!
Thanks in advance for all your love and support.
Forever His,
Grace
