To my shame, I have realized that even in my first blog post, I have not shared why I want to do the World Race. Probably because I was nervous and excited about that first post that I just forgot to. So, that is today’s mission.
I apologize upfront for the fact that I am not the best writer, either. Especially because I want to be able to share fully what I am thinking and feeling, but it doesn’t always come through in my words, so bare with me.
It probably helps to know that I have been in a family who believes that every day life is a mission field as well as a family who has been involved in full time ministry. As a young kid I was surrounded by college kids coming over, people from all different walks of life joining in on holidays or asking for help, us visiting someone at the hospital, a high involvement at my home camp WCYC (Wisconsin Christian youth Camp), my dad doing pulpit ministry, etc.
Then when I was around 11 and 12 I went on a mission trip to Baja California with my dad, brother, and two different church groups two different years through a close friend. Even as a young kid, I fell in love with Mexico. The people, the language barrier, a different culture, serving others…I loved it!
And since then, my heart and passion to serve others and God has grown.
I also had the privilege of going to a Christian college in Nebraska called York College. It was a small college that became my home for so many reasons and I’m absolutely blessed that I can call them my “alma mater.”
I majored in psychology because it was a major I could use to practically serve others and whether I used it in a definite situation like counseling one day or the principles I learned, it was very useful. I also was able to get a Bible minor.
However, YC not only gave me an education, but they gave me so many opportunities to try new things (like join the soccer team though I never played soccer) as well as many opportunities to grow more as a Christian young leader (such as being vice president for my club).
And definitely every moment was not sunshine and butterflies, but that was good because it made me all the more the person I am today.
Along those four years as I was growing into a stronger me, though, I was getting more and more of an “itch” for missions.
By my sophomore year I was able to go to Estonia with two of my college girl friends for a month to teach English and loved it. There I learned the full weight of the fact that we have brothers and sisters-in-Christ around the world! They are also working hard every day to make His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. And despite the fact that we spoke different languages (besides both knowing English) and were from different countries and cultures, we both loved God!
By my junior year I wrestled with why I couldn’t go to the mission field NOW and why I had to sit in a classroom and do homework that I may or may not have cared much about. I learned, though, that God was preparing me which was equally as important as doing His ministry. Besides, if I was to live missionally, my college was my mission field at that moment.
And so. Now I am graduated. Going to do the World Race. So why DO I want to do missions? Why DO I want to the World Race?
To answer the first question simply: I believe we are ALL called to A ministry, whether full-time or not. As a senior, I was able to speak in chapel (chapel is where we meet as a college all 500 of us to worship together for 30 minutes, 5 days a week) and I got to share a piece of my heart and passion. If you want to see it, it is below:
If you want to see the full video of “Do Something” check out this link: https://youtu.be/0qX5wcFUV4I
I believe that every believer in Christ has a mission. Life is so short to waste it only on a 9 to 5 job. There are SO many people out there that need Christ’s love and the church’s love.
And right now, I feel called to ministry, but especially world missions. I love the different languages, the different cultures, the stories of people. I love to see God’s POWER and the so many other aspects of God transcend over His Nations.
So why the World Race? Well, honestly it is really like my internship. A fifth year in college.
Right now I have a heart for missions, but I am not sure where God is calling me or to do what. I don’t know if God wants me to be in the US and do missions part time or full time, etc.
The World Race gives me an opportunity to use my gifts, to be stretched *ouch*, to travel and see possibly what country He is calling me to, to try new ministries, etc. It is amazing.
Ironically (if you believe in that sort of thing), if you watched my video…
Literally 30 minutes after my chapel talk I got the call from AIM (Adventures in Missions) that I got accepted to do the World Race.
So, I’m Doing Something.
