Below is my support letter, which gives a brief introduction to the World Race and why I feel called to go on this journey. This blog will be a place for me to share with you what God is showing and teaching me throughout the process, as well as keeping you updated on everything. Once on the field, this will my main form of communication with everyone. So, feel free to subscribe, share, comment, etc. Thanks!
I am prayerfully sending this letter to ask for your support as God is calling me to take a big leap of faith and make a radical change. I have been working as a Registered Dietitian for the past 7 years. I got into this field not only because of my interest in health/nutrition, but ultimately because I wanted to help people. Helping others overcome their physical and emotional barriers has definitely been rewarding. However, I have always felt that there is more I am called to do, especially in terms of the spiritual barriers that exist, and now I have a unique opportunity to pursue that calling in the World Race.
The World Race is an 11 month Christian mission trip to 11 countries around the world. One of the unique things about the World Race is that it is not only a mission trip, but also an intensive discipleship program designed to help my generation learn to listen to and obey God’s calling. My team and I will serve in partnership with churches and ministries in local communities to preach the Gospel, plant churches, work in orphanages, minister to women and children trapped in prostitution as a result of human trafficking, and bring the restorative hope of the Father’s love to many tribes and nations.
This world is filled with those whose needs and problems are far more dire than our own, who constantly face poverty, malnutrition and diseases of the body, as well as those of the soul. The knowledge of this brokenness and need has always weighed heavily on my heart. However, I’ve let a lot of good excuses, believable lies and innumerous distractions turn my eyes from most of it. It is a lot easier to focus on the fact that God can use you exactly where you are at (with your current life and goals intact) than it is to really evaluate if that is how God wants and plans to use you.
Despite all this, I can honestly say that I am the most content and comfortable that I have ever been with my life. It took me many years and trials to get here, but I finally have some great relationships, a solid career and stable financial future. So, why in the world would I leave any of that?! In asking this question, God has kept reminding me that my comforts and desires should never be above Him and His glory. While serving God does not always require abandoning everything, or even going overseas, this process has made me aware of the fact that I have often unknowingly held onto my visions/ideas of things so tightly that I was not open to an alternative plan. The more I read God’s word for myself, the more I see how truly radical his concept of love is, and how much courage and sacrifice was often required of those that followed Him. I mean, just look at the lives of the disciples! What if Abraham had not wandered out from his country in faith or if Paul had given up in fear after his first imprisonment or beating?
So, while it may be hard to explain through mere words why I am choosing to go, all that I can say is that I feel God is calling me to let go; let go of my safety nets, comforts, security, 5-year plan and vision for this period of my life. I can’t pretend that I understand all of the reasons why He is asking me to let go in this way and at this time, but I can say that I believe in His wisdom more than mine. I know where my wisdom alone has gotten me before and I can’t say that I want that to be the guiding force in my life. I want to go love and serve others in a way that I’ve never been able to before and I hold onto God’s promise to equip me for what He calls me to.
I will face many challenges all throughout the World Race and currently, my biggest hurdle is raising the required financial support before my departure in September. I will need $16,267 for field expenses, as well as additional money for gear/equipment and miscellaneous expenses. As I take this large step of faith in trusting the Lord, would you prayerfully consider joining me financially, whether it be a one-time or monthly donation*? Feel free to send a message to me through my blog if you would like to know more or have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jamie Baxley
*Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501©(3) and is a member of the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Due to IRS and ECFA regulations governing the administration of tax deductible donations given in support of a particular trip/program, support contributions given on behalf of an individual will be used to offset the costs of the trip/program you are involved in. All contributions are non-refundable regardless of the participant’s success in completing the program.
