About ten years ago, I had my life mapped out. I planned to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Education from Old Dominion University, work as an elementary school teacher for a few years, and then, I’d secure a position in administration. By the age of thirty, I would walk across the stage to accept my doctoral degree from one of the top schools in the United States and continue making my mark in the field of education. After that, my husband would find me, we’d build a home, have children, and live happily ever after-done deal. Little did I know, God had other plans for me.
One night during my final semester of graduate school, I stumbled upon a link to teach English abroad in South Korea, and a year later, I found myself right smack in the middle of Seoul, Asia’s New York City! I had signed a year contract, packed my life into four heavy bags, and traveled over 7,000 miles to teach in a city where I knew no one. Since returning, I have sought every possible avenue to catch the next flight out of here! Don’t get me wrong, I love home, but when I’m out in the world serving, teaching, and exploring, I am alive. Lessening the burdens of others ignites the fire in my soul and every moment in this life makes perfect and complete sense.
Most recently, I had the privilege of volunteering in Central America. I spent several weeks in Nicaragua teaching in one of the country’s poorest rural areas. In Guatemala, I nurtured a group of severely starving and malnourished infants and ministered to homeless men, lost children, and women who had fled domestic violence. Although life on the field was never easy, I had such a strong passion for the people and for the work of God that I never wanted to leave.
Since I had only saved enough to get through four months without earning a single dime, I had no other choice. My time was up. The reality of leaving hit me like a brick wall. Feeling completely empty inside, I said my farewells to all of the men, women, and children I had grown to know and love and boarded the plane to travel back to my American life.
Days, weeks, and months passed and I couldn’t shake this feeling. My joy was gone. I was upset. It was as if my soul had lost all of the life it had felt. I was simply here, existing in a place that couldn’t bring fulfillment. Shortly after, I was blessed with an amazing online teaching job, but where on Earth do I go from here? Back to Guatemala? How do I use my gifts to please God and to be a blessing to His people? I didn’t know what to do. God will eventually work it out, right?
Just as soon as I slipped into my comfort zone, He turned my entire world upside down. I couldn’t process all that was happening around me. I remember feeling completely broken and begging God to show me the way.
The following week, my church began a series entitled The Calling where we would begin seeking the very reason for which we were created. I remember sitting in my seat thinking, Okay, God. This is it. This is my direction. Sure enough, it was. God revealed that I had been running from an opportunity of a lifetime. The answer had been right in front of me all along.
I boldly write to you believing that through Christ I can do all things. I have learned that obstacles, despite how insurmountable they may seem, are not meant to stop us. They are designed to build us up, to point the way to new possibilities, and to prepare us for our purpose in this life. God has begun a good work within me and He will be faithful to complete it. My next step has been ordered and I am elated to announce that I will be participating in The World Race beginning in January of 2018!
The World Race is a journey through 11 countries over the course of 11 months that challenges young adults to abandon worldly possessions and the traditional lifestyle to see the world transformed through God’s love. My team will travel throughout each country feeding the hungry, ministering to sex trafficking victims, preaching in churches, caring for children in orphanages, visiting those locked behind bars, and whatever else it takes to expand the influence of God’s kingdom on Earth.
There are no words to express the joy my heart has felt since learning I had been accepted to participate. My greatest aspiration is to travel to the ends of this Earth helping people of every nation and allowing His light to shine through me. When my life ends, I will leave this Earth knowing that God is pleased and that someone’s life has changed for the better because I lived.
To prepare for this race, I am required to raise $18,100 to cover training, travel, lodging, food, and other necessities while abroad. I am asking for your prayers and financial support to see this mission through. Your contribution will impact lives all throughout the world!
With love,
Jasmine Shepherd
Your financial support can be given as a one-time, monthly, or quarterly gift. There are several ways to donate:
1) Donate Online: http://jasmineshepherd.theworldrace.org (Click Donate!)
2) Send a check by mail:
Adventures in Missions
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
(Please be sure to include my full name on your check.)
3) Dynapay – Automated recurring donation
- Go to http://www.adventures.org/dynapay to sign up
To continue on the World Race, I must meet the following deadlines.
$5,000 – Due September 25th, 2017
$10,000 – Due December 12th, 2017
$13,000 – Due February 22, 2018
$18,100 – Due April 24, 2018
Adventures In Missions is a tax-exempt organization under IRS code 501(c)(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.
